Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Senate Democrats Offer Amendments to Correct Flaws in JobsOhio
Columbus – Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) announced today that Senate Democrats have proposed nearly 40 amendments to fix flaws in Governor Kasich’s JobsOhio plan. The amendments focus on protecting tax dollars, improving transparency and accountability and raising ethical standards for JobsOhio.
“Through hearings in the House and the Senate, it has become clear that the current JobsOhio plan lacks the necessary transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers’ money,” said Senator Skindell, the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Senate Democrats listened to the concerns of the Ohio Ethics Commission and that’s why we’re calling for higher ethical standards for board members and other employees of JobsOhio.”
Senate Democrats have proposed that Ohio’s Ethics laws apply to JobsOhio, just as they do for other state agencies and departments. Other amendments submitted to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee today include the following:
• More legislative oversight: Appointments to JobsOhio’s Board of Directors would need “advice and consent” from the Senate.
• More public input and scrutiny: JobsOhio would be required to establish a records retention policy and provide time for public comment during board meetings.
• Greater transparency: Businesses would be required to disclose money they contribute to JobsOhio.
“Senate Democrats strongly support efforts to create jobs in Ohio, but it must be done correctly,” said Senator Skindell. “As state legislators it is our responsibility to make sure JobsOhio has adequate safeguards in place at the beginning, not six months from now and not sometime in the future after tax money has been misspent because of insufficient oversight.”
“Through hearings in the House and the Senate, it has become clear that the current JobsOhio plan lacks the necessary transparency and accountability measures to protect taxpayers’ money,” said Senator Skindell, the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee. “Senate Democrats listened to the concerns of the Ohio Ethics Commission and that’s why we’re calling for higher ethical standards for board members and other employees of JobsOhio.”
Senate Democrats have proposed that Ohio’s Ethics laws apply to JobsOhio, just as they do for other state agencies and departments. Other amendments submitted to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee today include the following:
• More legislative oversight: Appointments to JobsOhio’s Board of Directors would need “advice and consent” from the Senate.
• More public input and scrutiny: JobsOhio would be required to establish a records retention policy and provide time for public comment during board meetings.
• Greater transparency: Businesses would be required to disclose money they contribute to JobsOhio.
“Senate Democrats strongly support efforts to create jobs in Ohio, but it must be done correctly,” said Senator Skindell. “As state legislators it is our responsibility to make sure JobsOhio has adequate safeguards in place at the beginning, not six months from now and not sometime in the future after tax money has been misspent because of insufficient oversight.”
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Senate Bill 5 Attacks Working Families
Columbus – State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) called today’s introduction of Senate Bill 5 an attack on working families. The legislation eliminates collective bargaining for state employees and binding arbitration for local police and firefighters. Senator Schiavoni, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee, issued the following statement:
“Senate Bill 5 is an attack on hard working Ohioans from every corner of the state. This bill will likely lead to lower wages and benefits for police officers, firefighters and other public employees who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.
“State employees have already accepted unpaid furloughs, wage freezes and pay cuts to balance the current state budget. The most recent concessions saved the state $250 million, plus an additional $100 million will be cut from health care benefits.
“The Republican sponsor of the bill claims eliminating collective bargaining rights and binding arbitration would bring more “transparency” to public employee contracts. But, what the legislation really does is give employers the power to impose whatever settlements they wish without regard to fairness and the impact on working families.”
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Senate Democrats Announce Legislative Priorities for 129th General Assembly
Columbus – Members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced their first legislation of the 129th General Assembly that covers a broad range of issues important to Ohioans. The bills address economic and workforce development, support for working families, government efficiency and accountability, as well as consumer protections.
“Our top priority is doing all we can to create jobs and promote economic development,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “At the same time we want to support and protect Ohio’s families and maintain government accountability that ensures taxpayer’s money is well spent. We will introduce additional legislation in the coming weeks that further illustrate our commitment to building a stronger Ohio.
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced six bills today that address the following priorities for the 129th General Assembly:
Economic & Workforce Development
The top priority for the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus is to help jumpstart Ohio’s economy. As a result, the Caucus will push for legislation that will help small businesses flourish and get more people back to work.
