Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Senator Schiavoni Debunks Collective Bargaining Memo
Columbus – As the ranking Democrat on the Insurance, Commerce & Labor Committee, State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) is urging Ohioans to take a closer look at the so-called Senate Bill 5 savings memo released by the Office of Collective Bargaining and the Department of Administrative Services.
“The memo fails to calculate the real-life impact that SB 5 will have on Ohio families,” said Senator Schiavoni. “The memo does not take into account the money that this bill takes away from our public employees. The less money they have to take home, the less they have to spend in our local economies.”
The memo claims that the state would have saved more than $75 million in 2010 by eliminating Step Increases for state workers. The memo neglects to point out that in the biennial budget (HB1) there was a step freeze that already saved the state this money. Through the existing collective bargaining process, public employees have already made this concession.
The memo also suggests that state employees increase health insurance premiums to 20% potentially saving the state more than $25 million. The amended bill reduces employee premiums to 15% and eliminates these potential savings.
A Legislative Service Commission fiscal analysis on SB 5 concluded that there was not enough information available to provide accurate savings amounts. This critical piece of information was omitted from the original DAS Memo. Instead, DAS tried to calculate local government cost savings.
“I was especially disappointed that DAS never came before our committee to defend their questionable conclusions,” said Schiavoni. “DAS speculates local government savings even though local government employees do not always receive step movements or longevity pay. It is nearly impossible to calculate any local savings under SB5.”
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Polls Show Strong Support for Collective Bargaining Rights
Columbus – Yet another national poll today shows that Americans do not support partisan legislation such as Senate Bill 5 that would take collective bargaining rights away from police officers, firefighters, teachers and other public employees. According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, 62% oppose efforts to strip government workers of their rights to collectively bargain.
“The public sees Senate Bill 5 for what it really is—a highly political assault on the rights of middle class workers,” said Senator Cafaro. “I am grateful that six republicans in the Ohio Senate joined with Senate Democrats in opposing this deeply flawed legislation. If it wasn’t for last minute chicanery, the bill would not have even reached the floor of the Senate for a vote.”
The Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll also points out that 77% percent of Americans believe public employees should have the same rights to negotiate over health care, pensions and other benefits as workers in the private sector.
“Senate Bill 5 would turn our public employees into second class citizens,” said Senator Cafaro. “The sad truth is this legislation would leave public employees with fewer rights to negotiate on issues such as safety equipment than their counterparts in the private sector.”
The findings of the Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey are backed up by other recent public opinion polls. A USA Today/Gallup poll puts support for public employee collective bargaining rights at 61% and a New York Times/CBS News poll has the number at 60%.
“The public sees Senate Bill 5 for what it really is—a highly political assault on the rights of middle class workers,” said Senator Cafaro. “I am grateful that six republicans in the Ohio Senate joined with Senate Democrats in opposing this deeply flawed legislation. If it wasn’t for last minute chicanery, the bill would not have even reached the floor of the Senate for a vote.”
The Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll also points out that 77% percent of Americans believe public employees should have the same rights to negotiate over health care, pensions and other benefits as workers in the private sector.
“Senate Bill 5 would turn our public employees into second class citizens,” said Senator Cafaro. “The sad truth is this legislation would leave public employees with fewer rights to negotiate on issues such as safety equipment than their counterparts in the private sector.”
The findings of the Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey are backed up by other recent public opinion polls. A USA Today/Gallup poll puts support for public employee collective bargaining rights at 61% and a New York Times/CBS News poll has the number at 60%.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Video of Senate Bill 5 Protest 3/1/2011
Approximately 15,000 people took part in a worker's rally at the Ohio Statehouse to protest Senate Bill 5. The legislation would take away collective bargaining rights for public employees and is a direct assault on Ohio's middle class.
Senate Democrats Still Oppose Amended Senate Bill 5
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) said today that a new version of Senate Bill 5 is a bad idea that has only gotten worse. The Senate majority presented a substitute bill in the Insurance, Commerce and Labor committee that would still take away the collective bargaining rights of public employees.
“The amended bill still strips public employees of any means to effectively bargain and would put them in jail if they strike,” said Senator Cafaro. “Senate Bill 5 turns collective bargaining into a one-sided conversation where management always gets the last word.”
Even though the committee hearing was delayed until the afternoon, Senate Republicans did not provide Democrats with a summary of the amended bill until the hearing began.
