Senator Joe Schiavoni's June 2010 E-Newsletter is now available to view and download online.
(To download, a free copy of Adobe Acrobat is required. Click here to get Acrobat.)
Senator Schiavoni - June 2010 E-Newsletter
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Senate Fails to Pass Critical Legislation Before Summer Recess
COLUMBUS – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and members of the Senate Democratic Caucus today expressed great concern that the Ohio Senate went on a lengthy summer recess without passing critical legislation to protect Ohioans. Several bills introduced by Senate Democrats in the 128th General Assembly are caught in legislative limbo while Ohio’s citizens wait for help.
“It’s very disappointing that the Ohio Senate has largely ignored the foreclosure crisis affecting so many across our state,” said Senator Cafaro. “Senate Democrats are committed to doing all we can to help Ohioans keep their homes because it’s the right thing to do for Ohio families and because it’s good for our economy.”
It has been 350 days since the Judiciary-Civil Justice Committee passed Senate Bill 13 to require landlords to provide written notice to renters when their rental property goes into foreclosure. The entire Senate has never had an opportunity to vote on this common sense legislation or two other foreclosure bills the Ohio House passed more than a year ago. In fact, while the Senate passed 32 bills immediately before the summer recess, the Senate majority even failed to pass foreclosure legislation sponsored by its own members.
“The Senate should place the highest priority on addressing the ongoing foreclosure crisis,” said Senator Dale Miller (D-Cleveland), the sponsor of SB 13. “The problem has not gone away since I introduced my legislation last year.”
Despite strong bipartisan support, the Senate has also failed to pass legislation establishing a separate criminal offense for human trafficking. Senate Bill 235 has 25 co-sponsors but remains stuck in committee.
“Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery that demands swift action by the Ohio Senate,” said Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), a joint sponsor of SB 235. “Ohio lags behind 44 other states in strengthening our human trafficking laws. Unfortunately, we apparently will have to wait several months before we have the opportunity to vote on a bill.”
Other bills proposed by Senate Democrats to ban texting while driving (Senator Shirley Smith--SB 164), crack down on wage theft (Senator Sue Morano--SB 212) and prohibit hiring discrimination based on credit history (Senator Ray Miller--SB 91) also languish in committee while the Senate goes on a recess that could last until November.
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“It’s very disappointing that the Ohio Senate has largely ignored the foreclosure crisis affecting so many across our state,” said Senator Cafaro. “Senate Democrats are committed to doing all we can to help Ohioans keep their homes because it’s the right thing to do for Ohio families and because it’s good for our economy.”
It has been 350 days since the Judiciary-Civil Justice Committee passed Senate Bill 13 to require landlords to provide written notice to renters when their rental property goes into foreclosure. The entire Senate has never had an opportunity to vote on this common sense legislation or two other foreclosure bills the Ohio House passed more than a year ago. In fact, while the Senate passed 32 bills immediately before the summer recess, the Senate majority even failed to pass foreclosure legislation sponsored by its own members.
“The Senate should place the highest priority on addressing the ongoing foreclosure crisis,” said Senator Dale Miller (D-Cleveland), the sponsor of SB 13. “The problem has not gone away since I introduced my legislation last year.”
Despite strong bipartisan support, the Senate has also failed to pass legislation establishing a separate criminal offense for human trafficking. Senate Bill 235 has 25 co-sponsors but remains stuck in committee.
“Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery that demands swift action by the Ohio Senate,” said Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), a joint sponsor of SB 235. “Ohio lags behind 44 other states in strengthening our human trafficking laws. Unfortunately, we apparently will have to wait several months before we have the opportunity to vote on a bill.”
Other bills proposed by Senate Democrats to ban texting while driving (Senator Shirley Smith--SB 164), crack down on wage theft (Senator Sue Morano--SB 212) and prohibit hiring discrimination based on credit history (Senator Ray Miller--SB 91) also languish in committee while the Senate goes on a recess that could last until November.