• Sen. Eric Kearney (SB 12) Small Business Set Asides: Requires the Department of Administrative Services and other state agencies to set aside approximately 20% of their purchases for which only small business enterprises may compete.
• Sen. Jason Wilson (SB 16) Agriculture Estate Tax: Eliminates the estate tax for Farm Preservation Lands. Under current law family farms often have to sell land to pay estate taxes which makes it difficult to continue operation.
Supporting Working Families
Hardworking families around the State of Ohio continue to struggle through this lingering recession. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will be introducing measures that aim to ease the burden on these working families.
• Sen. Joe Schiavoni (SB 13) Unemployment Modernization Act: Would prevent denial of unemployment benefits to Individuals with compelling family circumstances and extend benefits for unemployed workers in qualified job training programs. Implementing these changes will qualify Ohio for part of $7 billion made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Government Efficiency & Accountability
Citizens expect their government to run as efficiently as possible and be accountable to the people it serves. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus continually seeks ways to make government work better and will pursue legislation to enact practical improvements.
• Sen. Capri Cafaro (SB 11) Regulatory Reform: This legislation builds on Governor Strickland’s Executive Order (2008-04S) by requiring state agencies to craft better methods for appropriately regulating entities that conduct business in the State. The bill also creates an e-notification system and an Ohio Small Business Panel to ensure that businesses are treated as partners in identifying and achieving regulatory goals.
• Sen. Nina Turner (SB 15) Dropout Prevention: To require the State Board of Education to recommend standards for dropout programs operated by school districts.
Consumer Protections
As Ohio continues down the road to economic recovery, we must not forget the unscrupulous and short-sighted business practices that contributed to severe financial hardship for many families. The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to legislation that will protect consumers from such practices in the future.
• Sen. Michael Skindell (SB 14) Foreclosure-Mortgage Servicers: The bill takes a common sense approach to the mortgage crisis in Ohio by modifying court procedures and requirements for residential mortgage foreclosure actions. It also requires mortgage servicers to register with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of the Department of Commerce, undergo civil and criminal background checks, to maintain standards of operation, and to provide notice and information to property owners.
“Our top priority is doing all we can to create jobs and promote economic development,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “At the same time we want to support and protect Ohio’s families and maintain government accountability that ensures taxpayer’s money is well spent. We will introduce additional legislation in the coming weeks that further illustrate our commitment to building a stronger Ohio.
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus introduced six bills today that address the following priorities for the 129th General Assembly:
Economic & Workforce Development
The top priority for the members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus is to help jumpstart Ohio’s economy. As a result, the Caucus will push for legislation that will help small businesses flourish and get more people back to work.
• Sen. Eric Kearney (SB 12) Small Business Set Asides: Requires the Department of Administrative Services and other state agencies to set aside approximately 20% of their purchases for which only small business enterprises may compete.
• Sen. Jason Wilson (SB 16) Agriculture Estate Tax: Eliminates the estate tax for Farm Preservation Lands. Under current law family farms often have to sell land to pay estate taxes which makes it difficult to continue operation.
Supporting Working Families
Hardworking families around the State of Ohio continue to struggle through this lingering recession. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will be introducing measures that aim to ease the burden on these working families.
• Sen. Joe Schiavoni (SB 13) Unemployment Modernization Act: Would prevent denial of unemployment benefits to Individuals with compelling family circumstances and extend benefits for unemployed workers in qualified job training programs. Implementing these changes will qualify Ohio for part of $7 billion made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Government Efficiency & Accountability
Citizens expect their government to run as efficiently as possible and be accountable to the people it serves. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus continually seeks ways to make government work better and will pursue legislation to enact practical improvements.
• Sen. Capri Cafaro (SB 11) Regulatory Reform: This legislation builds on Governor Strickland’s Executive Order (2008-04S) by requiring state agencies to craft better methods for appropriately regulating entities that conduct business in the State. The bill also creates an e-notification system and an Ohio Small Business Panel to ensure that businesses are treated as partners in identifying and achieving regulatory goals.
