Columbus – State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) recently announced a new slate of legislation focused on constituent driven initiatives, most notably a bill that focuses on support for community-based correction facilities.
The bill provides tax exemption status for any nonprofit agency that operates a community-based correctional facility for criminal offenders. Senator Schiavoni worked with Youngstown’s Community Corrections Association in putting the legislation together.
“The Community Corrections Association (CCA) has provided dozens of significant services to those in need while simultaneously redeveloping the streets on the Southside of Youngstown,” said Senator Schiavoni. “It is my goal to pass legislation that ensures the CCA and any other community correction nonprofit organization, continued success through the utilization of tax exempt status.”
Dr. Richard Billak, Director of CCA, agrees with the Senator Schiavoni. “Without this, the financial impact on nonprofit correctional agencies statewide will be dramatic. We feel that this legislation is critical to the success of these programs across the state of Ohio.”
Other pieces of legislation introduced by Senator Schiavoni this summer include:
- Reforming criminal sentencing guidelines for Veterans.
- Regulation and oversight of Internet sweepstakes, often referred to as Internet cafés.
- Prohibiting customer support call centers from receiving state loans or grants if they outsource their call center jobs overseas.
- Prohibiting indemnity agreements in trucking contracts.
- Promoting non-violence by designating the first week of October as Non-Violence Week across Ohio.
A second batch of legislation that Senator Schiavoni plans on introducing in the coming weeks includes:
- Property tax relief for homeowners and renters.
- Creation of additional liquor permits to assist in the development of entertainment districts, such as downtown Youngstown.
- Safety improvements in relation to oil and gas drilling.
- Requiring Ohio insurance companies to cover HPV screenings and vaccinations.
- Expanding safeguards to prevent home foreclosures.
Like many of his bills, these ideas derived from working directly with constituents.
“My job is to listen to my constituents, address their concerns and correct or create laws based on their feedback,” stated Sen. Schiavoni. “I look forward to working hard in Columbus on this new legislation, and want to continue to encourage those within my district to contact me with any ideas they might have.”
