May 30 2024

The Becker Report – May 2024

Beckerisms

Inflation

Is it caused by so-called “corporate greed” or government policy?

The following is an arguably over-simplified presentation of basic economic theory:

Last year when the UAW was on strike, polling indicated that “we the people” backed higher wages for the workers. Why are “we the people” now upset about higher prices for cars and trucks and the higher costs for fleet customers pushing up their prices?

Ohioans increased the minimum wage and might do so again. Is there not a direct correlation between wages, cost of goods and services produced, and prices? A higher minimum wage will produce higher inflation and higher unemployment for the workers in that wage band.

Generally, prices are set by the equilibrium of supply and demand. When the government spends more money than it has taken from us, it borrows or “prints” more money to pay for it. Higher demand for loans (government or consumer) leads to higher interest rates. Higher interest rates increase costs to businesses and consumers. Therefore, businesses are forced to increase prices.
All else being equal, printing more money decreases the value of existing dollars. When dollars are worth less, it takes more of them to purchase the same goods and services (higher prices).
Let’s consider President Biden’s policy of “forgiving” student loans:

Those loans aren’t “forgiven” per se. The government borrows the money to payoff those loans.
Increased borrowing increases demand for borrowed money which increases interest rates.
Increased government borrowing increases the national debt.
Higher debt results in higher interest payments.
Being as the government borrows money to pay the interest on the national debt, higher interest rates and payments increases the national debt and the cycle of financial malfeasance feeds on itself. (This, of course, is unsustainable and will eventually end in calamity.)

Let’s consider grocery prices at Kroger for example:
Is it “corporate greed” when Kroger raises prices? Or is it:

Higher borrowing costs for investments in plant and equipment?
Higher wages?
Higher fuel costs?
Higher utility costs?
Higher wholesale supplier costs?
Higher taxes?

Property taxes

Taxes are a necessary evil. Property taxes fund local services such as public schools, social services, safety services (police/fire), roads, parks, etc. When we vote to raise those taxes, it has an inflationary impact on prices. Back to the Kroger example, taxes increase their cost of doing business; hence price increases. Likewise, commercial and residential rents increase due to the owner’s increased property taxes. Higher lease payments, of course, increases the lessee’s cost of doing business; hence price increases. And, of course, residential rents increase as well.
Democrats like to scream “corporate greed.” What about “government greed”? President Biden wants to repeal the Trump tax cuts. Schools and local governments are always looking forward to the next levy to cover their increasing costs.
Consider what happens if you refuse to pay your taxes: After some lengthy due process, armed men will eventually arrive at your home demanding your property and eviction. And if you resist…

Real heroes

There are many current examples of real heroes. Harrison Butker immediately comes to mind.
I like Micah Price too. During his graduation speech, he urged his classmates to seek Jesus Christ as “your answer” for “the way, the truth and life.”
My response to them: Amen

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Union Township Update

2024 UT Concert Schedule

Come enjoy live music on select Fridays throughout June, July and August in Union Township! Start with happy hour at Jungle Jim’s or RJ Cinema Distillery and Taproom and walk through the new wooded path to the Civic Center Amphitheater or come early and enjoy the Farmers Market.
Union Township Civic Center campus activities will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the Farmers Market. Community members are encouraged to explore over twenty vendors at the Farmers Market featuring produce, poultry, baked good, plants, dog treats, and more.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., food trucks will be available through 9:00 p.m.
Live entertainment will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the amphitheater and continue until 9:00 p.m. In addition to the Amphitheater seating, you are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music.

June 7 – The Whammies
June 14 – The Kevin McCoy Band
July 19 – 2nd Wind Band
July 26 – Tom the Torpedoes
August 2 – Bronson Arroyo Band

More information is here: Summer-Concerts
Or here: https://union-township.oh.us/223/Summer-Concerts

Click here for the 2024 Union Township Farmer’s Market vendor information.
Or here: https://www.union-township.oh.us/226/Farmers-Market

Upcoming UT Sponsored Events

June 7 – UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.
June 7 – The Whammies concert beginning at 7 PM at the UT Civic Center.
June 11 – Union Township Trustees meeting at the Civic Center at 6 PM.
June 14 – UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.
June 14 – The Kevin McCoy Band concert beginning at 7 PM at the UT Civic Center.
June 21 – UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.
June 25 – Union Township Trustees work session at the Civic Center at 6 PM.
June 28 – UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.
June 29 – Mad Cap Puppets Performance at the UT Civic Center at 10:30 AM

Need a job?

