Our Blog Has Moved

The blog for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus can now be found here: www.ohiosenate.gov

Kearney, Niehaus Introduce Breast Health Legislation

Today, Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) and President Tom Niehaus (R- New Richmond) introduced key health legislation to provide Ohio women with additional information when undergoing breast exams.  

Senate Bill 392 will require physicians to inform women of their breast density and possible risks following a mammogram. Breast density is a measure used to describe the proportion of the different tissues that make up a woman’s breasts.

According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, women with high breast density are four to five times more likely to get breast cancer than women with low breast density.

“I introduced this legislation because it provides another preventative tool for women in the war against breast cancer,” said Senator Kearney. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. By having this additional information, women will be able to make proactive choices in managing their health.”

If passed, Ohio would be the sixth state to implement a law requiring disclosure to patients following Connecticut, Texas, Virginia, California and New York. Federal legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. House.

"I am pleased to join Senator Kearney in this effort to help women become more aware of those factors that might help with early detection of breast cancer," Senator Niehaus said. 

Connecticut was the first state to institute the regulation in 2009 after Nancy Cappello lobbied state legislators following the discovery of cancer that her mammogram screening missed. 

Senators Cafaro & Obhof Honors OSU Football Coach Urban Meyer in Ohio Senate

December 5, 2012- Senators Capri Cafaro and Larry Obhof honor OSU Football Coach Urban Meyer during
Senate Session. 

Senator Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and Senator Larry Obhof (R-Medina)  released the following statements after presenting The Ohio State University Football Coach Urban Meyer with a Senate Resolution honoring him for his leadership with a 12-0 football season on December 5^th during Senate Session.

Senator Cafaro:

“As a fellow native of Northeast Ohio, it was a privilege to present Coach Meyer with a Senate Resolution honoring him for his leadership with The Ohio State Football team this season. It is an honor to represent Coach Meyer’s home community of Saybrook Township, and as someone who represents I know the great pride he has brought to our area. He embodies the values of Ashtabula such as perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.”

Senator Obhof:

"Urban Meyer coached the OSU football team to an extraordinary season, but he is more than a football coach," Obhof said. "He works to ensure that his players are prepared for life after football, and encourages them to be role models for the university."

Senator Gentile Talks About His Ohio Veterans Opportunity Bill on Ohio in Focus

State Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) talks about his Veterans Opportunity Bill which would expand the educational and professional opportunities for Ohio's veterans. He also discusses his priorities for the next General Assembly.

Minority Leader Kearney Appears on WBNS 10TV's Capitol Square Program

Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) was a guest on WBNS 10TV's Capitol Square to discuss Lame Duck session and the Senate Democratic Caucus' priorities for the upcoming 130th General Assembly.  The interview with Senator Kearney begins at 4:58 in the attached clip from the show.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Senator Schiavoni Welcomes Baby Schiavoni to the Ohio Senate

Future Senator Louie Schiavoni gets comfortable following Senate Session on November 14. 

During Senate Session on November 14, Assistant Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni and his wife Margaret introduced Louie Schiavoni to the Ohio Senate.  Almost two months old, Louie loves light and has a promising career as a future legislator. 

Minority Leader Kearney on Ohio In Focus

Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney talks about the results of the election, early voting and his Caucus' priorities for the lame duck session of the Ohio Senate.

Senator Kearney Re-elected as Minority Leader

Columbus—Today, all the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously voted to re-elect Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) as Minority Leader for the upcoming 130^th General Assembly.  The Caucus also re-elected the leadership team of Assistant Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman), Minority Whip Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) and Assistant Minority Whip Edna Brown (D-Toledo).

After the vote, Senator Kearney released the following statement:

“I am honored that my colleagues have moved so quickly to give me the privilege to serve another term as their leader in the Ohio Senate.  Our Caucus has achieved much over the past two years, including standing up for collective bargaining and protecting the right to vote.  Today’s leadership vote shows we are united in moving forward to represent our constituents in the 130^th General Assembly. But, there are many challenges ahead as we fight to protect fundamental rights and to ensure the next state budget has priorities that serve the needs of all Ohioans.  I look forward to continue working in a bipartisan fashion with the Senate majority.”

