Local companies donate up to $10K for governor inauguration

Jan. 26--Local companies were among donors who collectively gave $1.7 million to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for inauguration related events and transition expenses.

The maximum that companies can give under state law is $10,000 and several local companies gave up to the limit, including CareSource, Premier Health, Fuyao, Dayton Power & Light, Woolpert, The Ohlman Group and Heidelberg Distributing Co.

The donations are recorded and published by the Ohio Secretary of State.

Many of the donors could be affected by policy issues to be considered by the DeWine administration.

Dayton-based CareSource is an insurer that primarily manages private Medicaid policies and the largest check the state writes each year goes to CareSource. Both of its entities, Caresource Ohio and Caresource Management Group Co., gave $10,000.

In a statement, CareSource Ohio market president Steven Ringel said the insurer has long been a supporter of the governor and lieutenant governor's inaugural activities fund.

"The Governor's office plays an important role in the success of our state. The decisions at the state level affect millions of Ohioans especially those served through government programs," Ringel said. "We look forward to partnering with this administration to continue providing access to care, while serving more than 1.3 million Ohioans."

Local donations

Firms with local ties helped fund Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's transition costs.

Donor Donation

CBD Advisors $5,000

Dayton Power And Light Co. $10,000

Honda Of America Mfg., Inc. $2,500

Kroger $5,000

Woolpert Inc. $10,000

Fuyao Asset Management $10,000

Premier Health $10,000

Citizens For Niraj Antani $400

Caresource Ohio $10,000

Caresource Management Group Co. $10,000

Heidelberg Distributing Company $10,000

Mercy Health $10,000

The Ohlman Group $10,000

Achieve Strategy Group $250

Cooper Farms Hatchery $5,000

Steve Wilson for Ohio $400

Gregory Gantt Co., LPA $400

Citizens for Bill Beagle $400

Heidelberg Distributing Co. $10,000

Marathon Petroleum Co. $10,000

MillerCoors $10,000

Source: Ohio Secretary of State

Moraine auto glass manufacturer Fuyao, which employs 2,200, said in a statement "We want to show our appreciation to our state's leaders for their dedication to growing Ohio's manufacturing base."

Premier Health, operator of Miami Valley Hospital, Atrium Medical Center and Upper Valley Medical Center, noted both DeWine and Husted have strong ties to the Miami Valley and held a local pre-inaugural event at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

"As the Dayton region's second largest employer, we felt it was important and appropriate to step up and support this important transition in Ohio's leadership," Premier stated. The health system added there are complicated health care issues being worked on like addiction, infant mortality, health care coverage and a state budget, and "supporting inaugural activities shows that we are serious about working with the administration and participating in the process."

Many of the donors were major health care lobbies such as Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Children's Hospital Association, Ohio Health Care Association (represents nursing homes), Ohio Nurses Association, Ohio Association of Advance Practice Nurses PAC, PHRMA (represents pharmaceutical makers) and Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice.

Most major insurance companies were listed: Medical Mutual of Ohio, Aetna, Buckeye Community Health Plan, Buckeye's parent company Centene, UnitedHealth Group Inc. PAC, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and, separately, Anthem.

Well known out-of-state companies chipped in to the fund. An affiliate of Koch Industries, founded by prolific conservative donors David and Charles Koch, gave $100. An affiliate of tobacco giant Altria, the parent company of cigarette maker Philip Morris, gave $10,000. Altria also recently bought a stake in vaping company Juul.

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