Senator Lou Gentile on Ohio in Focus

Senator Tavares Calls for More Funding for AIDS Prevention and Treatment

Columbus – On this World AIDS day, Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) calls on the state of Ohio to commit more resources to HIV treatment and prevention and to stop the Ohio Department of Health from imposing rule changes that could restrict access to life saving drugs.

“Unfortunately, the scourge of HIV/AIDS has not diminished in the last 30 years and Franklin County has the highest number of new cases of HIV/AIDS in the state,” said Senator Tavares.

This week a Franklin County judge temporarily stopped the Ohio Department of Health from reducing the number of people eligible for the Ohio HIV Drug Assistance program. The Department had planned to cut eligibility for AIDS patients based on income—from 300 percent of the poverty level to just 100 percent.

“Instead of imposing new restrictions which limit patient access to life saving drugs, the state of Ohio should provide the funding that is needed,” said Senator Tavares. “If resources are scarce it’s because the state makes them scarce through misplaced budget priorities. We have a responsibility to ensure that the public we serve is aware of and involved in the development of policies, rules and guidelines for programming and funding of services with these finite federal dollars. ”

Senator Tavares contends that additional funding is available from either a $23 million Vioxx settlement or the state’s rainy day fund which currently contains $247 million.

Earlier this year, Senator Tavares offered a budget amendment to increase funding for AIDS prevention and treatment by $5.3 million over the next two fiscal years.

Lou Gentile Picked to Fill Vacancy in 30th Senate District

Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus has voted unanimously to appoint State Representative Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) to fill a vacancy in the 30th Senate District. Rep. Gentile replaces Jason Wilson who resigned to become Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia.

“Lou Gentile is hard-working and passionate about public service,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “He will be a strong voice for the residents of the 30th District and a great addition to the Ohio Senate.”

Rep. Gentile currently represents the 95th House District which includes Jefferson County and parts of Belmont County. Prior to joining the General Assembly, he served as Assistant Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia under former Governor Ted Strickland.

“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to represent Southeastern Ohio in the State Senate,” Gentile said. “I am committed to working as hard as I can to give the people of the 30th District the kind of representation they deserve.”

Rep. Gentile received a unanimous recommendation from the Democratic chairmen of Belmont, Harrison and Jefferson Counties for an appointment to the Ohio Senate. Those three counties will continue to be part of the 30th Senate District when boundaries change due to reapportionment.

Senate Democrats Select Senator Schiavoni to Serve as Assistant Minority Whip

Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus today selected Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Canfield) to serve as Assistant Minority Whip. Senator Schiavoni replaces Senator Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) who resigned last week to become the Director of the Governor’s Office for Appalachia.

“Senator Schiavoni will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “He is hard working and dedicated to improving the lives of his constituents and the people of Ohio.”

Senator Schiavoni has been a member of the Ohio Senate since January, 2009. He currently serves as the Ranking Member on both the Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee and the Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

“I am honored to be selected by my colleagues for this leadership position,” said Senator Schiavoni. “I am excited to continue working with members from both caucuses to address the serious issues that people face in my district and throughout the state.”

Senator Sawyer’s “Friendship 7” Bill Passes the Ohio Senate

Columbus – The Ohio Senate voted today to approve Senate Bill 155. The bill, introduced by Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) and former Senator Gary Cates, will designate February 20th as “John Glenn Friendship 7 Day.” Senator Sawyer gave the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“On February 20, 1962, Ohioan John Glenn Jr. displayed great courage by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth. John Glenn’s mission put the United States back in the “space race” despite the questions that were left unanswered following the Soviet Union’s full orbital mission. Friendship 7’s launch enabled Glenn to orbit the Earth three times and served as the standard for future NASA projects.

“John Glenn’s heroism, especially on reentry, will forever be engraved in the memory of everyone who followed the reports of that first orbital flight. It remains an indelible moment in American history.”

Senator Kearney Praises Approval of the Adoption Loan Program

CINCINNATI– State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) praised the Ohio Controlling Board’s approval of funding for the Ohio Adoption Loan Program. Kearney was the primary sponsor of the bill creating the Ohio Adoption Loan Program, the only one of its kind in the country.

“This approval process has been a four-year effort and I am happy that it is complete,” said Senator Kearney. “As parents of an adoptive child, my wife and I understand the financial difficulties that many families face when going through the process. It is my hope that this loan will encourage more families to continue the process of giving children stable and loving homes.”

Under the Adoption Loan Program, families who are approved and matched to adopt a child may seek a loan through Fifth Third Bank to defray some of the upfront costs of the adoption process. As the financial institution selected by the state of Ohio for the management of this loan program, Fifth Third Bank will receive, review and approve adoption loan applications up to $3,000 from residents of the State of Ohio. Applicants must present proof of program eligibility, in the form of a letter from an adoption agency confirming that the loan applicant is an adoptive parent who has been matched with an identified child.

