Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Senator Gentile Welcomes Community Action Council to Statehouse
Senator Kearney's Resolution Honoring Cincinnati Black Brigade Passes Senate
 |
| Senator Kearney urges the Senate to pass SCR 23. |
“Former Representative Sylvester D. Patton Jr., initiated this effort in 2003 to recognize the Cincinnati Black Brigade. Through the dedicated work of Dr. Charles O. Dillard, it would be only fitting to finally recognize the members of the Black Brigade for their significant contributions to defending their city, their state and their country,” said Senator Kearney.
In September of 1862 when Confederate forces were threatening Cincinnati, the commander of Union forces Major General Lew Wallace ordered all men in Cincinnati, including African Americans, to build defenses for protection.
Initially, African American men were treated poorly by the city government and union troops. However this changed when William Dickson, a respected citizen of Cincinnati, was given command of the African American men and organized them into the Cincinnati Black Brigade.
The members of the Black Brigade were recognized by the engineers in charge of building the defenses as the hardest working and most efficient group involved in the effort. Following the successful defeat of the Confederate forces, many of the members of the Black Brigade went on to serve in one of the first Union military units for African Americans.
Although other citizens who participated in the defense of Cincinnati were recognized at the time by the General Assembly, the members of the Black Brigade received no such recognition.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues in the Senate for honoring this group of brave men who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom of thousands,” said Senator Kearney.
The Senate also passed the legislation with an amendment proposed by Senator Frank LaRose (R- Summit County), a decorated Army veteran, recognizing the members as veterans of the American Civil War.
Senator Turner Testifies in Support of Cleveland School Plan
 |
| Senator Nina Turner and Senator Peggy Lehner. |
Here's an excerpt from her testimony:
"The result of this unprecedented compromise is a chance to dramatically shift the educational paradigm in Cleveland, and to do so in a way that has the buy-in of all stakeholders. The plan aims to create a portfolio of schools that removes the distinction between district and charter in favor of a system whose only rubric is academic achievement. It empowers teachers and administrators at the building level and allows them to manage their schools in ways that are best for their students while protecting our community from unscrupulous charter school operators and promoting the best models city-wide. Most importantly, the mayor’s plan demands success from Cleveland’s schools and sets the stage for the educational achievement of their students.
"The compromise forged over the past few weeks was reached because all parties committed to working toward a singular goal: improving students’ chances for educational success in Cleveland. And because of the intimate stakeholder engagement, SB 335 will help affect change in a way with which all can agree. I trust that we will continue to keep these accomplishments in mind to ensure that the city’s students get the education they need while the concerns of teachers and administrators are carefully considered.
"The fact is that Cleveland’s children deserve a better education than they are getting and they will not receive it unless we act—and act with the fierce urgency of now."
Monday, April 30, 2012
Senator Gentile Honors Outstanding Students
 |
| Senator Gentile with Alesia Withers (left) and Martariesa Fialo (right). |
Friday, April 27, 2012
Senator Sawyer: School Grading Plan Needs Time
Read entire article: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/04/27/state-may-alter-plan-for-grading-schools.html
Senator Turner: Redistricting Reform Should Reflect That Ohio is a 50-50 State
Critics of the current process, which allows the majority party to operate largely in secret and gerrymander districts to its political benefit, hope the panel of eight lawmakers can come up with a less-political way to draw maps that creates fewer safe seats.
“Elected officials are choosing their constituents instead of the constituents choosing their elected officials,” said Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, co-chairwoman of the task force. “Both parties need to go back to their colleagues and say this is not about political advantage, it’s about doing what’s in the best interest of the state.”
Read entire article:
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/04/27/leaders-optimistic-about-redistricting-reform.html
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Senator Turner Releases Video and Statement on the Introduction of New Legislation for The Cleveland School Plan
“I am pleased to be able to join my Statehouse colleagues in the introduction of Senate Bill 335, the revised legislation to support Mayor Jackson’s vision to transform the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. From the beginning I have emphasized that this would be a process that all stakeholders must remain engaged in for the benefit of Cleveland’s children. Today, I am proud to note that this process has yielded a result with which all parties can agree.
