The Need for a Municipal Income Tax Increase – Slide Presentation

On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Mayor Frank G. Jackson briefed City of Cleveland managerial employees on the upcoming November 8 ballot measure to increase the city’s income tax from 2.0% to 2.5%.

Mayor Jackson’s slide presentation from that meeting is available to view and download below.

Highlights from the presentation:

  • .5% income tax increase would generate an estimated additional $83.5 million for the City’s General Fund.
  • First hike in the city’s income tax rate since 1981.
  • City of Cleveland has experienced a permanent annual loss of $30 million in local government fund (LGF), commercial activities tax, tangible personal property tax, and estate tax. Since 2010, the accumulated annual loss from State of Ohio Revenue is $146.5 million.
  • Over half of the municipal budget is devoted to Public Safety (58%) and Public Works (12%).
  • Successful passage of income tax increase means a structurally balanced budget and enhanced services.
  • Failure to pass income tax would mean hundreds of city employee layoffs and elimination of services.

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Download the presentation here.

Traffic Alert: I-90 WB CLOSED at West 117th Street

Due to an accident, I-90 westbound is closed at West 117th Street and is expected to remain closed through evening rush hour.  Motorists are being diverted off the highway at West 117th Street.  Seeking an alternate route such as I-480 or the Shoreway is advised.

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Stay up-to-date on traffic conditions by logging onto www.OHGO.com or by downloading the OHGO app.

Another update will be sent when more information is available.

For more information contact:
The ODOT District 12 Communications Office at (216) 584-2005 or email D12.Public.Information@dot.ohio.gov

Base Cleveland Veteran News – September 15, 2016

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Special Events

Law Enforcement Night at Progressive Field:  The Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball has teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to show our appreciation for the men and women of Ohio who serve as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and first responders.

Your 2016 Cleveland Indians and the Memorial Fund invite you, your friends, family and the general public to join us for the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Saturday, September 17th, 2016 at 4:10 PM as the Cleveland Indians battle the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Special Priced Tickets start at just $18.00 and choose from 4 ticket options.

Arrive early for the pre-game ceremony as we honor area Ohio Law Enforcement personnel and organizations. $5.00 from every ticket will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Additional questions or to purchase tickets for a group, contact Cleveland Indians Representative Matt Gay at mgay@indians.com

Save the Date: Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation Awards Dinner scheduled for 6 PM Wednesday, Oct 26, 2016 in downtown Cleveland’s Metropolitan at the 9.  More information will follow.

Cleveland Veterans Day Ceremony / Veterans Day Parade:   the City of Cleveland will host an annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 AM, Nov 11, 2016 in the Rotunda of City Hall followed by a Veterans Day parade, scheduled to step off at 12:30 PM.  For more information on parade participation, contact Paul Tuggey at email PRTOH@roadrunner.com

Welcome to MyVA.COM. . . . getting it right from the start

Enrolling for VA care is a life-changing decision for Veterans. Choosing your health care provider is a leap of faith that will impact your entire life. “Welcome to MyVA” (W2MyVA) starts that relationship right with a welcoming call from an informed, service-oriented VA representative.

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/30277/welcome-myva-getting-right-start/

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Events Calendar
http://www.cleveland.va.gov/calendar.asp

Ohio Veterans Memorial Park Events Calendar

http://www.ovmp.org/

CAREER CONNECTION:  ELEVATING CAREER ENGAGEMENT THROUGH XCEPTIONAL CONNECTION

Career Connection is a unique opportunity for those who would like to improve or ignite their career by establishing a connection with lead IT security organizations and engaged practitioners. Students, Veterans and all who seek to enhance their job status are encouraged to pre-register for a half-day of security insight, involvement, and introduction.

If you are entering the civilian information security industry after graduation, military service, or a non-encouraging career, you MUST attend this event for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet with the area’s top IT security professionals. The 14th annual Information Security Summit convenes N.E. Ohio’s largest gathering of visionaries and practitioners and has asked this collective leadership to donate their insights for the career betterment of their next potential cohorts.

Within the afternoon of Wednesday, October 26th many of the Information/ Security Summit Week’s vendor partners will volunteer a half-a-day of their time to discuss career paths and possibilities with those interested in a role in IT security.