• Sen. Nina Turner (SB 15) Dropout Prevention: To require the State Board of Education to recommend standards for dropout programs operated by school districts.
Consumer Protections
As Ohio continues down the road to economic recovery, we must not forget the unscrupulous and short-sighted business practices that contributed to severe financial hardship for many families. The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to legislation that will protect consumers from such practices in the future.
• Sen. Michael Skindell (SB 14) Foreclosure-Mortgage Servicers: The bill takes a common sense approach to the mortgage crisis in Ohio by modifying court procedures and requirements for residential mortgage foreclosure actions. It also requires mortgage servicers to register with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of the Department of Commerce, undergo civil and criminal background checks, to maintain standards of operation, and to provide notice and information to property owners.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Senator Skindell Earns Key Committee Assignments
Columbus – This week State Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) was appointed to several key committees by Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro, including being named as Ranking Member on the important Senate Finance Committee.
"I am truly honored by this appointment and grateful for the confidence Senator Cafaro and my Democratic colleagues have placed in me," Senator Skindell said.
In addition, Senator Skindell will serve on the Financial Institutions, Judiciary-Civil, and Ways and Means Committees.
Senator Skindell previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010. In the House, he spent six years on the House Finance Committee and three of those years as the Ranking Member.
“Senator Skindell brings a tremendous amount of expertise to these committees. Considering the budgetary challenges the State of Ohio faces, we are fortunate to have his experience serving us on the Finance Committee,” stated Leader Cafaro.
The Senate Finance Committee will play a major role in determining the State of Ohio’s biennial budget, including filling a projected $8 billion deficit.
Senator Sawyer Named Ranking Member of Education Committee
Columbus- State Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) is pleased to announce that he has received his committee assignments for the 129th General Assembly, including his appointment as the Ranking Member of the Education Committee.
A former educator, Ohio State Board of Education member, and member of the Education Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Sawyer brings over 40 years of experience to the Senate Education Committee.
In addition, Senator Sawyer will return to the Energy and Public Utilities Committee and Finance Committee. He is newly appointed to the Insurance, Labor and Commerce Committee, and also was named to the State of Ohio Controlling Board and the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.
Upon hearing of his appointments, Senator Sawyer said, “I am looking forward to continuing my work on the Education Committee, Energy and Public Utilities Committee, and the Finance Committee; and I am very excited to begin work on the Insurance, Labor and Commerce Committee.”
Senator Brown Announces Committee Assignments
Columbus – Committee assignments were released today for the Ohio Senate. State Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo) received six total assignments, including being selected for the position of Ranking Minority Member of the Health, Human Services & Aging Committee.
“It is an honor to continue the work that I’ve previously done in the area of human services, and I’m happy to serve as the Ranking Member for the committee.” Senator Brown said. “Serving on six committees is a heavy workload, and I look forward to the challenges it may present.”
Senator Brown’s full committee list is as follows:
· Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources
· Financial Institutions
· Health, Human Services & Aging (Ranking Member)
· Insurance, Commerce & Labor
· Rules & Reference
· State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs
In the 128th General Assembly, when Senator Brown was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, she served as the Chair for the Health & Human Services Subcommittee of the Finance & Appropriations Committee.
Committees are expected to begin meeting next week.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Rejection of Strickland Appointments is Unconstitutional
Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus filed a formal protest today after the Senate’s unconstitutional rejection of Governor Ted Strickland’s appointments to various boards and commissions. The appointments included highly qualified Ohioans of both political parties who were appointed to serve on the State Board of Education and the Ohio Lottery Commission.
“This is another disappointing example of partisan politics in the Ohio Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “Many of the appointees have already proven themselves to be outstanding public servants. It’s a shame they will not be able to continue their service to this state.”
Former Governor Strickland made the 14 appointments after the Senate majority took the unprecedented action of rejecting 78 appointees in December without regard to qualifications or experience. Three of the latest appointees—Robert Boggs, Rhine McLin and Kimberly Zurz—have previously served with distinction in the Ohio Senate as well as other positions in state and local government.