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Senator Cafaro Introduces Speed Enforcement Bill
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and Senator Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 280. The bipartisan legislation would prohibit law enforcement officers from issuing speeding tickets based solely on visual estimates.
“When Ohio motorists are pulled over for speeding there should be measurable proof rather than someone’s estimate,” said Senator Cafaro. “This legislation clarifies the Ohio Revised Code to require verifiable evidence to issue speeding tickets.”
SB 280 is in response to a recent decision by the Ohio Supreme Court that said officers can issue speeding tickets without using radar or laser. The Court’s ruling allows estimates based on visual observation if the officer has been properly trained. The bill says in part:
“No person shall be arrested, charged or convicted of a violation of any provision of section 4511.21 or 4511.21 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar municipal ordinance based on a peace officer’s unaided visual estimation of the speed of a motor vehicle, trackless trolley or streetcar.”
Under SB 280, law enforcement officers would need verifiable evidence of speeding such as radar, laser or similar devices. Or in the case of airborne speed enforcement, a calculation based on the amount of time it takes for a vehicle to travel a specific distance.
“When Ohio motorists are pulled over for speeding there should be measurable proof rather than someone’s estimate,” said Senator Cafaro. “This legislation clarifies the Ohio Revised Code to require verifiable evidence to issue speeding tickets.”
SB 280 is in response to a recent decision by the Ohio Supreme Court that said officers can issue speeding tickets without using radar or laser. The Court’s ruling allows estimates based on visual observation if the officer has been properly trained. The bill says in part:
“No person shall be arrested, charged or convicted of a violation of any provision of section 4511.21 or 4511.21 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar municipal ordinance based on a peace officer’s unaided visual estimation of the speed of a motor vehicle, trackless trolley or streetcar.”
Under SB 280, law enforcement officers would need verifiable evidence of speeding such as radar, laser or similar devices. Or in the case of airborne speed enforcement, a calculation based on the amount of time it takes for a vehicle to travel a specific distance.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Senator Fedor Casts Vote for New Ohio Statue
Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) encourages Ohioans to vote for one of ten candidates to be honored with a statue at the U.S. Capitol.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Cyberbullying continues after bell rings
A letter from State Senator Teresa Fedor
(Columbus Dispatch link, click here)
School districts must have a path and victims must have recourse to address harassment by electronic devices when it affects the educational environment. To claim that anti-cyber bullying legislation is an overreach, as in the Dispatch’s May 28 editorial, is to overlook the reality of both today’s school environment and legal precedence.
Cyber bullying has a more far-reaching impact than traditional bullying, because it doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Students can (and do) cyber bully their classmates from their computers, BlackBerrys, iPads, and cell phones well beyond the school day.
There is Supreme Court precedent holding that schools may intervene in off-campus expression when it materially or substantively disrupts learning in the physical school setting. Senate Bill 126 and House Bill 520 do not, in any way, “order schools to police interactions” between students. It is the responsibility of the student victim, parent, or other witness to bring forth the evidence of cyber bullying to the administrator. When such information is brought to their attention, it is up to the administrators to proceed with the information as they would with other bullying cases. In fact, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators is in favor of this legislation and testified in support of Senate Bill 126.
To ignore such bullying, simply because it doesn’t happen between the walls of a school, would be unconscionable.
Teresa Fedor
State Senator, 11th District
Sponsor of Senate Bill 126
(Columbus Dispatch link, click here)
School districts must have a path and victims must have recourse to address harassment by electronic devices when it affects the educational environment. To claim that anti-cyber bullying legislation is an overreach, as in the Dispatch’s May 28 editorial, is to overlook the reality of both today’s school environment and legal precedence.
Cyber bullying has a more far-reaching impact than traditional bullying, because it doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Students can (and do) cyber bully their classmates from their computers, BlackBerrys, iPads, and cell phones well beyond the school day.
