A new law, Amended Substitute Senate Bill 84, establishes the position of Ohio Poet Laureate, making the state the forty-fifth with an official state poet.
Signed by Governor John Kasich on December 19, 2014, the law (Ohio Revised Code, Sec. 3379.12) stipulates that selection of the state poet is to be made by the governor from a slate of at least three candidates recommended by the Ohio Arts Council. The council, tasked with establishing qualifications for the position, as well as guidelines for the nomination and selection process, is to submit its recommendations to the governor at least 90 days before the position's term begins.
Each appointment is for two years. The term of the state's first Poet Laureate is to begin on January 1, 2016.
The governor has discretion to reappoint the incumbent to a subsequent term or terms.
If an incumbent dies, resigns, or otherwise vacates or is unable to complete the term of office, the governor may, at the art council's recommendation, appoint another individual to fulfill the unexpired portion. The council has 60 days from the time a vacancy occurs to make its recommendation.
No provision is made for a monetary stipend to support the Poet Laureate's work.
No provision is made for a monetary stipend to support the Poet Laureate's work.
The law is effective 90 days after being signed.
Note: A Monday Muse profile of the inaugural Poet Laureate will be posted following the individual's appointment.
Resources
"Ohio to Get Poet Laureate Under Bill Kasich Signed", 21 News Now, December 21, 2014
"Kasich Signs 40 Bills", Governor's Office, December 19, 2014
Bill Summary at LegiScan
"Kasich Signs 40 Bills", Governor's Office, December 19, 2014
Bill Summary at LegiScan
Kristen Mitchell, "Bill Would Give Ohio Its Own Poet Laureate", The Columbus Dispatch, August 4, 2014
Ohio Poetry Association on FaceBook
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2 comments:
Lovely to hear you have a state poet laureate. We have one for the country -UK - first time a woman has been nominated - Carol Ann Duffy.
Carole Anne, thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
I have read Duffy's work.
My state is Virginia, and our PL is Ron Smith. You may use the search box on the main page to find profiles of other states' PLs. The U.S. Poet Laureate is Charles Wright (I don't write profiles of the national figures).
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