Columbus – Today the Senate Democratic Caucus voted unanimously against the repeal of House Bill 194. More than 300,000 Ohioans signed petitions calling for a statewide referendum on the controversial voter suppression bill. However, Republicans in the General Assembly are moving to repeal HB 194 before the citizens of Ohio have the opportunity to vote on the referendum.
“This will set a dangerous precedent for future referendums,” said Senate Minority leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “If the General Assembly can repeal a bill that is subject to referendum and then pass the same or similar legislation, it makes the referendum process meaningless. The citizens of this state would no longer have the power to fight hyper-partisan legislation such as last year’s Senate Bill 5.”
The Ohio Senate today voted along party lines to pass Senate Bill 295, which repeals HB 194. This unprecedented legislative maneuver circumvents Ohio’s constitution.
“The framers of our state constitution set up a system of checks and balances where the ultimate power belongs to the people not legislators,” said Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland). “After losing their effort to strip collective bargaining from public employees, Republicans are undermining citizen rights to avoid another defeat at the ballot box.”
HB 194 would make it harder for Ohioans to vote by shortening the early voting period and by prohibiting counties from mailing unsolicited applications for absentee ballots. The changes would have an adverse impact on minority groups and urban areas and would likely lead to longer lines at polling places.
“We are willing to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure the fairness and integrity of our elections,” said Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville). “However, we are not willing to violate the constitution to avoid a referendum.”
Senate Democrats believe Ohioans should vote on the referendum, and then if the General Assembly decides to consider other election related legislation after November, it should be drafted and passed with bipartisan support.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Senator Schiavoni Introduces Legislation to License and Regulate Sweepstakes Terminal Devices
Unlike gambling activities and skill-based amusement machines which are regulated under Ohio law, sweepstakes operations at internet cafes are currently unregulated. The effort to regulate these machines began in the Ohio House of Representatives, after Rep. Nan Baker and Rep. Marlene Anielski introduced similar legislation on this issue.
“I decided to take on this effort here in the Senate, and with the support of the Attorney General’s office I think we have put together a very balanced and comprehensive piece of legislation,” said Senator Schiavoni. “With the introduction of casinos, racinos and internet cafes to our state, it is important to make sure that every form of gaming is regulated in order to provide our citizens with an understanding of the odds of the games they choose to play.”
Under Senator Schiavoni’s proposed legislation, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will have the authority to license, regulate, investigate and penalize vendors and operators found to be operating illegally. By licensing and regulating these operators, the legislation is intended to protect Ohio consumers from potential fraud. The bill also gives local governments the authority to allow or (opt-in) to having sweepstakes operations within their jurisdictions; as well as the ability to levy and collect fees on these establishments.
Senator Schiavoni worked alongside Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio Casino Control Commission in putting this bill together.
“Regulating internet cafés is a sensible thing to do,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine. “By imposing common-sense regulations we can ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of and that the law is consistent statewide.”
The regulations in this legislation, however, were not created to hinder the viability of sweepstake businesses. There are no restrictive limits placed on cash prizes, and it does not cap the amount of licenses available to potential operators.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Senator Kearney Issues Statement on Possible Repeal of HB 194
“Republicans apparently learned their lesson from Senate Bill 5. To avoid suffering another stinging defeat at the ballot box, they have decided to repeal House Bill 194 before Ohioans have an opportunity to reject it.
“It has become abundantly clear that the repeal is a political maneuver designed to circumvent Ohio’s constitution. This sets a dangerous precedent for future referendums.
“Referendums are an essential component of the checks and balances in our constitution. It is a right that belongs to the people and the General Assembly should not infringe upon it. Repealing HB 194 would make a mockery of the referendum process.”
The repeal of HB 194 is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday morning in the Senate Government Oversight and Reform committee. The repeal legislation is designated as Senate Bill 295.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Senators Kearney and Turner Call for Action on Democrat Jobs' Bills
Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) and Senate Minority Whip Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) spoke at news conference today where they called on the General Assembly to hold hearings on jobs bills introduced by Democrats. There were joined by Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga, House Minority Leader Armond Budish and House Minority Leader Matt Szollosi.
Senators Kearney and Turner have proposed a jobs plan called Forward Ohio that will create an estimated 16,000 jobs. But, the bill has yet to have hearing in the Ohio Senate.
Senators Kearney and Turner have proposed a jobs plan called Forward Ohio that will create an estimated 16,000 jobs. But, the bill has yet to have hearing in the Ohio Senate.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Senator Schiavoni Issues Statement on Earthquake Report
“I am not surprised by the report’s findings based on my conversations with state geologists and other experts. It seems pretty clear we’re talking about more than just a coincidence that the earthquakes were centered near the waste water injection site. “I think the state is trying to take responsible steps in addressing the earthquake issue. But, the regulations proposed by ODNR ignore the larger issue of what to do with waste water from fracking. “State legislators and the Kasich administration need to work together on a bipartisan basis to find a solution that strikes the proper balance between encouraging economic development, protecting the environment and keeping our citizens safe.”
