Friday, December 21, 2012

HRC - Newt Gingrich Evolves on Marriage Equality




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2012
Dan Rafter


Newt Gingrich Evolves on Marriage Equality

Gingrich – who oversaw the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act – urges GOP to stop fighting against marriage equality

Washington – In an interview with the Huffington Post, former Republican presidential candidate and House Speaker Newt Gingrich made remarks indicating he and other GOP leaders should embrace civil marriage equality – the latest sign of powerful momentum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality this year. Gingrich served as Speaker of the House in 1996, when the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was passed into law.
 

“Newt Gingrich reflects the experience that has changed the minds of so many Americans in understanding that LGBT people are a part of every family and community – including his own,” said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “His evolution resonates with people on a very personal level and is a quintessential example of why momentum is on the side of equality.”

Newt Gingrich is just the latest of those who once opposed marriage equality to evolve to a position of supporting the rights of gay and lesbian couples to marry. David Blankenhorn, the star witness against marriage equality in the Proposition 8 case, has had a similar change of heart. As another sign of progress, the Mormon Church, which was the largest funder of Prop 8, sat out this election cycle and remained silent in the four victorious marriage fights.

In addition to last month’s marriage victories at the polls, Americans are continuing to demonstrate their support for equality in overwhelming numbers. In fact, support for marriage has increased 21 percent in just eight years – a remarkable shift in public opinion over a short period of time. As more LGBT people share their personal stories, Americans – including an increasing number of Republicans like Gingrich – are joining the ranks of equality supporters. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, former First Lady Laura Bush, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Ted Olson, former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman, and Paul Singer are among those in the GOP who support marriage equality.

“Gingrich’s recognition that Americans now overwhelmingly support marriage equality draws a sharp contrast with the few extremists continuing to fight against equality,” added Griffin. “Gingrich’s comments give other Republican leaders the room to do the right thing and embrace marriage equality – which is reflective of the fundamental conservative principles of freedom and individual liberty. The six million LGBT people who voted this election cycle, along with the decisive victories we secured across the board, make clear the direction in which our country is heading.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
### 

Friday, December 7, 2012

MILESTONE FOR LGBT EQUALITY: Prop. 8, DOMA Will Have their Day in Court




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2012
Paul Guequierre


MILESTONE FOR LGBT EQUALITY:
Prop. 8, DOMA Will Have their Day in Court

Supreme Court to hear constitutional challenges to discriminatory marriage laws

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today heralded the news that the Supreme Court would hear the Hollingsworth v. Perry case challenging California’s Prop. 8 and the Windsor challenge to the discriminatory ban on federal recognition of married same-sex couples known as the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin – who also co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), which is the sole sponsor of the Perry lawsuit – released the following statement:

“Today is a milestone day for equal justice under the law and for millions of loving couples who want to make a lifelong commitment through marriage.  The passage of Proposition 8 caused heartbreak for so many Americans, but today’s announcement gives hope that we will see a landmark Supreme Court ruling for marriage this term.  As the Court has ruled 14 times in the past, marriage is a fundamental right and I believe they will side with liberty, freedom and equality, moving us toward a more perfect union as they have done in the past.

“Proposition 8 has been already been declared unconstitutional in Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Now the Supreme Court has an opportunity to do the same and send a resounding message of hope to LGBT young people from coast to coast that they have the same dignity and same opportunities for the future as everyone else.  I believe our cherished constitutional principles will win the day and that the court will uphold the fundamental right that all Americans can marry the one they love. 

“We are also thrilled that the pernicious and ridiculously named Defense of Marriage Act will have its day in court.  I am confident that the Justices will find this law patently unconstitutional and the federal government will get out of the business of picking which marriages it likes and which it doesn’t.

“The real heroes today are the brave plaintiff couples who willingly put their lives on trial in order to secure protections for their families and others like them.  Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Kris Perry and Sandy Stier along with Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami, Edie Windsor and the rest of the couples, individuals and organizations that stood up to discrimination.  The Perry case also showed that the old partisan divides are crumbling with the legal team of Ted Olson and David Boies coming together in arguing the case.