There is Supreme Court precedent holding that schools may intervene in off-campus expression when it materially or substantively disrupts learning in the physical school setting. Senate Bill 126 and House Bill 520 do not, in any way, “order schools to police interactions” between students. It is the responsibility of the student victim, parent, or other witness to bring forth the evidence of cyber bullying to the administrator. When such information is brought to their attention, it is up to the administrators to proceed with the information as they would with other bullying cases. In fact, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators is in favor of this legislation and testified in support of Senate Bill 126.
To ignore such bullying, simply because it doesn’t happen between the walls of a school, would be unconscionable.
Teresa Fedor
State Senator, 11th District
Sponsor of Senate Bill 126
Friday, May 28, 2010
State Senator Shirley Smith - June E-Newsletter
State Senator Shirley Smith's June 2010 E-Newsletter is now available to view and download online.
To download, free Adobe Acrobat reader is required. (To download, click here.)
State Senator Shirley Smith - June 2010 E-Newsletter
To download, free Adobe Acrobat reader is required. (To download, click here.)
State Senator Shirley Smith - June 2010 E-Newsletter
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Senate Rejects Highly Qualified Law Enforcement Officer
COLUMBUS – The Senate Democratic Caucus is greatly disappointed the Ohio Senate voted today not to confirm Cathy Collins-Taylor as the Director of the Department of Public Safety. All 12 Senate Democrats voted to support Mrs. Collins-Taylor, a law enforcement officer with a long and distinguished career whose reputation was unfairly tarnished by a flawed confirmation process.
“It is a shame the Senate failed to confirm someone with such an impeccable record of honesty and integrity,” said Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “I hope the way Mrs. Collins-Taylor was treated doesn’t discourage young women from getting involved in law enforcement.”
Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee spoke out on the Senate Floor that Mrs. Collins-Taylor did not receive a fair hearing from the beginning. Witnesses who could have corroborated her testimony were not called to testify and the chairman did not provide Democratic members of the committee with evidence and documents he received from the Inspector General.
“Nobody is perfect. We should not allow one snapshot to ruin a remarkable and distinguished law enforcement career,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “It appears that the fix was in from the beginning of this confirmation process.”
“I can’t believe the Senate voted this way,” said Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland), the Assistant Minority Leader. “This is about politics. This is about an election in November. This is about 30 second ads. This is about destroying someone’s career.”
Mrs. Collins-Taylor has been professionally involved in enhancing the public safety of Ohioans for the last 31 years. During her 26 year tenure as a Columbus police officer, she established the Department’s Exploited Children’s Unit to give the youngest crime victims a voice in our criminal justice system.
Mrs. Collins-Taylor also served with distinction in the Department of Public Safety under Republican and Democratic Governors, leading a branch of Ohio’s Homeland Security agency and later as Executive Director of the Ohio Investigative Unit.
“I admire Mrs. Collins-Taylor for her courage and record of achievement,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “Unfortunately the committee process went from unfair to insulting.”
Following the vote the Senate Democratic Caucus filed a formal protest over the Senate’s handling of this confirmation process. The protest has been entered into the journal and will become a part of the Senate’s permanent record.
Senator Nina Turner's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=660&organization_id=30
Senator Eric H. Kearney's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=1569&organization_id=30
Senator Capri S. Cafaro's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=3156&organization_id=30
Senator Shirley Smith's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=4848&organization_id=30
“It is a shame the Senate failed to confirm someone with such an impeccable record of honesty and integrity,” said Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “I hope the way Mrs. Collins-Taylor was treated doesn’t discourage young women from getting involved in law enforcement.”
Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee spoke out on the Senate Floor that Mrs. Collins-Taylor did not receive a fair hearing from the beginning. Witnesses who could have corroborated her testimony were not called to testify and the chairman did not provide Democratic members of the committee with evidence and documents he received from the Inspector General.