“This revised legislation reflects the agreement reached between Mayor Frank Jackson, Cleveland schools CEO Eric Gordon, and the Cleveland Teachers Union. This deal includes the removal of the fresh start provision and assurance that teachers will not be penalized for taking on tough assignments. It will not only treat educators fairly, it will help promote a culture of excellence in the city’s schools and set the stage for the educational success of its students.
“I applaud the courage and leadership of Mayor Jackson and Mr. Gordon for bringing this plan forward, and that of Representative Williams, Representative Amstutz, and Senator Lehner for their perseverance and commitment to Cleveland’s kids. I commend all parties for their willingness to keep the city’s children at the forefront and reject the shortcomings of today as unacceptable for the future.
“I look forward to strengthening these partnerships as the bill enters the legislature, helping affect real change in our schools, and ensuring that Cleveland’s children have access to the education that they deserve.”
Senator Kearney Walks the Talk for Children's Health
 |
| Senator Kearney walking to Statehouse in 2011. |
According to the USDA, over 16 million children lived in households with little access to food. Ohio ranked higher than the national average with 16.4% homes in the state suffering from food insecurity.
“In my own community the only meal that children may get a day is during school. Once they get home, they must worry about what they are going to eat,” said Senator Kearney.
“This is why I am fortunate to partner with Childhood Food Solutions, a local charity in Cincinnati that provides food to children in areas of high crime and poverty on the weekends and during summer breaks. Statistics have shown that without a sustainable source of food, the physical, mental and educational well-being of a child is threatened.”
Senator Kearney’s walk is comprised of four days of travel through Ohio along highways US-22, US-62, and State Route-3. A group of supporters will welcome Senator Kearney and approximately 20 other walkers at the Ohio Statehouse at 5:00 PM on Monday, April 30, 2012.
Partners for the event include: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Childhood Food Solutions, and The Avondale Running Group.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Senator Turner Reacts to Proposal to Cut Funding for Planned Parenthood
 |
| Senator Turner speaks at Statehouse press conference. |
“The House Republicans’ new ‘priority system’ for the allocation of federal dollars by the state clearly demonstrates that the health and well-being of Ohio’s women is not a priority of their caucus.
“What kind of state are we living in? It is unbelievable that elected officials—stewards of the public interest—would seek to deliberately deny millions of working class and underprivileged women access to high quality healthcare services. This new plan is another vicious, heartless, and unconscionable volley in the Republican war on women. This narrow policy will disproportionately affect low income and rural areas, and will have consequences that will ripple across the state. I urge Ohio’s 5.8 million women and the men who love and respect them to speak out against it.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Senate Democrats React to Republican Lawsuit to Disenfranchise Voters
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati), Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman), Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo), Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) and Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) today condemned continued efforts by Republicans in the General Assembly to disenfranchise voters.
Yesterday, Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) and House Speaker Pro Tempore Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati) filed a lawsuit (State of Ohio ex. rel. Neihaus v. Husted) asking the Ohio Supreme Court to overturn a federal consent degree which, if successful, would result in fewer provisional ballots being counted.
“The lawsuit makes it clear that Republicans in the General Assembly will stop at nothing to disenfranchise more Ohioans,” said Senator Kearney. “They are circumventing constitutionally guaranteed rights and defying the federal courts in a cynical effort to throw the next election in their favor.”
“Wasting taxpayer dollars to eliminate voting rights is a lose-lose situation,” added Senator Tavares.
“As legislators we should be working on ways to encourage more people to vote, not filing lawsuits that will reduce a citizen’s ability to be heard,” said Senator Schiavoni.
“I completely agree with former Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner that this lawsuit is an embarrassing action by Ohio elected officials,” said Senator Brown. “Once again it appears that they are willing to use any and all means to deny voter access to the citizens of Ohio.”
“This is just another sad attempt by Republicans to suppress the vote,” said Senator Turner. “With all of the pressing issues facing the State of Ohio, I cannot understand why the majority party is so obsessed with making it harder to vote.”
