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

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.

New Leadership Team Announced

Columbus – Senator Cafaro announced Tuesday at a Statehouse press conference that she has asked Senator Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati) to assume the role of Minority Leader. Cafaro, who has served as the Democratic Senate leader since 2009, cited unanticipated political responsibilities for a legislative leader in a presidential election year. She voiced her added concern that such political activities could possibly take her focus away from her district, where hands-on advocacy is needed on emerging issues like oil and gas.

“I have always given 110% to the people I work for in the 32nd District, and that is not about to change now,” said Senator Cafaro. “However, I wanted to make sure that the Democratic caucus would be guided by someone with the experience, temperament and relationships to lead during a presidential election cycle.”

Senator Cafaro is the longest serving Senate Minority Leader since former Senator Ben Espy, who served in the 1990s. During her tenure, Senate Democrats passed more bills than any other Democratic caucus since 2000.

“I know that I have made the right choice for our caucus by asking Senator Kearney to serve as our leader,” said Senator Cafaro. “I have given him my full support to lead the Senate Democrats going forward.”

Senator Kearney says he’s humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Senate Democratic Caucus.

“I extend my gratitude to Senator Capri Cafaro for her dedicated leadership to Senate Minority Caucus,” said Senator Kearney. “Going forward I hope to lead the Democratic Caucus with a business-like approach emphasizing teamwork, unity, accountability and discipline.”

Senator Kearney has represented the 9th Senate District since December of 2005, making him the senior member of the caucus. During his time in the General Assembly, Senator Kearney has championed the issues of small business development, child safety, healthy choices and crime prevention. He has served as the Ranking Minority of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Financial Institutions Committee.

The Senate Democratic Caucus also announced that Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) has been selected to serve as Assistant Minority Leader, Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) as Minority Whip and Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo) as Assistant Minority Whip.

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Senator Turner Introduces Sexual Assault Legislation

Columbus –State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), today introduced Senate Bill 283, the Compassionate Assistance for Rape (CARE) Act. The legislation would help to ensure that sexual assault survivors are offered medical treatment following an assault.

“It is absolutely imperative that victims of sexual assault are provided with the full array of treatment information and options when they seek medical assistance,” said Senator Turner. “This legislation will make sure they receive the level of care that they deserve.”

The CARE Act would require that all hospital emergency rooms provide sexual assault survivors with treatment that can prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections if the survivor wishes to take them. The bill would not require assault survivors to submit to any treatment, but would only require hospitals to let them know what options are available and provide them if desired.

“These measures will guarantee equal access to care for victims across the state, regardless of the beliefs of the institution they seek assistance from,” said Senator Turner. “It should not come down to the luck of the draw; victims should be able to decide what treatment they receive, not hospitals.”

According to a 2007 survey of emergency rooms, almost 20 percent of the Ohio hospitals that responded do not guarantee access to emergency contraception. The CARE Act seeks to reduce that number by placing the responsibility on the hospital to have policies in place that ensure safe and equal access to all medical options.

State Representatives Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Nancy Garland (D-New Albany) will co-sponsor companion legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Senator Skindell Calls for Creation of State Health Exchange

Columbus – Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) has introduced Senate Bill 277 to create the Ohio Health Benefit Exchange Agency, which will be responsible for operating the Ohio Health Benefit Exchange Program. The Federal Affordable Care Act requires all states to enact legislation that establishes a health exchange by January 1, 2013.

“The legislature can no longer sit and watch idly as the director of the Department of Insurance does nothing to establish the state’s health exchange,” said Senator Skindell. “This legislation is an opportunity for us to create a competitive marketplace for all Ohioans to purchase affordable health insurance from a variety of providers.”

The Exchange Program will allow individuals who otherwise are unable to afford or do not have access to obtain adequate health care coverage. The bill also develops the navigator program to assist and educate consumers. The qualifications of a premium tax credit will also be outlined, which alleviates the financial burden placed on individuals.

“Through this bill our state will see an expansion of coverage, a promotion of competition, affordable options, and overall improvements of consumer protection,” said Senator Skindell. “It is essential that we move forward with this legislation in a timely manner in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress.”

Additionally, a “SHOP Exchange” will be established as a small business health options program to provide options for small business owners and their employees. Businesses will have the option to benefit from the SHOP Exchange by selecting a qualified health insurance plan to meet the needs of their employees.

Senator Schiavoni Calls for Public Hearing to Discuss Recent Earthquakes

Columbus – State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) today called for the Ohio Senate to hold a public hearing in the Mahoning Valley regarding recent earthquakes that may have been caused by a wastewater injection well. Senator Schiavoni released the following statement:

“Because of the recent earthquakes the Mahoning Valley has experienced, I believe it would be very beneficial for the residents in my district to be provided with an explanation of hydraulic fracking/deep well injection. As the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Public Utility Committee, I am requesting a special committee hearing be held in the Mahoning Valley as soon as possible so Senators can gather more information.

“At the hearing, representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio EPA can address the recent earthquakes, the future activity of injection wells located in the Mahoning Valley, and any other concerns members of the public have regarding oil and gas exploration. I spoke with many residents over the holiday weekend who are very concerned for the safety of their family, homes, and property. These are legitimate concerns that must be addressed in a timely manner.

“Today, I will be contacting Senate President Tom Niehaus and Senator David Daniels, the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, to urge them to schedule this meeting.”

Senator Lou Gentile on Ohio in Focus

Senator Tavares Calls for More Funding for AIDS Prevention and Treatment

Columbus – On this World AIDS day, Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) calls on the state of Ohio to commit more resources to HIV treatment and prevention and to stop the Ohio Department of Health from imposing rule changes that could restrict access to life saving drugs.