“Nobody is perfect. We should not allow one snapshot to ruin a remarkable and distinguished law enforcement career,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “It appears that the fix was in from the beginning of this confirmation process.”
“I can’t believe the Senate voted this way,” said Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland), the Assistant Minority Leader. “This is about politics. This is about an election in November. This is about 30 second ads. This is about destroying someone’s career.”
Mrs. Collins-Taylor has been professionally involved in enhancing the public safety of Ohioans for the last 31 years. During her 26 year tenure as a Columbus police officer, she established the Department’s Exploited Children’s Unit to give the youngest crime victims a voice in our criminal justice system.
Mrs. Collins-Taylor also served with distinction in the Department of Public Safety under Republican and Democratic Governors, leading a branch of Ohio’s Homeland Security agency and later as Executive Director of the Ohio Investigative Unit.
“I admire Mrs. Collins-Taylor for her courage and record of achievement,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “Unfortunately the committee process went from unfair to insulting.”
Following the vote the Senate Democratic Caucus filed a formal protest over the Senate’s handling of this confirmation process. The protest has been entered into the journal and will become a part of the Senate’s permanent record.
Senator Nina Turner's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=660&organization_id=30
Senator Eric H. Kearney's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=1569&organization_id=30
Senator Capri S. Cafaro's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=3156&organization_id=30
Senator Shirley Smith's floor speech may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/media.cfm?file_id=125817&start_time=4848&organization_id=30
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Senator Fedor and Riding Team Finish 4th Annual Bike to the Capitol
Senator Teresa Fedor and her riding team finished the 4th Annual Bike to the Capitol ride on Sunday, May 23. The ride was about 160 miles long, over a period of 3 days - from Toledo to Columbus.
Pictures can be viewed and downloaded here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/OhioSenateDemocrats/StateSenatorTeresaFedorBikeToTheCapitol2010#
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Senator Fedor to Kick off 4th Annual Bike to the Capitol
Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) will kick off her fourth annual “Bike to the Capitol” tour on May 21, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at Glendale-Feilbach Elementary School in South Toledo. Senator Fedor makes the annual 160-mile trek to work in support of National Bike-to-Work Day. She will make stops in Findlay, Upper Sandusky, Marion, Delaware and Worthington before concluding at the Ohio Statehouse.
The 'Bike to the Capitol' has a three-fold purpose: promote bicycle-friendly community initiatives, advocate for Senate Bill 174 – the Safer Passing legislation, and support quality health and physical education in our public schools. This event supports her “Campaign for Healthy Kids and Communities.”
“Families that eat healthily and stay physically active live longer lives,” Senator Fedor said. “Cycling is fun and it’s a great way to stay healthy. It is critical that we take action aimed at combating obesity and chronic diseases to positively impact our future."
Senator Fedor will arrive at the Ohio Statehouse on Sunday, May 23 at approximately 3p.m. Coach Doug Merrill of the Power UP Foundation, Toledo City Councilman Adam Martinez, Ohio Bicycle Federation Chair Chuck Smith, and many other cyclists will join Senator Fedor for her trip as she continues her “Campaign for Healthy Kids and Communities.”
Senator Mark Wagoner said, “This is a great opportunity to show Ohioans the value and importance of physical exercise and bike safety.”
“Power UP Foundation is proud to be involved in the 4th Annual Ride to the Capitol hosted by Senator Teresa Fedor. Senator Fedor’s initiative for children’s health and safety and Power UP’s mission to create positive mental wellness for our nation’s youth through positive physical fitness is a strong partnership that we hope will continue to grow,” said Doug Merrill.
Please contact Senator Fedor’s office at ubarrera-richards@maild.sen.state.oh.us or (614) 466.5204. Senator Fedor may alter or pass over portions of her route due to inclement weather of safety concerns.
