Monday, February 27, 2012

Senator Cafaro Issues Statement on Incident at Chardon High School

Columbus – State Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today in response to the shooting at Chardon High School:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the violent events that have occurred this morning at Chardon High School. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the entire Chardon-area community as they work through this difficult time. I have no doubt that through faith and family, the community will come together and find the strength to support and help one another through this heartbreaking situation. I will be working along side Senator Eklund, and make myself and my office available to help in anyway possible."

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Senator Kearney on Ohio in Focus

Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) talks about his new role as Minority Leader on Ohio in Focus.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Senator Cafaro Appointed to the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission


Columbus – State Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today after being appointed to the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, as created in Ohio House Bill 188 of the 129th Ohio General Assembly:

“I am proud to announce my appointment to such an important legislative commission as I hold such reverence for the Ohio Constitution as a governing document in this great state. I look forward to serious dialogue regarding the Ohio Constitution as it stands today and hearing public input from across the state. I encourage my constituents to reach out to our office if they have any suggestions or concerns regarding changes to this fundamental document.”

The Commission is comprised of a total of 32 members, 12 from within the Ohio General Assembly and 20 appointed from the general public. These members are tasked with making recommendations for changes to the Ohio Constitution, as well as with making recommendations as to organizing a state constitutional convention. The Commission is required to make its first report to the Ohio General Assembly no later than January 1, 2013 and requires biennial reports thereafter as well as completion of all work by July 1, 2021. The last time a study of the Ohio Constitution of this size was conducted was during the Ohio Constitutional Revision Commission in 1970.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Senate Democrats Welcome Vice Prime Minister of Israel to Statehouse


Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney and the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus today welcomed Silvan Shalom, the Vice Prime Minister of Israel, to the Ohio Statehouse. During his visit, Mr. Shalom spoke to a special joint session of the General Assembly.

“We are honored to have such a high ranking member of the Israeli government speak to the General Assembly,” said Senator Kearney. “I value the enduring friendship between Israel and the United States. Our two great countries have many things in common including a strong commitment to democracy.”

Mr. Shalom has served as Israel’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development since March 2009. He has also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance in previous Israeli governments.

Senator Turner and Rep. Antonio talk about the CARE Act on Ohio in Focus

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Senator Kearney Issues Statement on Proposed Repeal of HB 194


Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today in response to an announcement by Senate Republicans that they have introduced legislation to repeal HB 194, the controversial voter suppression bill:

“More than 300,000 people signed petitions calling for a referendum on House bill 194 to give Ohioans the chance to speak through the ballot box. We think the referendum process is a fundamental right in Ohio’s constitution and should not be circumvented.

“Senate Democrats are diametrically opposed to any form of voter suppression and we will fight to ensure all Ohioans have the right to vote. Clearly, HB 194 was an example of voter suppression.

“Let’s not forget Republicans in the General Assembly passed this voter suppression bill despite strong objections from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Now that HB 194 is subject to referendum, and likely to be overturned by voters in November, they suddenly have had a change of heart.

“If Senate Republicans are sincere about reaching bipartisan consensus, they should postpone any further discussion of changing Ohio’s voting laws until the next General Assembly. We must respect the referendum process and the right of Ohioans to have the final say on controversial legislation.”

Senators Kearney and Turner Talk About Forward Ohio on Ohio in Focus



Senate Minority Leader Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati) and Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) appear on Ohio In Focus to talk about Forward Ohio. Their legislation is designed to improve Ohio's economy with a bipartisan approach to helping create jobs. The Legislative Service Commission estimates Forward Ohio will create 16,000 jobs.

The Caucus


Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney - Cincinnati - 9th District
Assistant Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni - Canfield - 33rd District
Minority Whip Nina Turner - Cleveland - 25th District
Assistant Minority Whip Edna Brown - Toledo - 11th District
Senator Tom Sawyer - Akron - 28th District
Senator Charleta B. Tavares - Columbus - 15th District
Senator Shirley Smith - Cleveland - 21st District
Senator Michael J. Skindell - Cleveland - 23rd District
Senator Lou Gentile - Steubenville - 30th District
Senator Capri S. Cafaro - Hubbard - 32nd District

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