Post Office Clerk, Planner, police and fire/EMS jobs are available. Send resume to Cory Wright CWright@union-township.oh.us

What can you find at the Union Township Civic Center?

US Post Office
US Congressman Brad Wenstrup’s office
Union Township Zoning office
Meeting rooms available for UT residents to reserve
Gymnasium available for UT residents to reserve
Amphitheater for concerts, plays, and available for UT residents to reserve
Farmers Market every Friday from 4 -7 PM during the summer and early fall
West Clermont School’s administrative office
Senior Services office
Friendly people who serve the public with a smile

Call 513-752-1741 or visit www.union-township.oh.us for more information

2024 Union Township Trustees Meeting Video

May 7, 2024 Business meeting (3h 1m)
April 23, 2024 Work session: Discussed DORAs and Vietnam a Traveling Wall Event (52m)
April 9, 2024 Business meeting (1h 29m) Executive session (46m)
March 12, 2024 Business meeting (3h 39m) Executive session (41m) This was the Terrace Ridge case.
February 27, 2024 Business meeting (2h 17m) Executive session (1h 24m)
February 23, 2024 Special meeting (2m) Executive session to interview Fire Chief candidates (4h 8m)
February 5, 2024 Special meeting (1m)
January 9, 2024 Business meeting (2h 16m)
January 2, 2024 Reorganization meeting (53m)

Union Township welcomes new and growing businesses

Some of the below may be pending trustee approval:

i love noods: noodles, dim sum, and bubble tea is now open in the Jungle Jim’s shopping center. Who doesn’t love “noods”?
Outback Steakhouse is now open. Profits are expected to “sizzle.”
Grocery Outlet is expected to open June 20 and “produce” profits.
Panda Express is looking to raze the car wash next to the Union Township library and build a new location there. It’s an “appetizing” venture. The overpass construction is delaying their start date. The earliest will be spring with completion seven months later.
Mercy Health urgent care center is under construction in the Jungle Jim’s parking lot in front of LaRosa’s. They’ll soon be repairing “broken” bones, skin, and more.
Children’s Hospital is under construction in the Ivy Pointe area near TQL. Our concerns have been “healed.”
Wawa will be taking over the old Mt. Carmel Kroger location. Rah-rah to Wawa for taking over a shuttered business. They expect demolition to begin in the Spring and completion early next year.
Alfaa will be building on an empty lot on the corner of Aicholtz Road and Eastgate Blvd. I’m wondering if they sell alfalfa sprouts?
A small strip mall is coming to the corner of SR 32 and Mt. Carmel Tobasco Road on Yates Lane. I expect them to be rolling in dough soon.
The old Valero on the corner of Ohio Pike and Bennett Road is under new ownership. They will be tearing down the old building and constructing a new convenience and wine store. The previous condition of the property was certainly something to whine about.
The Home2 Suites is expected to open in August. They have made certain “accommodations” and residents can “sleep well” knowing that it is expected to open soon.
Honda East will be “shifting gears” to “rev up” sales by expanding their operations in Cherry Grove. They might “tire,” “brake,” and “shock” you, but they are “on a roll.” Wouldn’t it be nice if they offered free samples? Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer with completion in late 2024.
PetSuites is “grooming” a new location on Old SR 74 next to Office Max. They are expected to open this summer.
TQL will be adding an additional 1,000 jobs at its sprawling UT campus. The new southern wing will look similar to their recently added northern wing. The project is “trucking” along. “Total Quality” will be a “Logistic” requirement.
Kroger has “crushing” plans to demolish Sears and build a new 123,722 square foot Kroger Marketplace store detached from the mall. The store will include a Starbucks, drive through pharmacy, expanded deli, expanded bakery, a Murray Cheese section, sushi, expanded adult beverage section, apparel, home goods, expanded grocery section, and a Kroger fuel center with 18 fuel pumps. The fuel will be on the recently shuttered Wendy’s side of the parking lot. The northeast side of the store will have a parking area for on-line pickup. The current Kroger store on Eastgate Boulevard will likely close in coordination with opening the new Kroger Marketplace store. All plans are currently on hold pending litigation with the owner of the Eastgate Mall.

Event Calendar

Disclaimer: All events, locations, and times are subject to change.
June 3
Union Township GOP meeting at the Civic Center at 7 PM.

June 7
UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.

June 7
The Whammies concert beginning at 7 PM at the UT Civic Center.