Official National Ride Your Bike to Work Day; Today’s theme: Healthy Kids and Communities
Friday, May 21 – ride 46 miles, in Lucas, Wood, and Hancock Counties
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Press Opportunity at Glendale-Feilbach School Assembly 2317 Cass Road, Toledo, OH 43614
10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Ride 20 miles to Montessori School, 515 Sand Ridge Road, BG
11:45 - 12:10 p.m.
Visit with Montessori School - stop to congratulate students for their efforts to be healthy
12:10 - 12:15 p.m.
Ride 3 miles to Slippery Elm Bike Trail North Trail next to the Montessori School.
12:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Stop for lunch
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Ride 10 miles on Trail to North Baltimore
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ride 13 miles Stop in Findlay for the night
---
National Ride Your Bike to Work Day- Today’s Theme: Riding a bike is fun, it’s healthy and it’s green!!
Day 2 - Saturday, May 22 - ride 56 miles in Hancock, Wyandot and Marion Counties; LUNCH PROVIDED by Bud’s Bicycle Shop
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Depart from Fairfield Inn – in Findlay
8:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Ride 35 miles to Bud's Bicycle Shop 402 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky
Phone: (419) 294-4260
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch at Bud’s Bicycle Shop with Mayor Washburn and Bud Miller of Upper Sandusky City Council
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ride 21 miles Stop in Marion for the night.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner at Blue Fusion - 1340 Mt. Vernon Ave.
www.bluefusionfun.com
With Mayor Scott Schertzer.
---
National Ride Your Bike to Work Day - Today’s theme: “Bike For a Change!”
Day 3 - Sunday, May 23 - ride 53 miles in Marion, Delaware and Franklin Counties
8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Ride 23 miles gather Fairfield Inn, 227 Jamesway, Marion, OH and ride to Delaware
11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Delaware Lunch stop
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Ride 16 miles to the Olentangy Trail at Worthington Hills Park.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ride 14 miles to the Ohio Statehouse
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The Ohio Statehouse – Media opportunities are welcome to gather at the southeast corner of N. High St. and W. Broad St. or West Lawn of the Statehouse to greet Senator Fedor and riders.
The 'Bike to the Capitol' has a three-fold purpose: promote bicycle-friendly community initiatives, advocate for Senate Bill 174 – the Safer Passing legislation, and support quality health and physical education in our public schools. This event supports her “Campaign for Healthy Kids and Communities.”
“Families that eat healthily and stay physically active live longer lives,” Senator Fedor said. “Cycling is fun and it’s a great way to stay healthy. It is critical that we take action aimed at combating obesity and chronic diseases to positively impact our future."
Senator Fedor will arrive at the Ohio Statehouse on Sunday, May 23 at approximately 3p.m. Coach Doug Merrill of the Power UP Foundation, Toledo City Councilman Adam Martinez, Ohio Bicycle Federation Chair Chuck Smith, and many other cyclists will join Senator Fedor for her trip as she continues her “Campaign for Healthy Kids and Communities.”
Senator Mark Wagoner said, “This is a great opportunity to show Ohioans the value and importance of physical exercise and bike safety.”
“Power UP Foundation is proud to be involved in the 4th Annual Ride to the Capitol hosted by Senator Teresa Fedor. Senator Fedor’s initiative for children’s health and safety and Power UP’s mission to create positive mental wellness for our nation’s youth through positive physical fitness is a strong partnership that we hope will continue to grow,” said Doug Merrill.
Please contact Senator Fedor’s office at ubarrera-richards@maild.sen.state.oh.us or (614) 466.5204. Senator Fedor may alter or pass over portions of her route due to inclement weather of safety concerns.
2010 Bike to the Capitol Schedule - 160 miles
Official National Ride Your Bike to Work Day; Today’s theme: Healthy Kids and Communities
Friday, May 21 – ride 46 miles, in Lucas, Wood, and Hancock Counties
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Press Opportunity at Glendale-Feilbach School Assembly 2317 Cass Road, Toledo, OH 43614
10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Ride 20 miles to Montessori School, 515 Sand Ridge Road, BG
11:45 - 12:10 p.m.
