Ohio Senate Passes Senator Fedor’s Human Trafficking Legislation

Senate Bill 235 goes to House of Representatives

Columbus – State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) is pleased to announce that the Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 235 today. The bill, jointly sponsored by Senators Fedor and Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland), makes Human Trafficking a stand-alone felony in Ohio.

“Today’s victory is the result of five years of work,” Senator Fedor said. “In 2005, we were first awakened to the width and breadth of human trafficking in Ohio when more than 30 minors from Toledo were caught in a prostitution ring.

“For years, we as legislators have worked with key people from across the State to gather data, identify sources of the problem and to draft legislation to combat it.”

Milestones in Senator Fedor’s fight against Human Trafficking:

• During the 127th General Assembly, Senator Fedor introduced Senate Bill 205, increasing the penalty for crimes that include trafficking in persons. Senate Bill 205 was amended into House Bill 280, which was signed into law by Governor Ted Strickland in January, 2009
  
  
• The Trafficking in Persons Study Commission was created through the 2009 legislation described above.
  
  
• In November, 2010, over one hundred supporters of Senate Bill 235 gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Senator Fedor’s Human Trafficking Advocacy Day. Advocates visited the offices of Ohio Legislators urging their support for the bill.
  

In Senate session today, advocates of Senate Bill 235 wore buttons designed by Senator Fedor’s staff to show their support for the legislation.

“Freedom from slavery is a fundamental human right, recognized worldwide,” Alex Kreidenweis, Chairman of the Ohio Abolitionist Coalition, said today after session. “Unfortunately, it is a human right that is violated across the world, and Ohio is no exception. Attaining a slave-free world requires intelligent policy action like Senate Bill 235. Forty-four other states have enacted strong laws concerning human trafficking, and now Ohio has done the same.”

On January 11, 2011, Senator Teresa Fedor will hold a Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse. Details of the event will be released by her office at a later date.

“The struggle is not yet over,” Senator Fedor said. “There is much left to do in the fight against Human Trafficking.”

*Watch video of Senator Fedor speaking to SB 235 here:

http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=128202&startTime=529

Senator Cafaro Re-elected Senate Democratic Leader

Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously re-elected Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) to serve as Minority Leader for the upcoming 129th General Assembly.

“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve another term as the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Senator Cafaro. “Our state faces many challenges and I want to make sure all Ohioans have their voices heard in the next General Assembly.”

The Caucus elected Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) to serve a second term as Assistant Minority Leader. “I believe we have assembled a strong and diverse leadership team,” said Senator Smith. “We are committed to being tireless advocates for our constituents.”

Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus also chose Senator-elect Edna Brown (D-Toledo) to be Minority Whip. Senator-elect Brown has served the past nine years as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. “As the first African American Senator from Northwest Ohio I am honored to serve as Minority Whip,” said Senator-elect Brown.

Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) was also re-elected to the position of Assistant Minority Whip. “I look forward to working with our leadership team in the 129th General Assembly,” said Senator Wilson. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Senator Fedor to Host Advocacy Day to Support Human Trafficking Legislation

Columbus – State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) announced that citizens and non-profit organizations will convene at the Statehouse on November 10, 2010 to rally for Senate Bill 235, a bipartisan bill that will make human trafficking a stand-alone felony. S.B. 235 was introduced during this General Assembly by Senator Fedor and Senator Grendell (R-Chesterland). The bill is currently still in committee and it must be voted on this year or it will die at the end of December.

“Ohioans cannot allow political wrangling to stop this bill from being heard and voted on during this General Assembly,” said Senator Fedor. “Now is the time for legislators to take action to protect Ohioans from becoming victims of human trafficking.”

Advocates of human trafficking legislation are meeting on November 10 in an effort to remind their legislators of the importance of S.B. 235. Human trafficking is a rapidly growing and under-reported problem affecting both inner cities and affluent suburbs. Trafficking occurs where laws are the weakest, and Ohio’s laws will remain weak unless something is done.

November 10 also marks the first anniversary of the Dayton Human Trafficking Accords and Mark Ensalaco, a professor at the University of Dayton, will mark the anniversary by announcing the launch of the Miami Valley Rescue & Restore Coalition, a non-profit group organized to aid victims of human trafficking.

Senator Morano Announces State Grant to Help Create Jobs

Columbus – State Senator Sue Morano (D-Lorain) is pleased to announce the Ohio Controlling Board has approved an $11,000 Rapid Outreach Grant for U.S. Refractory Products of North Ridgeville. The grant will help U.S. Refractory Products finance the acquisition of new machinery and equipment which the company says will lead to the creation of 40 new full-time jobs.

“This is an example of how we can continue to create jobs with just a small investment of public resources,” said Senator Morano. “I am pleased that one of our local companies has made a commitment to grow in our community. This is another positive step for Lorain County as we continue to rebound from this global recession.”