“It is time for the Senate to re-examine the confirmation process so all appointees are treated fairly,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “What the Senate did today was tell Ohioans they need not apply for public service if they are appointed by a governor affiliated with the wrong political party.”
Governor Strickland submitted the 14 appointments on December 21, 2010, which is one day before the final ten days of the 128th General Assembly (which is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not just the Senate.) Because the Senate failed to act on the appointments in a timely manner, today’s vote to reject the appointments is unconstitutional. The protest by the Senate Democratic Caucus makes the following point:
“We believe that pursuant to Article III, Section 21 of the Ohio Constitution, that the Senate has already consented to the confirmations of the 14 appointees to various boards and commissions by failing to act before the 128th General Assembly adjourned sine die.”
“Today’s vote by the Senate majority raises serious constitutional questions,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “I am also concerned that outstanding people were rejected without the opportunity to properly evaluate their qualifications.”
The Senate Democratic Caucus’ protest will become part of the official Senate Journal.
“This is another disappointing example of partisan politics in the Ohio Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “Many of the appointees have already proven themselves to be outstanding public servants. It’s a shame they will not be able to continue their service to this state.”
Former Governor Strickland made the 14 appointments after the Senate majority took the unprecedented action of rejecting 78 appointees in December without regard to qualifications or experience. Three of the latest appointees—Robert Boggs, Rhine McLin and Kimberly Zurz—have previously served with distinction in the Ohio Senate as well as other positions in state and local government.
“It is time for the Senate to re-examine the confirmation process so all appointees are treated fairly,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland). “What the Senate did today was tell Ohioans they need not apply for public service if they are appointed by a governor affiliated with the wrong political party.”
Governor Strickland submitted the 14 appointments on December 21, 2010, which is one day before the final ten days of the 128th General Assembly (which is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, not just the Senate.) Because the Senate failed to act on the appointments in a timely manner, today’s vote to reject the appointments is unconstitutional. The protest by the Senate Democratic Caucus makes the following point:
“We believe that pursuant to Article III, Section 21 of the Ohio Constitution, that the Senate has already consented to the confirmations of the 14 appointees to various boards and commissions by failing to act before the 128th General Assembly adjourned sine die.”
“Today’s vote by the Senate majority raises serious constitutional questions,” said Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati). “I am also concerned that outstanding people were rejected without the opportunity to properly evaluate their qualifications.”
The Senate Democratic Caucus’ protest will become part of the official Senate Journal.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Senator Cafaro Comments on Opening of 129th General Assembly
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro issued the following statement after the opening day of the 129th General Assembly, during which she was re-elected Minority Leader:
“I look forward to working with President Tom Niehaus and my colleagues in the Ohio Senate as we tackle the challenges facing our great state over the next two years. I am also honored to continue serving as Minority Leader in the 129th General Assembly.
“This General Assembly faces many challenges, not the least of which is balancing our next budget. But, I believe adversity leads to opportunity. Because of the size of the challenge before us, we must as Abraham Lincoln said “think anew and act anew.” Working together we have the opportunity to address long-standing issues that have been left unresolved by previous General Assemblies.
“Three and a half million Ohioans live in districts represented by Senate Democrats. My Caucus is honored to have the privilege and the responsibility to make sure their voices are heard in this chamber. While we are not the majority party, we are equally committed to representing our constituents. We will not hesitate in standing up for our principles and doing what is best for the people of Ohio.”
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Senator Joe Schiavoni - E-Newsletter Available
State Senator Joe Schiavoni's December 2010 E-Newsletter is available online to view and download.
To download, a free copy of Adobe Reader is required. Click here to get Adobe Reader.
Schiavoni - Dec 2010 ENews
To download, a free copy of Adobe Reader is required. Click here to get Adobe Reader.
Schiavoni - Dec 2010 ENews
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ohio Senate Should Confirm Appointments Based on Qualifications Not Partisan Politics
Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today urging the Ohio Senate to confirm Governor Ted Strickland’s appointments when the Senate convenes on Tuesday, December 21st:
“Many of Governor Ted Strickland’s pending appointments to boards and commissions have been languishing for months in the Ohio Senate. Now, in the waning days of the 128th General Assembly, it appears likely that some of these highly qualified appointees will be rejected because the Governor-elect wants the power to make appointments even before taking the oath of office.