“Senate Republicans gave us a 99 page document one minute before the hearing and expected us to ask questions about it,” said Senator Schiavoni, the ranking member on the committee. “That’s ridiculous. But, that’s what they did with the original bill. Polls show the public doesn’t want to strip public employees of their right to collectively bargain. We are wasting time on this bill when we should be working to create jobs.”
Today’s committee hearing took place against the backdrop of a “Rally to Save Ohio’s Middle Class.” An estimated 15,000 Ohioans showed up at the Ohio Statehouse to protest against ending public employees’ right to collective bargaining.
Senate Democrats have requested the opportunity for more witnesses to testify on the amended bill. However, the chairman has not announced if additional testimony will be allowed when hearings resume Wednesday morning.
“The amended bill still strips public employees of any means to effectively bargain and would put them in jail if they strike,” said Senator Cafaro. “Senate Bill 5 turns collective bargaining into a one-sided conversation where management always gets the last word.”
Even though the committee hearing was delayed until the afternoon, Senate Republicans did not provide Democrats with a summary of the amended bill until the hearing began.
“Senate Republicans gave us a 99 page document one minute before the hearing and expected us to ask questions about it,” said Senator Schiavoni, the ranking member on the committee. “That’s ridiculous. But, that’s what they did with the original bill. Polls show the public doesn’t want to strip public employees of their right to collectively bargain. We are wasting time on this bill when we should be working to create jobs.”
Today’s committee hearing took place against the backdrop of a “Rally to Save Ohio’s Middle Class.” An estimated 15,000 Ohioans showed up at the Ohio Statehouse to protest against ending public employees’ right to collective bargaining.
Senate Democrats have requested the opportunity for more witnesses to testify on the amended bill. However, the chairman has not announced if additional testimony will be allowed when hearings resume Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Senate Democrats Offer Amendments to Correct Flaws in JobsOhio
Columbus – Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) announced today that Senate Democrats have proposed nearly 40 amendments to fix flaws in Governor Kasich’s JobsOhio plan. The amendments focus on protecting tax dollars, improving transparency and accountability and raising ethical standards for JobsOhio.
“Through hearings in the House and the Senate, it has become clear that the current JobsOhio plan lacks the necessary transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers’ money,” said Senator Skindell, the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Senate Democrats listened to the concerns of the Ohio Ethics Commission and that’s why we’re calling for higher ethical standards for board members and other employees of JobsOhio.”
Senate Democrats have proposed that Ohio’s Ethics laws apply to JobsOhio, just as they do for other state agencies and departments. Other amendments submitted to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee today include the following:
• More legislative oversight: Appointments to JobsOhio’s Board of Directors would need “advice and consent” from the Senate.
• More public input and scrutiny: JobsOhio would be required to establish a records retention policy and provide time for public comment during board meetings.
• Greater transparency: Businesses would be required to disclose money they contribute to JobsOhio.
“Senate Democrats strongly support efforts to create jobs in Ohio, but it must be done correctly,” said Senator Skindell. “As state legislators it is our responsibility to make sure JobsOhio has adequate safeguards in place at the beginning, not six months from now and not sometime in the future after tax money has been misspent because of insufficient oversight.”
“Through hearings in the House and the Senate, it has become clear that the current JobsOhio plan lacks the necessary transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers’ money,” said Senator Skindell, the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Senate Democrats listened to the concerns of the Ohio Ethics Commission and that’s why we’re calling for higher ethical standards for board members and other employees of JobsOhio.”
Senate Democrats have proposed that Ohio’s Ethics laws apply to JobsOhio, just as they do for other state agencies and departments. Other amendments submitted to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee today include the following:
• More legislative oversight: Appointments to JobsOhio’s Board of Directors would need “advice and consent” from the Senate.
• More public input and scrutiny: JobsOhio would be required to establish a records retention policy and provide time for public comment during board meetings.
• Greater transparency: Businesses would be required to disclose money they contribute to JobsOhio.
“Senate Democrats strongly support efforts to create jobs in Ohio, but it must be done correctly,” said Senator Skindell. “As state legislators it is our responsibility to make sure JobsOhio has adequate safeguards in place at the beginning, not six months from now and not sometime in the future after tax money has been misspent because of insufficient oversight.”