Attendance is by Pre-registration only, there is a $29 Registration Fee—scholarships monies are being pursued and will be available based on achieved corporate donation.

Veterans may secure a FREE resume and networking skills review ahead of the Career Connection from GunnyRet Consulting LLC. Bryan A. McGown, “Gunny”, is a successful Veteran job search coach, and is very involved in several non-profits that serve Veterans and military families.

The Veteran’s pre-registration and FREE resume-building site is:

www.gunnyret.com/job/information-security-summit-military-candidate/

College seniors, those who have recently graduated or who are looking to IT security as a new career, will have on-site support, are asked to bring ten copies of their resume and a multitude of business cards to share, need to pre-register by going to:

https://www.informationsecuritysummit.org/events/ssw-2016-attendee-registration/

A networking ‘Pit-Stop Cafe’ will be accessible to aid all career-building attendees to sharpen their connection abilities during the event. The evening will close with an Xceptional Networking Reception open to all 21 years of age and older.

News

 Attention Military Veterans:  The Social Security Administration is awarding prior military service men and women credit towards their SSA earnings!  You don’t get it automatically, you have to apply.  For a certain period, you get $300 each quarter of a year you served in active duty or reserve.

Here’s the link: Retirement Planner: Special Extra Earnings for Military Service

Statement from VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald on President Obama’s Final Assessment of the Commission on Care

Today, consistent with the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, the President’s formal response to the Commission on Care was transmitted to Congress. As the President has said, “a sacred covenant exists between Veterans and this nation: servicemen and servicewomen take an oath to protect our country, and in turn, our nation pledges […]

http://www.veteransresources.org/2016/09/statement-va-secretary-robert-mcdonald-president-obamas-final-assessment-commission-care/?utm_source=Feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Veterans+Resources+Feed#.V8mXmqPD_jw

US Navy gives look inside futuristic $4.4B Zumwalt destroyer

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Navy gave a first look inside the stealthy and futuristic Zumwalt destroyer on Friday during the ship’s first port stop at a Rhode Island naval station.  The 610-foot-long warship has an angular shape to minimize its radar signature and cost more than $4.4 billion. It’s the most expensive destroyer built for the Navy.

Read it here http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-navy-gives-look-inside-futuristic-dollar44b-zumwalt-destroyer/ar-AAiIbna#image=1

 Greta Friedman, woman kissed in iconic V-J Day photo, dead at 92

Greta Friedman, who was kissed by a sailor in New York’s Times Square in an iconic picture capturing the end of World War II, has died, her son Joshua Friedman confirmed to CBS News. She was 92. This is a developing story. Read the full story

 VA quit sending performance data to national health care quality site

USA TODAY:  The move comes despite a 2014 law requiring expanded VA reporting to Hospital Compare. Read the full story

 House tries again to give Veterans Affairs Department more power to discipline employees

 The House on Tuesday will take up another of a string of bills designed to give the Department of Veterans Affairs a freer hand in disciplining its employees for poor performance or misconduct — provisions the Obama administration has opposed, although not to the point of threatening a veto.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/09/13/house-tries-again-to-give-the-va-more-power-to-discipline-employees/

Volunteerism

Here are some great opportunities to put your military experiences to work benefiting others in need.

Project GreenCare for Troops:  a national 10-year old program that provides free lawn, landscape and snow removal services for military families and veterans with a service-related disability needs your support.  There are more than 225,000 military personnel deployed in 150 countries and 3.6 million veterans with a service-related disability needing day-to-day household and lifestyle assistance.

Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops provides complimentary basic year maintenance, and snow and ice removal services to military families and disable Veterans.  For more information contact Ki Matsko at 888.611.2955 or kimatsko@projectevergreen.org

The American Red Cross’ unwavering commitment to members of the U.S. military, its veterans and their families continues to grow and develop more than a century after Clara Barton first recruited nurses to support the U.S. Army. Today, the Red Cross is meeting the needs of a changing military and expanding services to veterans. Red Cross support of military members and their families enhances morale and contributes to increased operational capability in several ways.  New volunteers: visit https:redcross.org/neo Click on “volunteer” tab.