The approval of the program precedes the anniversary of the 11th Annual National Adoption Day on November 19th. Celebrated across the United States, more than 350 community events are held each year to finalize the adoptions of children in foster care and celebrate adoptive families. In addition, Senator Kearney introduced Ohio Adoption Day which is celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.

Senator Eric H. Kearney represents parts of Cincinnati, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, North Bend and Addyston.

Senator Cafaro Calls Additional Primary "Fiscally Irresponsible"

Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) issued the following statement today after the Ohio Senate voted along party lines to create two primaries in 2012--a change that will cost taxpayers an estimated $15 million:

“It is the height of hypocrisy for Republicans, who claim to be fiscal conservatives, to pass a bill that needlessly spends $15 million of taxpayers’ money. Substitute House Bill 318 is fiscally irresponsible and will only add cost and confusion to our elections. Furthermore, the rationale behind the legislation simply defies logic.

“I offered an amendment to create one primary in June for state, local and federal elections. It would have saved money and simplified our elections by asking voters to make only one trip to the polls next spring instead of two. But, this common sense alternative was swiftly rejected by Republicans.

“Instead of making it easier for Ohioans to vote, Republicans seem intent on causing confusion, suppressing voter turnout and needlessly spending scarce resources.”

Senator Smith Disturbed by Republican Refusal to Amend House Bill 318

Columbus – State Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) released the following statement today after voting against the passage of House Bill 318, which creates a separate federal primary on June 12, 2012:

“I am completely disturbed by the Republican decision to unnecessarily create an additional primary election in 2012. This new primary will cost as much as $15 million, and all year we have been told that the state has to guard its resources.

“My colleagues in the Democratic Caucus offered an amendment that would have combined the state and federal primaries to create a single primary in 2012, saving the state those $15 million. Who in their right mind would pass up such an opportunity?

“I also offered an amendment that would have codified an agreement between Secretary of State John Husted and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald, which was also supported by the majority’s leaders. This amendment would have required the Secretary of State to send absentee voter applications to all registered Ohio voters for the November 2012 Presidential Election. Again, and without sufficient explanation, Senate Republicans rejected the amendment.

“This is the same party that, several months ago, blamed public employees for the state’s financial problems, instead of finding fault with the huge, unnecessary tax loopholes and excessive tax cuts that they enacted in 2005. Now, under the twin specters of Senate Bill 5’s defeat and possible referendum on the highly partisan Congressional maps, Republicans baldly waste taxpayer dollars. If they had used an open and inclusive process to draw those new Congressional boundaries, I am convinced that we would not be here today.

"Their actions show internal incoherence or unbridled hypocrisy within their party. Either way, the result is not good for Ohio.”

Senators Tavares and Turner Introduce Absentee Ballot Legislation

Columbus –State Senators Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus) and Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) have introduced legislation in the Ohio Senate to restore local control to Ohio’s elections process. If enacted, Senate Bill 227 would allow local boards of election to mail unsolicited applications for absentee ballots and require the Ohio Secretary of State to reimburse the cost of the mailings for elections in even numbered years.

“SB 227 provides a pro-democracy, pro-voter approach to our elections process,” said Senator Tavares. “This is a fundamental form of outreach to the citizen-taxpayers to remind them of the election, encourage their participation and provide a tool for them to easily, efficiently and effectively cast their ballots.”

During recent elections, Franklin and Cuyahoga counties have mailed unsolicited absentee ballot applications to encourage early voting and the result has been shorter lines on election day. However, a controversial provision of House Bill 194, recently passed by the General Assembly, would prohibit these unsolicited mailings. While HB 194 may be subject to a referendum, Senators Tavares and Turner have taken the proactive step of seeking to restore- the rights of local boards of election to better serve the needs of their counties.

“Senate Bill 227 will return local control to the elections process and make it easier and more convenient for citizens to cast their vote,” said Senator Turner. “The one-size-fits-all prescriptions coming out of Columbus ignores the fact that these medicines treat each patient differently. Our bill would allow counties to tailor their policies to the needs of their local communities to maximize voter participation.”

SB 227 would also allow voters to request and return absentee ballot applications through email.

Senator Sawyer Gives Testimony on Public Records Legislation

Columbus – Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) today gave sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 221 in the Senate’s Education Committee. Senate Bill 221 would remove the provision that prevents achievement assessments administered in Ohio schools for grades 3 – 8 from becoming public records. The provision was added to the recently enacted state biennium budget.

“At a time where a lot of focus is being put on teacher performance and performance-based evaluations, it is important to keep these kinds of useful resources in place for teachers to better themselves,” said Senator Sawyer. “This is an opportunity for teacher’s to improve their students’ performance.”