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Senate Bill 5 Attacks Working Families
Columbus – State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) called today’s introduction of Senate Bill 5 an attack on working families. The legislation eliminates collective bargaining for state employees and binding arbitration for local police and firefighters. Senator Schiavoni, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee, issued the following statement:
“Senate Bill 5 is an attack on hard working Ohioans from every corner of the state. This bill will likely lead to lower wages and benefits for police officers, firefighters and other public employees who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.
“State employees have already accepted unpaid furloughs, wage freezes and pay cuts to balance the current state budget. The most recent concessions saved the state $250 million, plus an additional $100 million will be cut from health care benefits.
“The Republican sponsor of the bill claims eliminating collective bargaining rights and binding arbitration would bring more “transparency” to public employee contracts. But, what the legislation really does is give employers the power to impose whatever settlements they wish without regard to fairness and the impact on working families.”
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Senate Democrats Announce Legislative Priorities for 129th General Assembly
Columbus – Members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced their first legislation of the 129th General Assembly that covers a broad range of issues important to Ohioans. The bills address economic and workforce development, support for working families, government efficiency and accountability, as well as consumer protections.
“Our top priority is doing all we can to create jobs and promote economic development,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “At the same time we want to support and protect Ohio’s families and maintain government accountability that ensures taxpayer’s money is well spent. We will introduce additional legislation in the coming weeks that further illustrate our commitment to building a stronger Ohio.
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced six bills today that address the following priorities for the 129th General Assembly:
Economic & Workforce Development
The top priority for the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus is to help jumpstart Ohio’s economy. As a result, the Caucus will push for legislation that will help small businesses flourish and get more people back to work.
• Sen. Eric Kearney (SB 12) Small Business Set Asides: Requires the Department of Administrative Services and other state agencies to set aside approximately 20% of their purchases for which only small business enterprises may compete.
• Sen. Jason Wilson (SB 16) Agriculture Estate Tax: Eliminates the estate tax for Farm Preservation Lands. Under current law family farms often have to sell land to pay estate taxes which makes it difficult to continue operation.
Supporting Working Families
Hardworking families around the State of Ohio continue to struggle through this lingering recession. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will be introducing measures that aim to ease the burden on these working families.
• Sen. Joe Schiavoni (SB 13) Unemployment Modernization Act: Would prevent denial of unemployment benefits to Individuals with compelling family circumstances and extend benefits for unemployed workers in qualified job training programs. Implementing these changes will qualify Ohio for part of $7 billion made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Government Efficiency & Accountability
Citizens expect their government to run as efficiently as possible and be accountable to the people it serves. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus continually seeks ways to make government work better and will pursue legislation to enact practical improvements.
• Sen. Capri Cafaro (SB 11) Regulatory Reform: This legislation builds on Governor Strickland’s Executive Order (2008-04S) by requiring state agencies to craft better methods for appropriately regulating entities that conduct business in the State. The bill also creates an e-notification system and an Ohio Small Business Panel to ensure that businesses are treated as partners in identifying and achieving regulatory goals.
• Sen. Nina Turner (SB 15) Dropout Prevention: To require the State Board of Education to recommend standards for dropout programs operated by school districts.
Consumer Protections
As Ohio continues down the road to economic recovery, we must not forget the unscrupulous and short-sighted business practices that contributed to severe financial hardship for many families. The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to legislation that will protect consumers from such practices in the future.
• Sen. Michael Skindell (SB 14) Foreclosure-Mortgage Servicers: The bill takes a common sense approach to the mortgage crisis in Ohio by modifying court procedures and requirements for residential mortgage foreclosure actions. It also requires mortgage servicers to register with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of the Department of Commerce, undergo civil and criminal background checks, to maintain standards of operation, and to provide notice and information to property owners.
“Our top priority is doing all we can to create jobs and promote economic development,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “At the same time we want to support and protect Ohio’s families and maintain government accountability that ensures taxpayer’s money is well spent. We will introduce additional legislation in the coming weeks that further illustrate our commitment to building a stronger Ohio.
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced six bills today that address the following priorities for the 129th General Assembly:
Economic & Workforce Development
The top priority for the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus is to help jumpstart Ohio’s economy. As a result, the Caucus will push for legislation that will help small businesses flourish and get more people back to work.
• Sen. Eric Kearney (SB 12) Small Business Set Asides: Requires the Department of Administrative Services and other state agencies to set aside approximately 20% of their purchases for which only small business enterprises may compete.