“With our wins at the ballot box last month and the fight for marriage equality reaching our nation’s highest court, we have reached a turning point in this noble struggle.  We will continue the fight until the promise of our Constitution is realized for every single person in every single corner of this vast country.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Dispatch - Apartment buildings planned for Jeffrey site in Italian Village




By  Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday December 5, 2012 8:42 AM


The Jeffrey Mining site, long fallow after more than a decade’s worth of attempts to fully develop it, should see signs of life with the coming of spring.

But the Italian Village Commission wants Wagenbrenner Development to tweak its designs for Jeffrey Park before it begins to build 261 rental units on the northern part of the property at N. 4th Street and E. 1st Avenue.

“We are still seeing things that make it appear a little bit like a development rather than a small urban neighborhood” as promised, said Benjamin Goodman, a commission member.

Wagenbrenner plans to build 12 three- and four-story buildings on the former industrial site north of Downtown. One building will have 80 units; another, 74.

Last month, the commission approved the apartments on the condition that Wagenbrenner address seven items at its Dec. 18 meeting, including breaking up first-floor railings with brick walls and other materials, developing plans for lighting and landscaping, creating a variety of distinctive signs and building alleys that resemble those in the neighborhood.

Advocate - 8 Top Prospects for Expanding Marriage Equality


8 Top Prospects for Expanding Marriage Equality

Washington and Maryland residents can start applying for marriage licenses on Thursday (though they'll have to wait before it's official), which inspired us to imagine where equality might spread next, not counting the cases already pending Supreme Court review. 



Monday, December 3, 2012

HRC - “Marriage Voters” Take Center Stage in 2012 Votes




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2012
Charles Joughin 


“Marriage Voters” Take Center Stage in 2012 Votes

Research indicates a “sea change” as new high-intensity voting bloc committed to marriage equality comes to the polls in force in historic election.

WASHINGTON – Nearly a month after nationwide elections delivered historic victories for marriage equality across the country, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released a polling report showing a new, pro-marriage equality voting bloc drove ballot measure victories in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington.

“This year, our adversaries tried to use marriage equality to whip up their anti-equality base and divide the American people. It didn’t work, and this new report indicates it won’t work in the future,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Elected officials and decision-makers would be well-served by reviewing this research because it suggests a new, pro-equality American majority is here to stay.”

In addition to confirming the decisive role played by LGBT voters, the report also makes a clear case for the emergence of a group of voters of all stripes who cast their ballot specifically on the issue of marriage equality. Self-identified Obama Voters, Democrats and Liberals were all significantly more likely than their conservative counterparts to rate marriage equality as important to deciding their vote for President. And nationwide, voters supported marriage equality by an 11 percent margin—a landslide compared to President Barack Obama’s margin of re-election.

In states where marriage equality was on the ballot, the trend was just as clear:

Maine:
  • The pro-equality campaign secured a 12 point net swing since marriage equality was last on the ballot in 2009, driven in part by increased support among from Catholic voters (up 11 percent since 2009), independents (up 14 percent), and seniors (up 3 percent).
Washington:
  • A full 54 percent of Washington voters approved marriage equality in 2012 after first voting to affirm domestic partnerships in 2009. Though support for equality was up in most groups, this year’s victory was driven by a 16 percent jump in support among independent voters.
Maryland:
  • Growing support among African American voters was a major story from Maryland. A majority of African American women voted to bring marriage equality to the Free State and support for equality in majority-African American communities like Prince George’s County (nearly 50 percent) and Baltimore County (57 percent) won the day.
Minnesota:
  • In Minnesota—just like in the other three states—young voters and Democrats made up the bulk of the pro-equality coalition. Yet increased support in unlikely groups helped to tamp down the anti-equality vote: 44 percent of voters aged 50-64, 23 percent of Romney voters, and 45 percent of non-college voters cast their ballots to stop discrimination from being enshrined in Minnesota’s constitution.
The full memo on the survey is available at: http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/ExitPollSurveyAnalysis.pdf
More on HRC’s electoral victories is available at: www.hrc.org/election
The polling report, commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign and produced by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, contains an analysis of exit polls from Maine, Washington, Maryland and Minnesota as well as results from a survey of 1,001 voters nationally who participated in the 2012 election. The survey was conducted between November 5th and 7th, 2012 among those who had already voted or were almost certain they would vote in the 2012 election and carries an overall margin of error of +/- 3.10.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