U.S. Refractory Products designs and manufactures heat resistant products used in the steel making and metals industries.

The Ohio Controlling Board provides legislative oversight over certain capital and operating expenditures by state agencies and has approval authority over various other state fiscal activities.

Senator Nina Turner's October E-Newsletter

e News Oct2010

Senator Turner Encourages More Review of Foreclosure Procedures

Columbus – State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) today called for closer scrutiny of the foreclosure actions of JP Morgan Chase, GMAC Mortgage and other large loan servicers. Senator Turner outlined her concerns in a letter to Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

“I applaud Attorney General Corday for encouraging state courts to carefully review all foreclosure filings made by GMAC Mortgage after recent reports of questionable affidavit procedures,” said Senator Turner. “I have asked the Attorney General to expand his request to include JP Morgan Chase because of similar questionable procedures.”

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that employees of GMAC and JP Morgan Chase may have signed foreclosure affidavits without personally verifying the files as required by law. As a result, the lenders have temporarily suspended many foreclosure proceedings.

“We must do all we can to ensure that Ohio’s homeowners are treated fairly and that our state’s laws are being respected,” said Senator Turner.

Senator Turner also called on state legislators to pass foreclosure legislation when they return to Columbus this fall. “Keeping families in their homes is not only in the best interest of homeowners, but also government, mortgage providers and society at large,” said Senator Turner.

So far, the Ohio Senate has failed to pass a foreclosure bill in the 128th General Assembly. Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Dale Miller (D-Cleveland), and two foreclosure bills (HB 3 and HB 9) passed by the House of Representatives have yet to be voted on by the Senate.

Senator Kearney Spends a Night Under the Stars for Early Voting

CINCINNATI - Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) camped outside the Hamilton County Board of Elections last night, September 27, to raise awareness of early voting.

Early voting began today, Tuesday September 28, 2010 at 8:00AM and will continue until Monday November 1, 2010 at 4:00PM when the Board of Elections closes. More information about early voting dates and times in Hamilton County can be found on the website at http://www.hamilton-co.org/boe/. In-person early voting is done at the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

“Early and absentee voting can decrease the wait time often associated with the lines on election day,” Senator Kearney said. “It is more convenient and can be especially beneficial to voters who attend school outside of their district, work during the day, or are immobilized.”

Voters must apply in writing for mail-in absentee ballots. Requests should be sent to the board of elections of the county in which the voter resides no later than noon on October 30, 2010. Full early and absentee voting guidelines and regulations for Ohio voters may be found under “Voter Services” on Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner’s website: www.sos.state.oh.us.

Senator Kearney spent the night in his orange and tan/gray Coleman tent at the Hamilton County Board of Elections on Broadway Street in Cincinnati.

“My tent is new, but my sleeping bag is about 30 years old. But I’ll still be there all through the night and into the morning!” Senator Kearney said before his camp-out.

Senator Eric H. Kearney represents parts of Cincinnati, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, North Bend and Addyston.

Press from the event:
http://www.wlwt.com/politics/25187477/detail.html
http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=13228447
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/politics/2010/09/28/whos-voting-early/

Senator Joe Schiavoni - September 2010 E-Newsletter

State Senator Joe Schiavoni's September 2010 E-Newsletter is now available.
To download, a free copy of Adobe Reader is required. Click here to get Adobe Reader.

September 2010

Senators Capri S. Cafaro and Dale Miller presented with Home Care and Hospice Hero awards

The Home Care and Hospice Hero Award was established by the Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice to recognize government officials who work to help Ohioans of all ages receive much needed care in their homes.

Senator Morano Named a Hero to Ohio’s Home Care Community

Columbus – The Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice (OCHCH) will present State Senator Sue Morano (D-Lorain) with a Home Care and Hospice Hero Award today for her service to Ohio’s home care and hospice community. The award will be given this evening during the Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice legislative reception in the downtown Hyatt Regency Fairfield Room.

“It is an honor to be recognized by such a dedicated group of practitioners,” Senator Morano said. “As I receive this award, I want to say the true heroes are those in the field who commit themselves everyday to improving the health and well being of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The Home Care and Hospice Hero Award was established by OCHCH to recognize government officials who work to help Ohioans of all ages receive much needed care in their homes.

Late last year, Governor Ted Strickland signed Senator Sue Morano’s bill (SB 89), addressing a critical shortage of nursing educators in Ohio. In addition to her duties as a State Senator, Sue Morano is also a Registered Nurse who works 3 nights a month in the Intensive Care Unit at Community Health Partners Hospital in Lorain.

