Senator Kearney Weighs In on Report on Childhood Obesity in Ohio

Columbus –Today, Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney expressed disappointment with the Ohio Department of Health’s recent study of the body mass index (BMI) for Ohio’s school children. The report shows that nearly 35% of students who participated in the study were overweight or obese. The report also reflects:

·        The highest percentage of overweight/obesity was found among 9^th graders.

·        Kindergarteners represented the highest percentage of underweight students (3.7%).

·        The average BMI percentile increased with increasing grade level, with 9^th graders having the highest average BMI percentile (68.4%).

“It is disappointing to know that more than one in three participating students were overweight or obese,” said Senator Kearney. “It is even more disheartening to know that approximately 686 educational institutions chose not to provide data or opted out of the program. Children throughout the state of Ohio deserve better and it is up to us as parents and community leaders to ensure that they have the best in quality healthcare to assist in early identification of risks, provide healthier food options, and encourage physical activity.”

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement used to asses if a person is obese, overweight, normal weight or underweight. BMI is a number that is calculated using the height and weight of an individual and is a better assessment of excess body fat than weight alone. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening children for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Senate Bill 210, The Healthy Choices for Healthy Children (HCHC) Act sponsored by Senator Kearney and signed into law in September 2010 requires the Ohio Department of Health to establish a body mass index (BMI) and weight status category screening program for students in kindergarten (K) and grades 3,5, and 9. Other provisions include increasing students’ physical activity and ensuring access to healthy meals and beverages at school.

“These results reinforce the need for developing healthier choices for healthier children,” said Senator Kearney. “I hope that this will lead to stronger dialogue between families, schools and healthcare providers. I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health that our top priority should be to encourage all students, school districts, and chartered nonpublic schools to participate in the BMI screenings in the future. Continuous participate in this program will assist parents and community organizations in developing viable solutions to decrease the obesity rates of our children.”

Full Report of the Ohio Department of Health BMI Screening Results

Senate President Niehaus and Minority Leader Kearney Joint Statement On Pension System Actuarial Report

 COLUMBUS--Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) and Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today in response to a study commissioned by the Ohio Retirement Study Council. The independent analysis of Ohio's public pension system was conducted by Pension Trustee Advisors and KMS Actuaries: 

"We are please the independent actuarial study agrees with the Senate's unprecedented bipartisan effort to stabilize and strengthen Ohio's pension systems. The study recognizes that the reforms proposed by the pension systems and contained in the Senate sponsored legislation are "appropriate" and "significant".

"In reference to passing pension reform legislation, the report states 'We see no valid reason for delay.' This study confirms the legislation passed by the Senate '...will put each of the five retirement system in a much more solid financial position.' It is important to note, the Senate reforms do not require additional taxpayer dollars. 

"We appreciate our colleagues in the Senate for taking a bold stand to ensure all the state pension plans are on solid financial footing to protect the retirement benefits of millions of Ohioans. We encourage our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in passing this pension legislation without any further delay."

Minority Leader Kearney Releases Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) released the following statement today after the U. S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act: 

“I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court for standing with the Obama Administration and declaring the Affordable Care Act constitutional. This is a victory for Americans including many Ohioans who struggle with paying rising healthcare costs.

“Since the passage of this landmark reform, 86 million Americans have benefited from free preventative services such as wellness visits and mammograms. That is a victory.

“As a result of the Affordable Care Act, Ohio health centers have received $74.7 million to create new health centers that expand preventative and primary healthcare services. That is a victory.

“In addition, approximately 100,000 young people in Ohio have been able to stay on their parent’s health insurance until the age of 26. That is a victory.

“I now call upon Governor Kasich and his leadership team to continue providing hard working families the healthcare security that they rightfully deserve and act on the healthcare legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Skindell. It is time for us to stop being complacent and make investments in the health and well-being of Ohio families.

“This should not be a partisan debate. The healthcare of Americans should be a top priority in sustaining our country.  It is time for our leaders to stand up and do what is good and necessary for the country.”

Senator Kearney's Legislative Update on Ohio in Focus

Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney talks about pension reform and other recent legislation in the General Assembly during an appearance on Ohio in Focus.