HRC’s New Municipal Equality Index Details the State of LGBT Equality in Three Ohio Cities







FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2012
Paul Guequierre 
Kim Welter

HRC’s New Municipal Equality Index Details the State of LGBT Equality in Three Ohio Cities

First of its kind nationwide evaluation of LGBT inclusion in municipal law and policy finds cities need to do more to protect LGBT employees and citizens

WASHINGTON—A new report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality in America’s cities by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, rated 137 cities across the nation, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the first ever rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, finds that while many U.S. cities lag behind in protections for LGBT people, some of the most LGBT-friendly policies in the country have been innovated and implemented at the municipal level, including in states with laws that are unfriendly to the LGBT community. The MEI was issued in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute. The average score for cities in Ohio is 79 out of 100 points, which is in line with the national average. Cincinnati and Cleveland both scored 77 points, and Columbus scored 83.

Key findings from the MEI create a snapshot of LGBT equality in137 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation – these include the 50 state capitals, the 50 most populous cities in the country, and the 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples.

The 100-point cities in the MEI serve as shining examples of LGBT inclusivity, with excellent policies ranging from non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits, and cutting-edge city services.  As America moves forward in support of LGBT equality, cities across the country are on the forefront of this movement.  Cities in every region of the country are fighting for equality at the most intimate level of government.  At the same time, cities across the country also have room for improvement.  The MEI articulates a path forward and celebrates the success of cities doing this important work. 

MEI at a glance:
·    Eleven of the 137 cities surveyed earned a perfect score of 100 points – these cities came from both coasts and in between, were of varying sizes, and not all are in states with favorable laws for LGBT people; 
·    A quarter of the cities rated scored over 80 points;
·    45 percent of cites surveyed obtained a score of 60 or higher; 
·    Nearly a third of cites scored between 40 and 60 points, showing good intentions on behalf of municipal governments but also opportunity for improvement; and 
·    Just under a quarter of the cities scored less than 20 points, including eight cities that scored under ten points and three that scored zero. 

The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories:
·       Non-discrimination laws;
·       Relationship recognition;
·       The municipality’s employment practices;
·       Inclusiveness of city services;
·       Law enforcement; and
·       Municipal leadership.

In today’s world, cities must compete for business and brain power.   Research shows that to do this, they must treat their LGBT citizens with dignity and respect. Acclaimed Professor Richard Florida authored the forward for the MEI. Professor Florida is a pioneer in research into how the nurturing of a “creative class” (entrepreneurs, artists and architects, researchers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals) creates prosperous, economically competitive cities.


“Equality Ohio has a long history of working with Ohio’s cities, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus, providing model policies, examples from other Ohio cities, impact data and help with local organizing around moving municipal ordinances forward,” said Elyzabeth Holford, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “While the State of Ohio has lagged behind the rest of the country in statewide protections for LGBT Ohioans, Ohio’s major cities understand that for a city to succeed in today’s economy, all its residents need to feel safe, free to bring all of themselves to where they live, work and play.” 

“Our nation is on an irreversible path forward in LGBT equality and local and state-level advocacy ensures our voices are heard in public squares across the country” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “This index gives advocates and municipal lawmakers a potent tool to improve the lives of LGBT people.”

"Advances at the local level are often unheralded, but they are critical to building the momentum we need for statewide and federal victories," said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation Institute. "The Municipal Equality Index not only recognizes the remarkable progress that state equality groups and local partners have made in cities and towns across the country, but is a powerful tool to help push local governments to do better."

"The freedom to be ourselves is most important where we live, work and raise our families.  That's why it's so crucial that local and municipal governments understand the need to make life better for LGBT people. We work hard to make sure openly LGBT people participate in government as elected and appointed officials, and the MEI will be a great resource for them," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute.
The full report, including long form scorecards for every city and a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei.