Cleveland Municipal Court’s Veterans Treatment Docket needs volunteers – preferably military veterans to help Veterans transition to a successful life.  If you are interested in volunteering to help our veterans successfully re-enter civilian life, please contact Derek Moore at (216) 664-4712 or via email at moored@cmcoh.orgfor additional information.

Needed:  ‘A few good mentors’:  The Cuyahoga Common Pleas Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) is a judge-monitored treatment program for military veterans.  A key component of the program is volunteer Veteran Mentors who volunteer their time to help veterans re-adapt to civilian life.   For more information visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iTF8wYXhqcE4yWm8/view?usp=sharing

 

Employment Opportunities / Links

Veteran Job Search Assistance:  If you know a Veteran or Military Spouse who could benefit from FREE, UNLIMITED job search coaching, please have them visit www.gunnyret.com to schedule a “First Call”.

Ohio National Guard Employment Enhancement Support:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6KQApfHm1pGbnByRGlTNEhyUlU/view?usp=sharing

Free, Unlimited Military Veteran Job Search Coaching:  provided by www.gunnyret.com

VA JOBS Home:  http://www.va.gov/jobs/

Ohio.gov:  http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ohio/default.cfm?clearSearch=1

Cleveland:  http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/HumanResources/OpenPositions

USAJobs:  https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans

MilitaryJobs.com:  http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs

Ohio Federal Government Jobs:  http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/job-location/ohio-oh.html

Stars and Stripes; Veteran Job Center:  http://veteranjobs.stripes.com/

USERRA:  The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members’ reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those called up from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers USERRA

Information Links

Veteran Service Commission Meetings – are open to the public.   The Commissioners encourage members of the Veteran Community to come and see how the Cuyahoga County Veteran Commission works and the benefits available to our Veterans. The meetings are held at the Commission offices at 1849 Prospect Avenue, Suite 150, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 at 9:30 AM the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Free Parking:  The Veterans Service Commission reserved parking spaces in the lot just East of our building (on Prospect Avenue).  The lot has signs posted noting they belong to the Veterans Service Commission.  This will allow veterans to park for free.

 Peer Advisors for Veteran Education:  Representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities have come together to learn ways to support student Veterans who face two significant changes simultaneously: transitioning from the military to civilian life and the transition from the military to academia. Neither of these is easy.  Read more at www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/29879/new-va-partnership-expands-power-of-peer-support-among-student-veterans/

 Get connected with V.E.T.S Program:  The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland is sponsoring a series of job preparedness, career development, financial literacy and computer training workshops.  The program is designed to help veterans overcome barriers in order to transition from military life, prepare to compete for jobs in the civilian labor force.

The VETS Program is in collaboration with the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET), Cuyahoga Valley Careers Center, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Veterans Program

Read it here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iQzJERUUwdThPaG8/view?usp=sharing

 VAntage Point:  the official blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:  http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/subscribe/

 311VET – new app answers general VA benefits questions http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/23378/311vet-new-app-answers-general-va-benefits-questions/

 Cuyahoga Community College Veteran Upward Bound Program:  Since 1973, VUB has provided comprehensive educational support services to eligible U.S. military veterans interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate.  Services include academic enrichment classes, math and English tutors, assistance with applying for federal student aid, and transition into a college or university of their choice.  All services are no cost to the veteran.  For information call 216-987-4938 or visit www.Tri-C.edu/vub

 Amputee Recreational Support Group of Central Ohio:   http://www.arsgcoh.org/ regularly schedules recreational activities for amputees – Veterans and non-Veterans, including Yoga for Amputees, shooting events, and recreational swimming.  For more information, contact Robert Hass at (614) 288-5105 or Amputee@columbus.rr.com

 Department of Defense Media Center:  http://www.dma.mil/

 Veterans Business Support Center:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iS0NiUjQ3cnFLTE0/view?usp=sharing

Ohio National Guard Employer Advisory Council:  The ONG Employer Advisory Council was developed to provide military-friendly employers with useful resources and guidance to help them success with military retention and recruitment initiatives.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9ibUNOOGo2S2gybWc/view?usp=sharing