The lawsuit follows a vote in the Ohio Senate last month (SB 295) to prevent the citizens of Ohio from voting on a referendum to overturn House Bill 194—partisan legislation passed last year that shortens the early voting period and prohibits counties from mailing unsolicited applications for absentee ballots. The voting changes would disproportionately affect minorities, senior citizens and college students.
“Republicans don’t seem to care that voting is the most fundamental right in our democracy,” said Senator Smith. “Too many people have fought and died for the right to vote for us not to speak up and defend it.”
Yesterday, Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) and House Speaker Pro Tempore Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati) filed a lawsuit (State of Ohio ex. rel. Neihaus v. Husted) asking the Ohio Supreme Court to overturn a federal consent degree which, if successful, would result in fewer provisional ballots being counted.
“The lawsuit makes it clear that Republicans in the General Assembly will stop at nothing to disenfranchise more Ohioans,” said Senator Kearney. “They are circumventing constitutionally guaranteed rights and defying the federal courts in a cynical effort to throw the next election in their favor.”
“Wasting taxpayer dollars to eliminate voting rights is a lose-lose situation,” added Senator Tavares.
“As legislators we should be working on ways to encourage more people to vote, not filing lawsuits that will reduce a citizen’s ability to be heard,” said Senator Schiavoni.
“I completely agree with former Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner that this lawsuit is an embarrassing action by Ohio elected officials,” said Senator Brown. “Once again it appears that they are willing to use any and all means to deny voter access to the citizens of Ohio.”
“This is just another sad attempt by Republicans to suppress the vote,” said Senator Turner. “With all of the pressing issues facing the State of Ohio, I cannot understand why the majority party is so obsessed with making it harder to vote.”
The lawsuit follows a vote in the Ohio Senate last month (SB 295) to prevent the citizens of Ohio from voting on a referendum to overturn House Bill 194—partisan legislation passed last year that shortens the early voting period and prohibits counties from mailing unsolicited applications for absentee ballots. The voting changes would disproportionately affect minorities, senior citizens and college students.
“Republicans don’t seem to care that voting is the most fundamental right in our democracy,” said Senator Smith. “Too many people have fought and died for the right to vote for us not to speak up and defend it.”
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Senator Kearney on Ohio in Focus
Senator Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney discusses Governor Kasich's education proposals and pension reform on Ohio in Focus.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Politifact: Senator Kearney's Statement is True
 |
| Senator Eric H. Kearney |
The latest flap came on March 28 when the Ohio Senate passed a bill to repeal the law, which Democrats and others have called a "voter suppression" bill.
Although they oppose HB 194, largely because it restricts early voting opportunities, Democrats also spoke out against the bill’s repeal because there already is a referendum on HB 194 scheduled for this fall’s ballot.
Sen. Eric Kearney, who leads the Senate’s Democratic caucus, said voters have the right to decide the fate HB 194. He said Republicans were unconstitutionally taking away their right to referendum by repealing the law before the election on Nov. 6.
"This is the first time in Ohio history where a bill has been passed to stop a referendum," Kearney, of Cincinnati, said during the floor debate March 28.
Read the entire article: http://www.politifact.com/ohio/statements/2012/apr/09/eric-kearney/eric-kearney-says-repeal-voter-reform-legislation-/
Cleveland Plain Dealer Reports on Senator Schiavoni's Legislation
COLUMBUS, Ohio - With casino gambling soon to start in Ohio, some state lawmakers are now setting their sights on reining in another form of gaming called sweepstakes.
Sweepstakes are all the rage in many pockets of Ohio, sprouting up in storefront locations that profess to be internet cafes but are what some lawmakers and the state's attorney general say are nothing more than unregulated slot machine parlors.
Read more here: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/04/ohio_bill_seeks_to_regulate_sw.html
Sweepstakes are all the rage in many pockets of Ohio, sprouting up in storefront locations that profess to be internet cafes but are what some lawmakers and the state's attorney general say are nothing more than unregulated slot machine parlors.
Read more here: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/04/ohio_bill_seeks_to_regulate_sw.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)