“The Senate confirmed nearly 200 appointments made by outgoing Governor Bob Taft during lame duck session in 2006 without regard to the wishes of then Governor-elect Ted Strickland. The last minute confirmations included key appointments to the State Board of Education and the Third Frontier Commission.
“I am deeply troubled that the Ohio Senate is prepared to reject Ohioans who have served this state with honor and distinction. We must do all we can to maintain public trust through an appointment process that is based on qualifications and experience, not partisan politics and chicanery.”
“Many of Governor Ted Strickland’s pending appointments to boards and commissions have been languishing for months in the Ohio Senate. Now, in the waning days of the 128th General Assembly, it appears likely that some of these highly qualified appointees will be rejected because the Governor-elect wants the power to make appointments even before taking the oath of office.
“The Senate confirmed nearly 200 appointments made by outgoing Governor Bob Taft during lame duck session in 2006 without regard to the wishes of then Governor-elect Ted Strickland. The last minute confirmations included key appointments to the State Board of Education and the Third Frontier Commission.
“I am deeply troubled that the Ohio Senate is prepared to reject Ohioans who have served this state with honor and distinction. We must do all we can to maintain public trust through an appointment process that is based on qualifications and experience, not partisan politics and chicanery.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Senator Turner Concerned by Apparent Politicizing of Confirmation Process
Columbus –State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) expressed great disappointment today that a Republican Senator has acknowledged campaign politics were involved in the Senate’s rejection of Cathy Collins-Taylor as Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Last May the Senate voted not to confirm Collins-Taylor after an unfavorable recommendation from the Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee. All the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus supported her confirmation.
The chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, Senator Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland), said in a letter this week that he “…worked hard to facilitate John Kasich’s election,” and “…[the investigation] had a detrimental impact on Governor Strickland’s re-election effort.” The hearings were supposed to gather information about a drug sting operation at the Governor’s mansion but turned into an attack on the administration and on Collins-Taylor’s honesty and integrity.
“It’s scary to think someone’s outstanding law enforcement career would be destroyed for purely political reasons,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), the ranking member of the Criminal Justice Committee. “We said all along that Cathy Collins-Taylor did not get a fair hearing and this confirms it. This entire episode was shameful and not in the best interest of the people of Ohio. ”
Witnesses who would have supported Collins-Taylor were never called to testify and very little time was spent discussing her qualifications for the job. The following statement is part of an official journal protest filed by Senate Democrats on May 25, 2010 (page 2739):
“…we want to protest what we perceive as the politicizing of the confirmation process. We believe that the public perception will be that the Ohio Senate has wasted time and taxpayer dollars at the tail end of this Great Recession to focus on what resembles to be a political smear campaign…”
“As the Senate prepares to hold more confirmation votes on Governor Strickland’s latest appointments, it is my hope that no more highly qualified candidates are rejected for political reasons,” said Senator Turner. “Ohioans are tired of political maneuvering. It is time for us to cease and desist and focus on dealing with the challenges our state faces.”
The chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, Senator Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland), said in a letter this week that he “…worked hard to facilitate John Kasich’s election,” and “…[the investigation] had a detrimental impact on Governor Strickland’s re-election effort.” The hearings were supposed to gather information about a drug sting operation at the Governor’s mansion but turned into an attack on the administration and on Collins-Taylor’s honesty and integrity.
“It’s scary to think someone’s outstanding law enforcement career would be destroyed for purely political reasons,” said Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland), the ranking member of the Criminal Justice Committee. “We said all along that Cathy Collins-Taylor did not get a fair hearing and this confirms it. This entire episode was shameful and not in the best interest of the people of Ohio. ”
Witnesses who would have supported Collins-Taylor were never called to testify and very little time was spent discussing her qualifications for the job. The following statement is part of an official journal protest filed by Senate Democrats on May 25, 2010 (page 2739):
“…we want to protest what we perceive as the politicizing of the confirmation process. We believe that the public perception will be that the Ohio Senate has wasted time and taxpayer dollars at the tail end of this Great Recession to focus on what resembles to be a political smear campaign…”
“As the Senate prepares to hold more confirmation votes on Governor Strickland’s latest appointments, it is my hope that no more highly qualified candidates are rejected for political reasons,” said Senator Turner. “Ohioans are tired of political maneuvering. It is time for us to cease and desist and focus on dealing with the challenges our state faces.”