 USS COD:  http://USSCOD.org

 Columbus Honor Flight:  www.honorflightcolumbus.org

Honor Flight Cleveland:  www.honorflightcleveland.com

 Veterans Crisis Line:  1 800 273 8255

 Women of Hope, Inc:  www.womenofhopeoh.org

 Chase Bank Support for Veterans:  www.ChaseMilitary.com

 Justice for Veterans:  http://www.justiceforvets.org/

 Google for Veterans:  http://www.googleforveterans.com/

 Military Memorabilia Donations:  www.ohiohistory.org/militarycall

 Ohio Veterans Memorial Park:  http://www.ovmp.org/

 Cold War Recognition Certificate:  the Cold War Recognition Certificate is a recognition certificate awarded by the Secretary of Defense to all U.S. Armed Forces personnel and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991.  Anyone who served in the military or the Federal Government during this period is authorized to receive the certificate.

Congress established the Cold War certificate in Section 1084 of the fiscal 1998 National Defense Authorization Act.  The Department of Defense designated the Department of the Army as the executive agent for the Cold War Recognition Certificate program.  http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/genmedals/ht/coldwar.htm 

Veteran Resources:  http://www.veteransresources.org/

Cleveland VA Regional Benefit Office:  http://www.benefits.va.gov/cleveland/

 VetBiz.gov Home:  http://www.vetbiz.gov/

Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County:  www.jvcocc.org

Equal Honor for All:  www.equalhonor.org

Greater Cleveland Fisher House:  The Goal of the Greater Cleveland Fisher House Organization is to raise $7,000,000 for the construction of a Fisher House (there are currently 62 houses in operation across the US, Germany, and England) that will be located on the grounds of the Louis Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland, the third largest VA hospital in the US.  http://greaterclevelandfisherhouse.org/

 Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center:  http://www.cleveland.va.gov/?wvsessionid=fe802c6620da402484b74ac24a5f1650

Greater Cleveland Veterans (GCVM) Memorial:    www.clevelandvetsmemorial.org

GCVM Honor Roll:  The Citizens of Cuyahoga County have served the nation well, and paid a heavy price.  When America needed defenders the men and women of Greater Cleveland have answered the call. From 1899 to 2014, a span of 115 years, 5,552 patriots of the county have fallen in military service during time of war. Search the honor roll:   http://www.clevelandvetsmemorial.org/GCVM-honor-roll-search.asp

My HealtheVet:  www.myhealth.va.gov

Rewards for Justice Website:  The Rewards for Justice program continues to be one of the most valuable U.S. Government assets in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, Public Law 98-533, the Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/most-wanted/all-regions.html

Locating Veterans and Service Members:  http://www.archives.gov/veterans/locate-service-members.html

National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics:  http://www.va.gov/vetdata/

 Military News:  www.military.com

 The American Legion:  http://www.legion.org/

Veterans of Foreign Wars USA:  http://www.vfw.org/

Stars and Stripes Veterans Link:  http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans

Air Force Times:  http://www.airforcetimes.com/

Army Times:  http://www.armytimes.com/

Marine Corps Times:  http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/

Navy Times:  http://www.navytimes.com/

 Defense News:  http://www.defensenews.com/

 Veterans Benefits Administration:  http://www.vba.va.gov/

GI Bill website:  http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Veteran Resources:  http://www.veteransresources.org/

Explore VA Benefits:  www.explore.VA.gov

Ohio VFW: http://www.ohiovfw.org/

Ohio Legion News: http://ohiolegionnews.com/

National Marine Corp Business Network: http://www.nmcbn.com/

 

 

 

 

City of Cleveland Recreation Centers Serve After School Meals

City of Cleveland recreation centers are currently serving after-school meals to children ages five through eighteen at all locations. Meals will be served Monday through Friday while the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is in session as well as during winter and spring breaks and during declared school snow days when students are not required to attend class due to inclement weather.

web-img_9331A typical meal includes a meat, vegetable and/or a fruit, grain, and milk prepared by a food service company in compliance with Ohio Department of Education (ODE) guidelines and served by recreation center staff.