Visit with Montessori School - stop to congratulate students for their efforts to be healthy
12:10 - 12:15 p.m.
Ride 3 miles to Slippery Elm Bike Trail North Trail next to the Montessori School.
12:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Stop for lunch
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Ride 10 miles on Trail to North Baltimore
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ride 13 miles Stop in Findlay for the night
---
National Ride Your Bike to Work Day- Today’s Theme: Riding a bike is fun, it’s healthy and it’s green!!
Day 2 - Saturday, May 22 - ride 56 miles in Hancock, Wyandot and Marion Counties; LUNCH PROVIDED by Bud’s Bicycle Shop
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Depart from Fairfield Inn – in Findlay
8:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Ride 35 miles to Bud's Bicycle Shop 402 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky
Phone: (419) 294-4260
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch at Bud’s Bicycle Shop with Mayor Washburn and Bud Miller of Upper Sandusky City Council
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ride 21 miles Stop in Marion for the night.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner at Blue Fusion - 1340 Mt. Vernon Ave.
www.bluefusionfun.com
With Mayor Scott Schertzer.
---
National Ride Your Bike to Work Day - Today’s theme: “Bike For a Change!”
Day 3 - Sunday, May 23 - ride 53 miles in Marion, Delaware and Franklin Counties
8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Ride 23 miles gather Fairfield Inn, 227 Jamesway, Marion, OH and ride to Delaware
11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Delaware Lunch stop
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Ride 16 miles to the Olentangy Trail at Worthington Hills Park.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ride 14 miles to the Ohio Statehouse
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The Ohio Statehouse – Media opportunities are welcome to gather at the southeast corner of N. High St. and W. Broad St. or West Lawn of the Statehouse to greet Senator Fedor and riders.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Senator Joe Schiavoni - May 2010 E-Newsletter
State Senator Joe Schiavoni's May 2010 E-Newsletter is now available online.
(Free Adobe Acrobat Reader required for file download - click here for Adobe Acrobat)
May 2010 E-News I
(Free Adobe Acrobat Reader required for file download - click here for Adobe Acrobat)
May 2010 E-News I
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Senator Fedor Recognized for Commitment to Latino Issues
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) recognized State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) today with the “Legislator Advocate” award during the 2010 statewide Legislative Visit Day.
“I am honored to receive the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs ‘Legislator Advocate’ award,” said Senator Fedor. “I will continue to promote public policy that positively affects the Latino Community.”
OCHLA said of Senator Fedor, “As a State Senator, Teresa Fedor has expended a tremendous amount of time, energy and effort into improving the lives of Latino Ohioans. Her work in the area of education, human trafficking, and advocating against local immigration measures has been sincerely appreciated by the Latino community all across Ohio.”
Senator Fedor spent 16 years working in inner-city Toledo Public schools before coming to the legislature. She has a long standing interest in promoting academic attainment for all children and protecting our most vulnerable young Ohioans. Accordingly, she sponsored “Día de Los Niños”, a bill promoting literacy and education of children on April 30th every year.
Senator Fedor is a champion on the issue of Human Trafficking, a problem that greatly affects vulnerable citizens, especially Latinos. As Vice-Chair of the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission, she ensured the Latino community had a voice and a seat on the Commission. Her bill, Substitute Senate Bill 235, will create a stand-alone felony for trafficking in persons and is currently being considered by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.
OCHLA is an organization that advises state government on issues affecting Hispanic Ohioans, connects the diverse Latino communities across the state, and builds the capacity of community organizations so they may better serve the fast growing Latino population of Ohio.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Senator Tom Sawyer Introduces Bill to Allow Inmate Students to Earn High School Credits
“Win/Win Academy” students can achieve high school diploma while incarcerated
Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee held the first hearing on Senate Bill 246, Senator Tom Sawyer’s bill to create a unique, drop-out recovery community school in partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). This school, to be named the “Win/Win Academy”, would help propel and sustain the reentry of youthful offenders back into the community through high school education.