• Sen. Jason Wilson (SB 16) Agriculture Estate Tax: Eliminates the estate tax for Farm Preservation Lands. Under current law family farms often have to sell land to pay estate taxes which makes it difficult to continue operation.
Supporting Working Families
Hardworking families around the State of Ohio continue to struggle through this lingering recession. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will be introducing measures that aim to ease the burden on these working families.
• Sen. Joe Schiavoni (SB 13) Unemployment Modernization Act: Would prevent denial of unemployment benefits to Individuals with compelling family circumstances and extend benefits for unemployed workers in qualified job training programs. Implementing these changes will qualify Ohio for part of $7 billion made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Government Efficiency & Accountability
Citizens expect their government to run as efficiently as possible and be accountable to the people it serves. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus continually seeks ways to make government work better and will pursue legislation to enact practical improvements.
• Sen. Capri Cafaro (SB 11) Regulatory Reform: This legislation builds on Governor Strickland’s Executive Order (2008-04S) by requiring state agencies to craft better methods for appropriately regulating entities that conduct business in the State. The bill also creates an e-notification system and an Ohio Small Business Panel to ensure that businesses are treated as partners in identifying and achieving regulatory goals.
• Sen. Nina Turner (SB 15) Dropout Prevention: To require the State Board of Education to recommend standards for dropout programs operated by school districts.
Consumer Protections
As Ohio continues down the road to economic recovery, we must not forget the unscrupulous and short-sighted business practices that contributed to severe financial hardship for many families. The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to legislation that will protect consumers from such practices in the future.
• Sen. Michael Skindell (SB 14) Foreclosure-Mortgage Servicers: The bill takes a common sense approach to the mortgage crisis in Ohio by modifying court procedures and requirements for residential mortgage foreclosure actions. It also requires mortgage servicers to register with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of the Department of Commerce, undergo civil and criminal background checks, to maintain standards of operation, and to provide notice and information to property owners.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Senator Skindell Earns Key Committee Assignments
Columbus – This week State Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) was appointed to several key committees by Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro, including being named as Ranking Member on the important Senate Finance Committee.
"I am truly honored by this appointment and grateful for the confidence Senator Cafaro and my Democratic colleagues have placed in me," Senator Skindell said.
In addition, Senator Skindell will serve on the Financial Institutions, Judiciary-Civil, and Ways and Means Committees.
Senator Skindell previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010. In the House, he spent six years on the House Finance Committee and three of those years as the Ranking Member.
“Senator Skindell brings a tremendous amount of expertise to these committees. Considering the budgetary challenges the State of Ohio faces, we are fortunate to have his experience serving us on the Finance Committee,” stated Leader Cafaro.
The Senate Finance Committee will play a major role in determining the State of Ohio’s biennial budget, including filling a projected $8 billion deficit.
Senator Sawyer Named Ranking Member of Education Committee
Columbus- State Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) is pleased to announce that he has received his committee assignments for the 129th General Assembly, including his appointment as the Ranking Member of the Education Committee.
A former educator, Ohio State Board of Education member, and member of the Education Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Sawyer brings over 40 years of experience to the Senate Education Committee.
In addition, Senator Sawyer will return to the Energy and Public Utilities Committee and Finance Committee. He is newly appointed to the Insurance, Labor and Commerce Committee, and also was named to the State of Ohio Controlling Board and the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.
Upon hearing of his appointments, Senator Sawyer said, “I am looking forward to continuing my work on the Education Committee, Energy and Public Utilities Committee, and the Finance Committee; and I am very excited to begin work on the Insurance, Labor and Commerce Committee.”
Senator Brown Announces Committee Assignments
Columbus – Committee assignments were released today for the Ohio Senate. State Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo) received six total assignments, including being selected for the position of Ranking Minority Member of the Health, Human Services & Aging Committee.
“It is an honor to continue the work that I’ve previously done in the area of human services, and I’m happy to serve as the Ranking Member for the committee.” Senator Brown said. “Serving on six committees is a heavy workload, and I look forward to the challenges it may present.”
Senator Brown’s full committee list is as follows:
· Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources
· Financial Institutions
· Health, Human Services & Aging (Ranking Member)
· Insurance, Commerce & Labor
· Rules & Reference
· State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs
In the 128th General Assembly, when Senator Brown was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, she served as the Chair for the Health & Human Services Subcommittee of the Finance & Appropriations Committee.