Senator Turner Speaks Out Against Renewed War on Women

 (Columbus) – State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), representatives from Planned Parenthood, and other legislators and activists gathered at the Statehouse today to protest a renewed war on women waged by Republicans in the Ohio legislature and the executive branch.

“For the life of me, I cannot understand why Republicans are so intent on taking away from women the right to make their own choices about their bodies,” said Senator Turner. “Voters soundly rejected the foolishness of the radical right on Election Day in favor of the dignity of American women, but some lawmakers must not have heard.”

Exit polls from last week’s election indicate that 56 percent of Ohio voters believe abortion should be legal all or most of the time. Only 39 percent stated that it should be illegal.

“While Republicans rail against women making their own choices, they are cutting funding for education and critical social services that children need after they are born. They want small government, alright—small enough to fit into a woman’s womb.”

Republican leadership in both the Ohio House and Senate have indicated that action is being openly discussed on House Bill 125, the “Heartbeat Bill,” and House Bill 298, which would end public support of valuable healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood. In addition, news was released last week that Governor John Kasich appointed Michael Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life, to the Ohio State Medical Board.

“Ohioans’ healthcare decisions should be between them, their god, and their doctor,” Turner proclaimed. “They don’t need ideologues from Columbus calling the shots.”

Minority Leader Kearney Comments on Upcoming Lame Duck Session

Columbus—Today, Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney released the following statement regarding lame duck session for the 129^th Ohio General Assembly.

“Now that the 2012 election season is over, it is time to refocus our efforts on passing legislation that is best for all Ohioans during this lame duck session.  I believe that members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus have strong ideas that are very good for Ohio. We look forward to working with the majority in a bipartisan manner for the benefit of all Ohioans.”  

The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus anticipates an intensive lame duck session conducted in a bipartisan manner that will provide opportunities for continued economic growth and job creation. More specifically, the caucus will focus on services for children and veterans, equal pay for women, higher education and energy initiatives. 

Senator Turner Discusses the 2012 Election with BET's "Don't Sleep" Hosted by T.J. Holmes

On Wednesday, November 7, Senator Nina Turner  was a guest on BET's "Don't Sleep" with T.J. Holmes to discuss the 2012 Election.

Check out the video after the break.

Leader Kearney Reacts to the Re-Election of President Barack Obama

Columbus—Today, Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) released the following statement regarding the re-election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States of America:

“I would like to extend my congratulations to President Barack Obama for a tremendous victory built on a dedicated grassroots campaign for a better tomorrow. Ohioans, including my friends and neighbors in Hamilton County once again turned Ohio blue and signaled their faith in four more years. It is now time to move forward in a bipartisan manner and refocus our efforts on the economy and job creation.”

Leader Kearney served on the National Finance Committee for President Obama’s campaign in 2008 and 2012. 

Leader Kearney Reacts to the Re-Election of Senator Sherrod Brown

Columbus—Today, Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) released the following statement regarding the re-election of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Senator Sherrod Brown for a hard fought victory.  Senator Brown’s dedication to the middle class and support of many of President Obama’s initiatives including the auto bailout and the Affordable Care Act reflect his deep commitment to Ohioans. I have no doubt that Senator Brown will continue to serve Ohioans with great passion and bipartisanship.” 

Minority Leader Kearney Proud of Senator Gentile’s Victory

Columbus—Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) released the following statement today after Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) won his election in the 30^th Senate District:

“No one works harder than Senator Gentile to represent the people of Southeastern Ohio and the voters recognized that.  Senator Gentile ran a strong campaign focused on jobs and building a better future for the residents of the 30^th Senate District.  I am proud of the campaign he ran and the dedication that he brings to his work in the Ohio Senate.  Senator Gentile has been a tremendous addition to our Caucus and I look forward to working with him in the next General Assembly.”