June 10
AMT meeting at the UT Civic Center at 6:45 PM.

June 11
Union Township Trustees meeting at the Civic Center at 6 PM.

June 14
UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.

June 14
The Kevin McCoy Band concert beginning at 7 PM at the UT Civic Center.

June 19
Clermont County GOP meeting at HQ in Batavia at 7 PM.

June 21
UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.

June 25
Union Township Trustees work session at the Civic Center at 6 PM.

June 28
UT Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center beginning at 4 PM.

June 29
Mad Cap Puppets Performance at the UT Civic Center at 10:30 AM

Video Central

Don’t Walk, RUN! EVERYTHING IS STUPID!! (18 minutes)
PragerU: Does God Exist? 4 New Arguments (5 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! JOE BIDEN VS. REALITY!! (10 minutes)
PragerU: How to Stop the Border Crisis (5 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! DENY, DENY, DENY!! (11 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! White House Economist Doesn’t Understand Economics! (9 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! “Dark Brandon” Strikes Again!! (13 minutes)
Jesse Watters: The jury gets to pick what crime Trump is guilty of? (8 minutes)

Full length movies
2,000 Mules 1h 26m
Let My People Go (2h 17m)

BeckerGOP YouTube Channel

Presentations and discussions at the Union Township Trustee meetings

Concealed Carry Part 1 – January 11, 2022 (9 minutes)
Concealed Carry Part 2 – February 8, 2022 (12 minutes)
Union Township Debt Presentation – March 8, 2022 (10 minutes) Slides
Union Township Property Tax Distributions – April 12, 2022 (7 minutes) Slides
Union Township 2021 Financials – May 10, 2022 (14 minutes) Slides
Union Township 2021 Expenses Deep Dive – June 14, 2022 (14 minutes) Slides
Union Township First Half 2022 Financials – July 12, 2022 (13 minutes) Slides
Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) – July 12, 2022 (10 minutes)
UT Concert Series – August 9, 2022 (5 minutes)
Natural Gas Aggregation Discussion – September 13, 2022 (9 minutes)
Cost of 2022 Concert Series and Fireworks – September 13, 2022 (14 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Board of Trustees Discussion (38 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Public and Board of Trustees Discussion (100 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Six Month Moratorium (12 minutes)
Board Discussion: Meeting Rules (36 minutes)

The Becker Report Video Archives

Becker – Vetted, Tested, and Proven!

“…John Becker, an ‘archconservative’ former state lawmaker from the Cincinnati area…” as described by Cleveland.com (February 2021).
“[State Rep. John Becker,] one of Ohio’s most conservative lawmakers…” proclaimed Cleveland.com (October 2020).
“Clermont County State Rep. John Becker, one of the most conservative members of the Ohio House…” according to Cleveland.com (August 2019).
Becker wins “Sponsor of Liberty” award by the Republican Liberty Caucus of Ohio (October 2018).
“Becker has a legitimate claim as the state’s most conservative legislator,” according to The [Cleveland] Plain Dealer (September 2017).
“Rep. John Becker, suburban Cincinnati Republican… [holds] the unofficial title as the General Assembly’s most conservative lawmaker,” proclaimed the Columbus Dispatch (September 2015).
Becker wins prestigious William Wilberforce Leadership Award (April 2015).
“GOP Ohio House freshman Becker is no shrinking violet,” headlined the Columbus Dispatch (December 2014).
“Becker…is arguably the most conservative member of the Ohio House,” said The Cincinnati Enquirer (January 2014).
Ranked as a top tier “most archconservative” by the Columbus Dispatch (September 2013).

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Introduction (38 seconds)	Second Amendment (36 seconds)
Taxes (49 seconds)	Energy (55 seconds)
Pro-Life (42 seconds)	Creation Science and Evolution (42 sec.)
State Government Spending (45 sec.)	State Government (37 seconds)

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Disclaimer
Nothing in this newsletter constitutes legal advice. I am not an attorney and do not play one on TV. This newsletter is not sanctioned by the GOP, ORP, or any organization, or affiliation. Much of it is simply my opinion. I am fully and solely responsible for my opinion. Although I strive for accuracy, this is not “The Gospel according to John.” Additionally, I don’t necessarily try to be “fair and balanced.” After all, I didn’t get into politics to be a news reporter. My agenda is to influence public policy consistent with Southern Ohio conservative values. For more information on my motivations or how to get involved, see: What is a Central Committee?