Committees are expected to begin meeting next week.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Rejection of Strickland Appointments is Unconstitutional
Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus filed a formal protest today after the Senate’s unconstitutional rejection of Governor Ted Strickland’s appointments to various boards and commissions. The appointments included highly qualified Ohioans of both political parties who were appointed to serve on the State Board of Education and the Ohio Lottery Commission.
“This is another disappointing example of partisan politics in the Ohio Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “Many of the appointees have already proven themselves to be outstanding public servants. It’s a shame they will not be able to continue their service to this state.”
Former Governor Strickland made the 14 appointments after the Senate majority took the unprecedented action of rejecting 78 appointees in December without regard to qualifications or experience. Three of the latest appointees—Robert Boggs, Rhine McLin and Kimberly Zurz—have previously served with distinction in the Ohio Senate as well as other positions in state and local government.
“It is time for the Senate to re-examine the confirmation process so all appointees are treated fairly,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “What the Senate did today was tell Ohioans they need not apply for public service if they are appointed by a governor affiliated with the wrong political party.”
Governor Strickland submitted the 14 appointments on December 21, 2010, which is one day before the final ten days of the 128th General Assembly (which is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not just the Senate.) Because the Senate failed to act on the appointments in a timely manner, today’s vote to reject the appointments is unconstitutional. The protest by the Senate Democratic Caucus makes the following point:
“We believe that pursuant to Article III, Section 21 of the Ohio Constitution, that the Senate has already consented to the confirmations of the 14 appointees to various boards and commissions by failing to act before the 128th General Assembly adjourned sine die.”
“Today’s vote by the Senate majority raises serious constitutional questions,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “I am also concerned that outstanding people were rejected without the opportunity to properly evaluate their qualifications.”
The Senate Democratic Caucus’ protest will become part of the official Senate Journal.
“This is another disappointing example of partisan politics in the Ohio Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “Many of the appointees have already proven themselves to be outstanding public servants. It’s a shame they will not be able to continue their service to this state.”
Former Governor Strickland made the 14 appointments after the Senate majority took the unprecedented action of rejecting 78 appointees in December without regard to qualifications or experience. Three of the latest appointees—Robert Boggs, Rhine McLin and Kimberly Zurz—have previously served with distinction in the Ohio Senate as well as other positions in state and local government.
“It is time for the Senate to re-examine the confirmation process so all appointees are treated fairly,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “What the Senate did today was tell Ohioans they need not apply for public service if they are appointed by a governor affiliated with the wrong political party.”
Governor Strickland submitted the 14 appointments on December 21, 2010, which is one day before the final ten days of the 128th General Assembly (which is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not just the Senate.) Because the Senate failed to act on the appointments in a timely manner, today’s vote to reject the appointments is unconstitutional. The protest by the Senate Democratic Caucus makes the following point:
“We believe that pursuant to Article III, Section 21 of the Ohio Constitution, that the Senate has already consented to the confirmations of the 14 appointees to various boards and commissions by failing to act before the 128th General Assembly adjourned sine die.”
“Today’s vote by the Senate majority raises serious constitutional questions,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “I am also concerned that outstanding people were rejected without the opportunity to properly evaluate their qualifications.”
The Senate Democratic Caucus’ protest will become part of the official Senate Journal.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Senator Cafaro Comments on Opening of 129th General Assembly
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro issued the following statement after the opening day of the 129th General Assembly, during which she was re-elected Minority Leader:
“I look forward to working with President Tom Niehaus and my colleagues in the Ohio Senate as we tackle the challenges facing our great state over the next two years. I am also honored to continue serving as Minority Leader in the 129th General Assembly.
“This General Assembly faces many challenges, not the least of which is balancing our next budget. But, I believe adversity leads to opportunity. Because of the size of the challenge before us, we must as Abraham Lincoln said “think anew and act anew.” Working together we have the opportunity to address long-standing issues that have been left unresolved by previous General Assemblies.
“Three and a half million Ohioans live in districts represented by Senate Democrats. My Caucus is honored to have the privilege and the responsibility to make sure their voices are heard in this chamber. While we are not the majority party, we are equally committed to representing our constituents. We will not hesitate in standing up for our principles and doing what is best for the people of Ohio.”
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