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home and where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued. The organization is based in Columbus at 61 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

###

Sunday, November 25, 2012

HRC Airing National Television Ad Following Marriage Equality Victories




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2012

Paul Guequierre


HRC Airing National Television Ad Following Marriage Equality Victories

Morgan Freeman voices spot touting “a dawn of a new day”

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today announced a national television ad campaign following on the historic victories for marriage equality at the ballot box this year.  The ad titled "Dawn of a New Day" and voiced by Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman, began running today and is available below and online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdnxMFs8tTk.

“This year proved to be a pivotal turning point in the movement for marriage equality and now we press onward with renewed vigor and public opinion squarely on our side," said HRC President Chad Griffin.  "As we continue the march toward full equality in legislatures and the courts, it is crystal clear that the prospect of an equal future is no longer up for debate; the question now is how soon it will arrive. While we celebrate today, we will keep fighting until full equality has reached every single person in every corner of this vast country.”

 


Ad script:

America stands at the dawn of a new day.

Freedom, justice and human dignity have always guided our journey toward a more perfect union.


Now across our country, we are standing together for the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry the person they love. 


And with historic victories for marriage, we’ve delivered a mandate for full equality.


The wind is at our back. But our journey has just begun.


Join us.



  The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
# # #

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Visit the Short North on Black Friday and receive a preferred-shopper BLACK CARD.



BLACK FRIDAY
IS THE
ONE DAY

to get your
SHORT NORTH
BLACK CARD

Visit the Short North on Black Friday and receive  
a preferred-shopper BLACK CARD.

Once activated, your card will become your key  
to accessing a month-long series of  
extreme discounts, special offers and exclusive promotions  
available only to BLACK CARD holders.

From November 23 through December 23,  
participating shops, galleries and restaurants  
will announce daily specials via email to BLACK CARD holders.

Check the specials.
Visit the businesses.
Show your BLACK CARD.
Take advantage of the deals.

BLACK CARDS will be available one day only.  
Friday, November 23. 

Visit any of these participating stores to get yours!


Black Card logos 2
Bink Davies
Brigade
Camelot Cellars
The Chamber
Cookware Sorcerer
Dames Bond Marketplace
Fitness Resources, Inc.
Flora Home and Garden
Fringe
The Garden
Grid Furnishings
High Street Denim
Impero Coffee Roasters
The Joint
Kingsrowe Brand
La Fogata
Ladybird
Lamp Shade
Mary Catherines Antiques
MiddleWest Spirits
Old World New Home
pm gallery
Phia Salon
Reverse Vanity Spa
Rivet
Rowe Boutique
Sherrie Gallerie
Sole Classics
Substance for Fashion Conscious People
T. David
Three Dog Bakery
Tigertree
What the Rock?
Whit's Frozen Custard
Yoga On High
Zoom Room

Monday, November 19, 2012

HRC - National Organization for Marriage Sees One-Third Decline in Contributions for 2011




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2012
Dan Rafter

National Organization for Marriage Sees One-Third Decline in Contributions for 2011; Two Donors Provided 75 Percent of Funding

Momentum for LGBT equality is taking a steep toll on the financial state of the nation’s leading anti-gay group

Washington – The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) saw a steep decline in the amount of money it raised in 2011 – dropping to $6.2 million from the $9.1 million it raised the previous year. Just two donors were responsible for funding 75 percent of the anti-gay group – the organization reported two donations of approximately $2.4 million each. The information is available in NOM’s 2011 990, which NOM made available this evening after HRC requested the documents in-person at their Washington, D.C. office earlier this morning.

“The National Organization for Marriage continues to push the notion that there is some sort of grassroots support for their discriminatory anti-gay agenda,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “Last week, that notion was soundly rejected by voters in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington State. Now, NOM’s own financial records are serving as the latest proof that support for LGBT equality is common-sense and mainstream. NOM is nothing more than a conduit channeling the anti-gay agenda of a few secretive, wealthy donors.”