“Ohio continues to face serious and debilitating problems with the overcrowding of our state prison system and many of our student dropouts are ending up in our prisons,” Senator Sawyer (D-Akron) noted in his testimony. “Every year, thousands of these short term offenders under age 22 are being released back into our communities without a high school diploma. These offenders lack both critical thinking skills and the necessary education to excel in the workforce, and without that education, and the credentials that come with it, they are more likely to continue a life of crime. This ultimately adds to the costly overcrowding problem and continuing a cycle of incarceration.”
The proposal will allow inmate-students to earn high school credits while incarcerated and achieve their diploma upon release. Housed in multiple, single-gender campuses within existing ODRC institutions, the school will integrate State academic standards with curriculum that has a demonstrated a record of improving students’ achievement and lowering recidivism. They will be taught by Ohio licensed educators with the support of “Thinking Aides”, formerly incarcerated graduate-mentors. The proposal will start as a pilot, but is intended to grow within a year.
Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee held the first hearing on Senate Bill 246, Senator Tom Sawyer’s bill to create a unique, drop-out recovery community school in partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). This school, to be named the “Win/Win Academy”, would help propel and sustain the reentry of youthful offenders back into the community through high school education.
“Ohio continues to face serious and debilitating problems with the overcrowding of our state prison system and many of our student dropouts are ending up in our prisons,” Senator Sawyer (D-Akron) noted in his testimony. “Every year, thousands of these short term offenders under age 22 are being released back into our communities without a high school diploma. These offenders lack both critical thinking skills and the necessary education to excel in the workforce, and without that education, and the credentials that come with it, they are more likely to continue a life of crime. This ultimately adds to the costly overcrowding problem and continuing a cycle of incarceration.”
The proposal will allow inmate-students to earn high school credits while incarcerated and achieve their diploma upon release. Housed in multiple, single-gender campuses within existing ODRC institutions, the school will integrate State academic standards with curriculum that has a demonstrated a record of improving students’ achievement and lowering recidivism. They will be taught by Ohio licensed educators with the support of “Thinking Aides”, formerly incarcerated graduate-mentors. The proposal will start as a pilot, but is intended to grow within a year.
Senate Democrats Call for Hearings on Legislation to Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
On May 12th, the Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to Senate President Bill Harris urging him to hold hearings on House Bill 176. The bipartisan legislation would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The letter may be read or downloaded below.
HarrisLetterHB176
HarrisLetterHB176
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Ohio Senate Honors Championship Basketball Teams from Dayton
Senator Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) and the Ohio Senate honored championship basketball teams from the University of Dayton, Jefferson High School and Dunbar High school today.
“I am extremely proud of the success of these young men and I am encouraged by the way all the coaches stressed the academic success of these student-athletes,” Senator Strahorn said.In Senate session today, Senator Strahorn honored:
National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Champions, the University of Dayton Men’s Basketball Team --- Defeated North Carolina 79-68 to win NIT
- State Champions Division IV, Jefferson High School Boys’ Basketball Team --- Defeated Newark Catholic 59-52 to become State Champions
- State Champions Division II, Dunbar High School Boys’ Basketball Team --- Defeated Port Clinton 64-50 to become State Champions
The high school basketball teams were accompanied by School Board members, School Superintendents, Athletic Directors and other community supporters.“The level of support for these young men and the basketball programs at their respective schools has been tremendous,” Senator Strahorn said. “All of the teams honored today have fought through adversity over the course of their championship runs. I believe these young men’s lives will be forever impacted for the better for having been part of a championship team and perhaps more importantly touched by coaches who motivated them to play at such a high level.”
(The Ohio Channel)
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