“Unfortunately, the scourge of HIV/AIDS has not diminished in the last 30 years and Franklin County has the highest number of new cases of HIV/AIDS in the state,” said Senator Tavares.

This week a Franklin County judge temporarily stopped the Ohio Department of Health from reducing the number of people eligible for the Ohio HIV Drug Assistance program. The Department had planned to cut eligibility for AIDS patients based on income—from 300 percent of the poverty level to just 100 percent.

“Instead of imposing new restrictions which limit patient access to life saving drugs, the state of Ohio should provide the funding that is needed,” said Senator Tavares. “If resources are scarce it’s because the state makes them scarce through misplaced budget priorities. We have a responsibility to ensure that the public we serve is aware of and involved in the development of policies, rules and guidelines for programming and funding of services with these finite federal dollars. ”

Senator Tavares contends that additional funding is available from either a $23 million Vioxx settlement or the state’s rainy day fund which currently contains $247 million.

Earlier this year, Senator Tavares offered a budget amendment to increase funding for AIDS prevention and treatment by $5.3 million over the next two fiscal years.

Lou Gentile Picked to Fill Vacancy in 30th Senate District

Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus has voted unanimously to appoint State Representative Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) to fill a vacancy in the 30th Senate District. Rep. Gentile replaces Jason Wilson who resigned to become Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia.

“Lou Gentile is hard-working and passionate about public service,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “He will be a strong voice for the residents of the 30th District and a great addition to the Ohio Senate.”

Rep. Gentile currently represents the 95th House District which includes Jefferson County and parts of Belmont County. Prior to joining the General Assembly, he served as Assistant Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia under former Governor Ted Strickland.

“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to represent Southeastern Ohio in the State Senate,” Gentile said. “I am committed to working as hard as I can to give the people of the 30th District the kind of representation they deserve.”

Rep. Gentile received a unanimous recommendation from the Democratic chairmen of Belmont, Harrison and Jefferson Counties for an appointment to the Ohio Senate. Those three counties will continue to be part of the 30th Senate District when boundaries change due to reapportionment.

Senate Democrats Select Senator Schiavoni to Serve as Assistant Minority Whip

Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus today selected Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) to serve as Assistant Minority Whip. Senator Schiavoni replaces Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) who resigned last week to become the Director of the Governor’s Office for Appalachia.

“Senator Schiavoni will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “He is hard working and dedicated to improving the lives of his constituents and the people of Ohio.”

Senator Schiavoni has been a member of the Ohio Senate since January, 2009. He currently serves as the Ranking Member on both the Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee and the Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

“I am honored to be selected by my colleagues for this leadership position,” said Senator Schiavoni. “I am excited to continue working with members from both caucuses to address the serious issues that people face in my district and throughout the state.”

Senator Sawyer’s “Friendship 7” Bill Passes the Ohio Senate

Columbus – The Ohio Senate voted today to approve Senate Bill 155. The bill, introduced by Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) and former Senator Gary Cates, will designate February 20th as “John Glenn Friendship 7 Day.” Senator Sawyer gave the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“On February 20, 1962, Ohioan John Glenn Jr. displayed great courage by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. John Glenn’s mission put the United States back in the “space race” despite the questions that were left unanswered following the Soviet Union’s full orbital mission. Friendship 7’s launch enabled Glenn to orbit the Earth three times and served as the standard for future NASA projects.

“John Glenn’s heroism, especially on reentry, will forever be engraved in the memory of everyone who followed the reports of that first orbital flight. It remains an indelible moment in American history.”

Senator Kearney Praises Approval of the Adoption Loan Program

CINCINNATI– State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) praised the Ohio Controlling Board’s approval of funding for the Ohio Adoption Loan Program. Kearney was the primary sponsor of the bill creating the Ohio Adoption Loan Program, the only one of its kind in the country.

“This approval process has been a four-year effort and I am happy that it is complete,” said Senator Kearney. “As parents of an adoptive child, my wife and I understand the financial difficulties that many families face when going through the process. It is my hope that this loan will encourage more families to continue the process of giving children stable and loving homes.”

Under the Adoption Loan Program, families who are approved and matched to adopt a child may seek a loan through Fifth Third Bank to defray some of the upfront costs of the adoption process. As the financial institution selected by the state of Ohio for the management of this loan program, Fifth Third Bank will receive, review and approve adoption loan applications up to $3,000 from residents of the State of Ohio. Applicants must present proof of program eligibility, in the form of a letter from an adoption agency confirming that the loan applicant is an adoptive parent who has been matched with an identified child.

The approval of the program precedes the anniversary of the 11th Annual National Adoption Day on November 19th. Celebrated across the United States, more than 350 community events are held each year to finalize the adoptions of children in foster care and celebrate adoptive families. In addition, Senator Kearney introduced Ohio Adoption Day which is celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.

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.

Senator Cafaro Calls Additional Primary "Fiscally Irresponsible"

Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today after the Ohio Senate voted along party lines to create two primaries in 2012--a change that will cost taxpayers an estimated $15 million:

“It is the height of hypocrisy for Republicans, who claim to be fiscal conservatives, to pass a bill that needlessly spends $15 million of taxpayers’ money. Substitute House Bill 318 is fiscally irresponsible and will only add cost and confusion to our elections. Furthermore, the rationale behind the legislation simply defies logic.

“I offered an amendment to create one primary in June for state, local and federal elections. It would have saved money and simplified our elections by asking voters to make only one trip to the polls next spring instead of two. But, this common sense alternative was swiftly rejected by Republicans.

“Instead of making it easier for Ohioans to vote, Republicans seem intent on causing confusion, suppressing voter turnout and needlessly spending scarce resources.”