The sharp drop in funding is notable also because NOM experienced significant financial growth each year since its founding in 2007, when it was formed to demonize LGBT people in California as part of efforts to pass Proposition 8. 2011 marks the first year in which the anti-gay group’s funding declined.

NOM’s 2011 990 is available here. In addition to illustrating that more than $4.7 million of NOM’s total $6.2 million reported came from just two mysterious mega-donors, the documents also reveal some interesting information about NOM’s closest affiliates. For example, NOM paid $870,000 to CC Advertising – a group HRC recently filed an FCC complaint against for spamming unsuspecting cell phone users with anti-gay, anti-Obama text messages. The organization also paid nearly $375,000 to Frank Schubert, their ad guru who makes his living largely off of promoting anti-LGBT propaganda.

NOM spent upwards of $5.7 million on attempts to prevent marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, and Washington; write discrimination in Minnesota’s constitution; and politicize Iowa’s judicial system. Voters in all five states soundly rejected NOM’s discriminatory messaging. The anti-gay organization remains embroiled in several legal battles over revealing the identities of the few mega-donors who fund their work.

More background on NOM, including information on the organization’s leadership and details on its close financial ties to religious institutions such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Church of Latter Day Saints, is available via HRC’s NOM Exposed project at www.nomexposed.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
###

Columbus Dispatch - Radon remedy: Surge in testing fuels modifications to area homes





Radon — the odorless, colorless gas found in Ohio soil — isn’t so invisible anymore.
The number of Ohio homes tested for the gas has skyrocketed the past few years after dropping during the recession.

Last year, 23,494 Ohio properties were tested for radon, compared with 1,464 in 2007, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

About half the tests detect radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s safe limit of 4.0 picocuries per liter.

The result: Radon mitigation “stacks” — plastic pipes typically attached to the side of a house to draw the gas away — are appearing throughout the state. During the past two years, almost 11,000 mitigation systems have been installed in Ohio.

Because most radon tests are done for potential buyers when a house is being sold, sellers typically bear the $1,000 cost to install the systems before the deal can go through.

“For the most part, it’s a free radon stack for the buyers,” said Dan Fenters, a Coldwell Banker King Thompson agent in Hilliard.

Radon testing and mitigation have become so common that Fenters and other agents try to brace sellers for the expense.

“When we’re meeting with sellers now during the listing appointment, we’re discussing it with them upfront,” Fenters said. “You can almost guarantee you will put in a radon system.”

To help spread the word, the Ohio Department of Health has started offering radon classes to real-estate agents.

While homeowners and real-estate agents might be frustrated by the cost and appearance of the stacks, health officials are delighted by the increase in testing, which they say could save hundreds or even thousands of lives.

Radon, which derives from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, can seep into homes through cracks in the basement.

According to the U.S. surgeon general, the gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for 21,000 of the nation’s 160,000 annual lung cancer deaths.

A radon belt stretching from New York to the upper Plains runs through central Ohio, which has some of the state’s highest radon levels.

“In the state of Ohio, more people die of lung cancer than any other cancer,” said Donna Jurden, the Ohio Department of Health’s radon outreach and education coordinator. “We want to focus on what radon is and how it gets in, and ultimately we want to prevent people from dying of lung cancer. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Education, not a rise in radon levels, is driving the huge jump in radon testing, Jurden said.

“There are more people requesting the test in real-estate transactions,” she said. “That’s why it appears to Realtors that levels are increasing. Based on the physics of radon, it can’t increase.”

The percentage of homes testing positive for radon varies from year to year, but for the past 15 years it has stayed between 35 and 58 percent, with no clear trend up or down, according to the Ohio Department of Health, which collects data from testing companies across the state.

Jurden acknowledges, though, that the department has received complaints alleging that testers rig the results to show elevated radon levels, allowing them to then get a contract to install a mitigation system.

She says the department has found no basis for the complaints, but to avoid a conflict of interest, the department strongly recommends that radon tests be performed by a company that does not also install the mitigation systems.

Ken Harrington, owner of Kustom Home Inspection in Delaware, a licensed radon tester, said rigging the test is impossible.“You cannot go in and manipulate those results,” he said. “It is what it is.”