The Annual Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice Conference will be held this evening, September 14, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the Hyatt Regency Fairfield Room (350 North High Street, Columbus). OCHCH has arranged for photo opportunities at the event.

Senator Turner Introduces Legislation to Repeal Ohio's Statute of Limitations for Rape

Columbus – State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) has introduced Senate Bill 300 to repeal Ohio’s statute of limitations for the crime of rape. Current state law limits prosecution to 20 years after the crime occurs.

“Because of the heinous nature of this crime we should take every step possible to ensure that rapists are brought to justice,” said Senator Turner. “My legislation will allow the process of investigation and prosecution to move forward once all the facts are found, regardless of when that may be.”

According to Human Rights Watch, rape has the lowest prosecution rate of all violent crimes in the United States. “Unfortunately too many criminals are falling through the cracks,” said Senator Turner. “We must give investigators additional time so more rapists are successfully prosecuted.”

Senator Turner’s legislation builds upon the passage of Senate Bill 77 which extends the period of time the state must keep DNA evidence for several felony crimes. Specifically, SB 77 requires that biological evidence from rape investigations be kept for 30 years.

Senator Kearney's Legislation will Protect Victims of Sex Offenders

CINCINNATI – Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) introduced Senate Bill 299 preventing incarcerated sex offenders from possessing photographs of their victims.

Senate Bill 299 came about at the request of a constituent who was concerned that the incarcerated attacker of her daughter was in possession of photographs of his victim and there was nothing in the law to prevent him from having such items. Currently the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction will only confiscate such photos at the request of the victim or their family.

“Requiring the victim to have knowledge of their attacker possessing photographs is grossly onerous and should not be required for the materials removal,” said Senator Kearny. “When this situation was brought to my attention I could hardly believe it was possible. We need to take action immediately to change the law and prevent these kind of atrocities from happening.”

In addition to prohibiting possession of victim photographs in cases where the offender’s crime involved a child, possession of photographs of minors will also be prohibited. Under Senate Bill 299, possession of such prohibited items will considered an act of aggravated menacing and punishable as a felony.

“I think most people would be very surprised to learn this is allowed under Ohio law, I know I was. But that shouldn’t prevent us from addressing it now” said Senator Kearney. “To provide victims closure and a sense of justice we must ensure these perpetrators are paying for their crime.”


Senator Eric H. Kearney represents parts of Cincinnati, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, North Bend and Addyston.

Mahoning Valley’s future looks brighter with launch of Chevrolet Cruze

Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) released the following statement today after the official launch of the Chevrolet Cruze at GM’s Lordstown Assembly Plant:

“I want to congratulate everyone involved in helping launch the Chevrolet Cruze. This outstanding car is poised to be a market leader among small fuel efficient vehicles thanks to a dynamic partnership between General Motors and the United Auto Workers. I am pleased that GM recognizes the quality of our local workforce and has made this commitment to Lordstown.

“The launch of the Cruze, combined with Eastern Gateway Community College and the Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center coming to downtown Warren, shows we are continuing to make progress toward a stronger local economy.”

Senator Nina Turner - September 2010 E-Newsletter

State Senator Nina Turner's September E-Newsletter is now available online.

To download, Adobe Reader is required. To download a free copy, visit:
http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Senator Nina Turner - ENewsletter September 2010

Kearney Tax Credit Adds Value to Neighborhoods

Kearney Sponsors 25% Tax Credit for Historic Home Renovations

Difficult economic times have encouraged Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) to introduce legislation providing a 25% tax credit for the renovation of homes built before 1950 in low income neighborhoods. The ongoing recession has homeowners struggling to not only pay their mortgage but to maintain the value of their homes with updates. Kearney hopes to spur development in areas of Cincinnati like the West End, Over-the-Rhine, Lower Price Hill, the East End, Riverside, and Prospect Hill.

“Both the property and the greater community benefit from home renovations,” Senator Kearney said. When homeowners invest in their properties the monetary value of the neighborhood increases along with its reputation.”

The legislation gives the Ohio Department of Taxation authority to administer a certificate for a 25% non-refundable tax credit not to exceed $30,000 per credit for home renovations. Only 5,000 certificates can be dispensed every year, and the credit may only be claimed for the taxable year specified in the certificate.

The taxpayer benefits too because they may also carry forward any balance of the credit in excess of the amount claimed for that year for up to five years, and must deduct any amount claimed for any such year from the amount claimed in an ensuing year.

Senator Kearney said today, “This legislation is drafted with the intent of addressing a need to rehabilitate and beautify owner-occupied homes built before 1950 in low-income census tracts. Providing incentives to home owners to invest in lower-income neighborhoods will add value to Ohio’s communities.”

Senator Kearney represents Cincinnati, Norwood, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, Golf Manor, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cheviot, Addyston, North Bend, Columbia Township and Cleves.