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ohio Senate Passes Senator Fedor’s Human Trafficking Legislation
Senate Bill 235 goes to House of Representatives
Columbus – State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) is pleased to announce that the Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 235 today. The bill, jointly sponsored by Senators Fedor and Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland), makes Human Trafficking a stand-alone felony in Ohio.
“Today’s victory is the result of five years of work,” Senator Fedor said. “In 2005, we were first awakened to the width and breadth of human trafficking in Ohio when more than 30 minors from Toledo were caught in a prostitution ring.
“For years, we as legislators have worked with key people from across the State to gather data, identify sources of the problem and to draft legislation to combat it.”
Milestones in Senator Fedor’s fight against Human Trafficking:
- During the 127th General Assembly, Senator Fedor introduced Senate Bill 205, increasing the penalty for crimes that include trafficking in persons. Senate Bill 205 was amended into House Bill 280, which was signed into law by Governor Ted Strickland in January, 2009
- The Trafficking in Persons Study Commission was created through the 2009 legislation described above.
- In November, 2010, over one hundred supporters of Senate Bill 235 gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Senator Fedor’s Human Trafficking Advocacy Day. Advocates visited the offices of Ohio Legislators urging their support for the bill.
“Freedom from slavery is a fundamental human right, recognized worldwide,” Alex Kreidenweis, Chairman of the Ohio Abolitionist Coalition, said today after session. “Unfortunately, it is a human right that is violated across the world, and Ohio is no exception. Attaining a slave-free world requires intelligent policy action like Senate Bill 235. Forty-four other states have enacted strong laws concerning human trafficking, and now Ohio has done the same.”
On January 11, 2011, Senator Teresa Fedor will hold a Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse. Details of the event will be released by her office at a later date.
“The struggle is not yet over,” Senator Fedor said. “There is much left to do in the fight against Human Trafficking.”
*Watch video of Senator Fedor speaking to SB 235 here:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=128202&startTime=529
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Senator Cafaro Re-elected Senate Democratic Leader
Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously re-elected Senator Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) to serve as Minority Leader for the upcoming 129th General Assembly.
“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve another term as the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Senator Cafaro. “Our state faces many challenges and I want to make sure all Ohioans have their voices heard in the next General Assembly.”
The Caucus elected Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) to serve a second term as Assistant Minority Leader. “I believe we have assembled a strong and diverse leadership team,” said Senator Smith. “We are committed to being tireless advocates for our constituents.”
Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus also chose Senator-elect Edna Brown (D-Toledo) to be Minority Whip. Senator-elect Brown has served the past nine years as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. “As the first African American Senator from Northwest Ohio I am honored to serve as Minority Whip,” said Senator-elect Brown.
Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) was also re-elected to the position of Assistant Minority Whip. “I look forward to working with our leadership team in the 129th General Assembly,” said Senator Wilson. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve another term as the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Senator Cafaro. “Our state faces many challenges and I want to make sure all Ohioans have their voices heard in the next General Assembly.”
The Caucus elected Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) to serve a second term as Assistant Minority Leader. “I believe we have assembled a strong and diverse leadership team,” said Senator Smith. “We are committed to being tireless advocates for our constituents.”
Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus also chose Senator-elect Edna Brown (D-Toledo) to be Minority Whip. Senator-elect Brown has served the past nine years as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. “As the first African American Senator from Northwest Ohio I am honored to serve as Minority Whip,” said Senator-elect Brown.
Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) was also re-elected to the position of Assistant Minority Whip. “I look forward to working with our leadership team in the 129th General Assembly,” said Senator Wilson. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
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