But Harrington and others familiar with radon testing acknowledge that the tests can appear finicky because results can change from room to room and even from hour to hour.

That is why regulators and testers recommend a long-term test of at least 60 days, although they know the two- or three-day test kit is more likely to be used during a real-estate transaction.

“When you do a short-term radon test, you’re taking a snapshot,” said Dan West, owner of Radon Systems in Westerville, one of the state’s oldest radon testers. “Is that indicative of what it will be in a month? No, it has nothing to do with it. It only says what it is during that time frame.”

According to the EPA and a Consumer Reports study in April, the long-term kits are more accurate because radon levels can vary widely from day to day.

After testing 11 kits, the magazine found only two reliable enough to recommend: the AccuStar Alpha Track Test Kit ($28), which requires three to 12 months of testing; and the RTCA 4 Pass Charcoal Canister ($22), which requires two to seven days.

The most common remedy for elevated radon levels is to drill a hole in the basement floor, install a pipe into the ground and run the pipe out of the home along the outside wall. The system is designed to give radon a place to go instead of into the house.

In many cases, a fan is added to the pipe to help draw radon out of the ground.

Such systems typically cost from $800 to $1,200. The cost can escalate dramatically if the homeowner wants to hide the pipe in the home’s walls.

Buyers of new homes in three central Ohio communities don’t need to worry about installing radon mitigation systems. Canal Winchester, Dublin and Pickerington require contractors to install the systems in new homes.

To meet the requirement in new homes, contractors must add a thicker plastic membrane under the basement slab; run a pipe from below the slab through the roof; caulk the seam between the basement floor and basement wall; and install an electrical outlet near the pipe to accommodate a fan if needed. In new homes, the pipes are hidden in the walls.

Jurden, with the state’s health department, would like all new homes to be built with radon mitigation. She would also like to see homes tested more routinely, not simply when a home sells.

“We don’t want that to stop. It’s an excellent time to test. But we want homes tested prior to that, too.”

Fall home sales in Central Ohio show no signs of slowing down



Fall home sales show no signs of slowing down

Central Ohio homes sales in October were up for the tenth consecutive month. There were 1,964 residential sales during the month of October, a 23.2 percent increase from the 1,594 home sales in October 2011, according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

Homes closed during the month of October sold for an average of $163,925, 10.1 percent higher than just one year ago. 

“Even though the inventory isn’t as high as mid-summer, you have more serious buyers and sellers,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Many buyers who had planned to buy before the fall are still out there looking for their dream home.”

The number of new listings on the market is up 12 percent (2,764) from last year and actually increased by 1 percent from the previous month. Total inventory of homes (10,717) stands at 31.5 percent less than 2011.

“2012 has been the best year in real estate in central Ohio since 2007,” said Coridan. “Just because their home didn’t sell in the summer doesn’t mean buyers aren’t still out there; homeowners have recognized the advantages of selling in the fall.”

According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index (by the Ohio Association of REALTORS®), 84 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® describe the current housing market as moderate to strong and 68 percent expect home prices to remain the same or rise in the next year. They also report that the typical client today is looking for a mid-range home purchase.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Equality Ohio Announces Appointment of New Executive Director



Equality Ohio Announces Appointment of New Executive Director

Attorney Will Bring Social Justice and Organizational Development Experience to Ohio
For immediate release
Media Contact: Kim Welter
November 13, 2012 (Columbus, Ohio) - 

Today, the Equality Ohio boards of directors announced the selection of Elyzabeth Joy Holford as the organization’s fourth Executive Director. Ms. Holford was chosen following a national search initiated in July 2012. She will lead Equality Ohio bringing over twenty years of leadership experience as an attorney, an educator and a business professional in both the public and private sectors.

Paul Feeney, Chair of the Board for Equality Ohio Education Fund, said “Elyzabeth’s extensive experience in organizational development will be a valuable asset to Equality Ohio. She is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic and all-around delightful person. I am thrilled that Elyzabeth will be on our team to help create ‘an Ohio where everyone feels at home.’”