Monday, March 5, 2012
Senator Turner Introduces Legislation to Protect Men's Health
“The men in our lives, including members of the General Assembly, generously devote time to fundamental female reproductive issues—the least we can do is return the favor,” Senator Turner said. “It is crucial that we take the appropriate steps to shelter vulnerable men from the potential side effects of these drugs.”
The legislation follows the FDA’s recommendation that the evaluation of erectile dysfunction should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment. Similar bills to more closely regulate reproductive health issues have been introduced in the state legislatures of Virginia, Oklahoma, Idaho, and most recently Pennsylvania.
“When a man makes a crucial decision about his health and his body, he should be fully aware of the alternative options and the lifetime repercussions of that decision,” Senator Turner said today. Men will be more easily guided through the process of obtaining treatment for impotence so they can better understand and more effectively address their condition. PDE-5 inhibitors can carry serious side effects such as priapism, hearing loss, and vision loss, and can be detrimental to men with heart problems, including heart pain, abnormal heart rhythms, high or low blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
“By implementing more intensive screenings before prescribing the medication and requiring outpatient educational services, we can do more to prevent the potential side effects linked to PDE-5 inhibitors,” Senator Turner explained. “We must advocate for the traditional family, protect the sanctity of procreation, and ensure that all men using PDE-5 inhibitors are healthy, stable, and educated about their options—including celibacy as a viable life choice. This legislation will do just that.”
Monday, February 27, 2012
Senator Cafaro Issues Statement on Incident at Chardon High School
Columbus – State Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today in response to the shooting at Chardon High School:
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the violent events that have occurred this morning at Chardon High School. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the entire Chardon-area community as they work through this difficult time. I have no doubt that through faith and family, the community will come together and find the strength to support and help one another through this heartbreaking situation. I will be working along side Senator Eklund, and make myself and my office available to help in anyway possible."
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Senator Kearney on Ohio in Focus
Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) talks about his new role as Minority Leader on Ohio in Focus.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Senator Cafaro Appointed to the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission
Columbus – State Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today after being appointed to the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, as created in Ohio House Bill 188 of the 129th Ohio General Assembly:
“I am proud to announce my appointment to such an important legislative commission as I hold such reverence for the Ohio Constitution as a governing document in this great state. I look forward to serious dialogue regarding the Ohio Constitution as it stands today and hearing public input from across the state. I encourage my constituents to reach out to our office if they have any suggestions or concerns regarding changes to this fundamental document.”
The Commission is comprised of a total of 32 members, 12 from within the Ohio General Assembly and 20 appointed from the general public. These members are tasked with making recommendations for changes to the Ohio Constitution, as well as with making recommendations as to organizing a state constitutional convention. The Commission is required to make its first report to the Ohio General Assembly no later than January 1, 2013 and requires biennial reports thereafter as well as completion of all work by July 1, 2021. The last time a study of the Ohio Constitution of this size was conducted was during the Ohio Constitutional Revision Commission in 1970.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Senate Democrats Welcome Vice Prime Minister of Israel to Statehouse
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney and the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus today welcomed Silvan Shalom, the Vice Prime Minister of Israel, to the Ohio Statehouse. During his visit, Mr. Shalom spoke to a special joint session of the General Assembly.
“We are honored to have such a high ranking member of the Israeli government speak to the General Assembly,” said Senator Kearney. “I value the enduring friendship between Israel and the United States. Our two great countries have many things in common including a strong commitment to democracy.”
Mr. Shalom has served as Israel’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development since March 2009. He has also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance in previous Israeli governments.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Senator Kearney Issues Statement on Proposed Repeal of HB 194
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today in response to an announcement by Senate Republicans that they have introduced legislation to repeal HB 194, the controversial voter suppression bill:
“More than 300,000 people signed petitions calling for a referendum on House bill 194 to give Ohioans the chance to speak through the ballot box. We think the referendum process is a fundamental right in Ohio’s constitution and should not be circumvented.
“Senate Democrats are diametrically opposed to any form of voter suppression and we will fight to ensure all Ohioans have the right to vote. Clearly, HB 194 was an example of voter suppression.
“Let’s not forget Republicans in the General Assembly passed this voter suppression bill despite strong objections from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Now that HB 194 is subject to referendum, and likely to be overturned by voters in November, they suddenly have had a change of heart.
“If Senate Republicans are sincere about reaching bipartisan consensus, they should postpone any further discussion of changing Ohio’s voting laws until the next General Assembly. We must respect the referendum process and the right of Ohioans to have the final say on controversial legislation.”
Senators Kearney and Turner Talk About Forward Ohio on Ohio in Focus
Senate Minority Leader Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati) and Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) appear on Ohio In Focus to talk about Forward Ohio. Their legislation is designed to improve Ohio's economy with a bipartisan approach to helping create jobs. The Legislative Service Commission estimates Forward Ohio will create 16,000 jobs.
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