The after school meals program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered by ODE, and sponsored by the Children’s Hunger Alliance. There is no cost to families for participating in this program.

Parents and guardians will receive program participation packets and will be asked to provide the name, date of birth and the allergy needs of their participating students.  Families are urged to contact their local recreation centers for specific serving times as well as for information regarding students who are enrolled in school yet younger than five and older than eighteen.

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

City of Cleveland to Issue Mass Notification Alert through CodeRED

On Wednesday, September 14th at 3:00 p.m., the City of Cleveland will issue an alert message to Cleveland residents via the city’s mass notification system CodeRED.

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Download the CodeRED mobile app here. 

This alert, known as an “All Call”, will familiarize users with the CodeRED notification process and ask users to reach out to friends and family who have not yet added their contact information to the database. The City of Cleveland is encouraging all residents and businesses to go to the City of Cleveland’s website (http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us) and click on the CodeRED logo located on the right side of the page.

If you are already signed up, check your contact information, including additional phone numbers, and text and email addresses, to ensure all of the data in our system is accurate and current.

Users can sign-up for which alerts they would like to receive and the notifications can be sent to a cell phone, landline, or email address. In addition to emergency alerts, the City of Cleveland will be offering non-emergency messages on various city service interruptions. The CodeRED system has the ability to utilize Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to strategically deploy notifications

The City of Cleveland implemented the CodeRED system earlier this year to quickly deliver alert messages regarding emergency situations (severe weather) or city service interruptions (road closures) to residents.

Residents, visitors, and those who work but do not live in Cleveland are encouraged to register and download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app.

Reserve Your Spot at the 2016 Sustainable Cleveland Summit

Time still remains to reserve your spot at the 2016 Sustainable Cleveland Summit to be held at Cleveland Public Auditorium on Wednesday, September 21st from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and continuing through Thursday, September 22 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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Every year since 2009, Mayor Jackson convenes over 500 local business leaders, government officials, non-profit leaders, students, educators and residents around a central topic fundamental to a sustainable city. The theme for this year’s summit is sustainable transportation.

Summit participants will hear about this year’s sustainable transportation initiatives, including the Commuter Choice Challenge, the #imoveCLE selfie contest, ciCLEvia open streets events, the UHBikes bike share system, and much more.

Along with celebrating our accomplishments, the Summit will be an opportunity to recognize and address transportation challenges as a community.

This year the City of Cleveland is pleased to announce that the Cleveland Foundation will serve as a presenting sponsor and the Summit’s keynote speaker will be Gil Penalosa. Gil Penalosa is the founder of the internationally recognized non-profit organization, “8 80 Cities”. Mr. Penalosa advises decision makers and communities on how to create vibrant cities and healthy communities for everyone regardless of age, gender, social, economic, or ethnic background. The keynote address on Day one of the Summit will focus on the design and use of parks and streets as public places and sustainable mobility.

Day two of the Summit will be a full day of visioning, design, and action planning centered on:

  • The current and upcoming celebration year topics of Sustainable Transportation and Vibrant Green Space.
  • Advancing the Cleveland Climate Action Plan, which incorporates the topics of: Energy, Local Foods, Waste, Clean Water, Vital Neighborhoods, and Engaged People.

To register for this year’s Summit, visit https://scsummit2016.eventbrite.com. Participants may register for single or both days of the Summit. Registration ends on September 17, 2016.

Become a Mentor with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District through the True2U Mentoring Program

Become a mentor for True2U, an innovative mentoring and career awareness program that prepares Cleveland Metropolitan School District eighth-grade students for the transition from middle school to high school.

Utilizing a structured curriculum during in-school advisory sessions, True2U mobilizes an extensive network of school and community resources to help youth acknowledge their strengths, develop personal and career goals, preserve optimism, and stay on the path to graduation and a fulfilling future.

In its first school year, 2015-16, True2U served 773 youth in Cleveland! True2U is the shared vision of community leaders from MyCom, the youth development initiative of The Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and the Northeast Ohio Faith-Based Collaborative, Inc. 

Mentoring is a commitment of only three hours per month during the academic school year.

Change a child’s life; become a mentor! 

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