Ms. Holford began her career as a trial attorney with Ohio State Legal Services Association. Her leadership expertise was sharpened through various roles during her twelve year career in academics with Virginia Tech as a tenured associate professor, director of the office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and director of two separate campuses. Ms. Holford left academics to pursue international organizational consulting in both the nonprofit and profit sectors. Ms. Holford’s work demonstrates consistent commitment to social justice and a proven ability to achieve measurable results. 

About leading Equality Ohio, Ms. Holford said, "I feel fortunate to be returning home to Ohio at this pivotal moment in time. Ohio is poised to provide full rights and recognition to all of its citizens and Equality Ohio has the team and the capacity to lead this effort.”

Ms. Holford will start with the organization November 26, 2012.

# # #

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home and where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued. The organization is based in Columbus at 61 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

HRC- Corporate America Stands with the LGBT Community




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2012
Paul Guequierre



The New Normal: Corporate America Stands with the LGBT Community

 Record numbers of businesses earn top score in HRC’s 2013 Corporate Equality Index

WASHINGTON – On the heels of historic electoral victories for marriage equality last week, corporate America has shown once again it is on the right side of history when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality.  Workplace discrimination protections are the new normal in the business world, while the federal government and many state governments lag behind in addressing discrimination against LGBT workers.

Businesses are also coming out in record numbers in support of marriage equality.  This new reality is reflected in the fierce competition between companies to recruit and retain the best employees and to influence consumer choices, and has resulted in the improved lives of millions of LGBT Americans. That’s according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees.

In the 2013 CEI, released today, a record 252 businesses achieved the top rating of 100 percent, earning the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”  As a point of comparison, 13 businesses earned a 100 percent in the inaugural CEI 11 years ago, demonstrating that a new normal has arrived.  The policies, benefits and practices businesses must implement to earn a perfect score are best-in-class demonstrations of corporate commitments to LGBT workers.

The top rated businesses span across industries, geographies, and size.  View the full report at www.hrc.org/cei
“Corporate America continues to raise the bar in workplace fairness,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.  “LGBT-inclusive workplace policies are not only the right thing to do and good business practices, they are the new normal.  Americans have spoken, and as we celebrate our victories at the ballot box, we hope Congress will follow corporate America’s lead and create a level playing field – including passing fully-inclusive workplace non-discrimination legislation.” 

This year’s report at a glance:
  • A record 74 major businesses and law firms publicly supported pro-equality legislation at the state and federal levels – including those that took an active role in the marriage campaigns this fall.
  • The 2013 CEI saw the largest growth in the survey’s history with 54 new businesses participating.  The number of employers officially rated in the CEI has skyrocketed from 319 in 2002, to 688 this year, a jump of 116 percent.     
  • This year’s CEI marks the first time a majority of Fortune 500 companies have nondiscrimination policies that cover gender identity (from 50 percent to 57 percent), while an astonishing 84 percent of overall CEI participants cover gender identity.  
  • Transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage continues to rise. Now in its second year as a mandatory criterion for a company to earn 100 percent, 287 (42 percent) participating companies offer comprehensive healthcare coverage to their transgender workers, up from 19 percent last year.


While basic protections for LGBT employees have become the norm, record numbers of American businesses have also updated their larger benefits packages, adding “soft benefits” for LGBT workers, including things like retirement benefits to domestic partners and relocation assistance.  With benefits accounting for roughly 20 percent of an employee’s compensation, companies recognize this as a matter of equal pay for equal work.

Over the past 11 years, the CEI has become the gold standard for corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees and their families.  The CEI rates companies on 40 such policies and practices.  A total of 889 businesses have been rated in the 2013 CEI, including the entire Fortune 500. This year a record 293 of the Fortune 500-ranked businesses have an official CEI rating, with the other 201 rated based upon publicly-available data.

View the full report at www.hrc.org/cei.

As the CEI has proven over the last decade, such a project can propel equality forward by sparking competition and raising awareness about what inequalities persist.  On December 3, HRC will release the inaugural Municipal Equality Index, which rates 137 cities on how inclusive their laws, policies, and city services are. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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