Under prior law, at least 40 percent of the assessment questions that are used to compute student scores were public record. Any questions that could be reused on future assessments were barred from public record. Senator Sawyer’s bill would revert back to those previous standards.

“Achievement assessments are used as a measurement tool to see where the strengths and weaknesses lie in subject areas for Ohio’s children,” said Senator Sawyer. “If these assessments are not made public records, we will not be able be to determine where we need to focus our improvement.”

Teachers have historically used the public questions to help prepare themselves for future assessments and to get an accurate picture on how they have prepared their students. Teachers also used the test results to create short-cycle assessments which are used for preparation as well.

The current law will be in effect for the 2011-2012 and all following school years.

Senator Brown to Introduce Legislation Abolishing Death Penalty

Columbus – State Senator Edna Brown (D-Toledo) announced today that she will soon introduce legislation to abolish the death penalty in Ohio. Senator Brown’s announcement comes on the heels of Governor Kasich’s decision to not execute convicted killer Joseph Murphy.

“Despite the Parole Board and the Governor’s decision, I plan to introduce legislation that will abolish the death penalty in Ohio,” said Senator Brown. “The timing is right to end this archaic practice, especially after watching the controversial execution of Troy Davis in Georgia.”

Last week in an 8-0 vote, the Ohio Parole Board recommended that Joseph Murphy should not be executed and instead, spend the rest of his life in jail without parole. Murphy was convicted of murdering a 72-year old woman in Marion, Ohio in 1987. The board’s decision was based on Murphy’s traumatic childhood and history of sexual abuse.

“Mr. Murphy should be punished for his heinous acts,” said Senator Brown. “But his punishment should be spending the rest of his life in jail, and not by execution.”

Governor Kasich’s concurrence with the parole board marks the fourth time since July that an execution in Ohio has been postponed or called off. The Governor’s decision is also in line with former Ohio Supreme Court Judge Thomas J. Moyer, who also agreed that Murphy’s life should be spared in 1992.

While her legislation is being considered, Senator Brown is also urging the Governor to place a moratorium on all executions until a study, commissioned by Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is completed. The study will not decide on whether or not Ohio should have the death penalty, but rather study the overall procedure. The study will be done by a task force through the Ohio Bar Association.

Senator Brown’s legislation will mirror HB 160, which is sponsored by Reps. Celeste (D-Grandview Heights) and Antonio (D-Lakewood).

Senator Cafaro Announces Clean Ohio Funds for Ashtabula

Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) announced today that the State Controlling Board approved the release of $263,131 in Clean Ohio Assistance to the city of Ashtabula. The funds will be used for a Phase II Environmental Assessment and clean up on the Tannery Hill Property.

“I am excited to see this area of land being revitalized and put to new use,” said Senator Cafaro.

After the assessment, the city would like to transform the property into a large city-owned outdoor recreational area. The site would include a seasonal farmer’s market, pavilion and parking area. The project will create more areas for fishing and maintain a bait and tackle shop.

“This project is an excellent opportunity to enhance green space in Ashtabula,” said Senator Cafaro. “Not only will we increase local tourism, but we’ll also be able to provide more families with locally grown produce.

The Tannery Hill property totals 10.53 acres northeast of downtown Ashtabula and is adjacent to the Ashtabula River. The Phase II Assessment would include the installation on 95 soil borings, 16 shallow monitoring wells and one deep monitoring well.

The Controlling Board provides legislative oversight over certain capital and operating expenditures by state agencies and has approval authority over various other state fiscal activities.

Senator Kearney Comments on President Obama’s Visit to Cincinnati

Columbus - State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today after President Obama visited Cincinnati’s Brent Spence Bridge to urge support for the American Jobs Act:

“I’m pleased that President Obama came to Cincinnati to call for an end to the partisan gridlock in Washington so that we can focus on what should be our top priority, which is putting Americans back to work.

Passing the American Jobs Act is the first step to ensuring that projects like the Brent Spence Bridge get the repairs they need while creating vital jobs for our economy. The American Jobs Act is based on bipartisan ideas that will create jobs now and put more money in the pockets of working and middle class Americans. It will also cut taxes for small businesses that are so vital to the economic growth of Cincinnati and the entire nation.

The Brent Spence Bridge is one of the most frequently used trucking routes in America, yet it needs several significant repairs to remain reliable and safe. Thousands of people use the bridge to travel through Ohio everyday. Having sound transportation infrastructure will ensure that Cincinnati remains a great place to do business.”

Senator Kearney represents Cincinnati, Norwood, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, Golf Manor, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cheviot, Addyston, North Bend, Columbia Township and Cleves.

Senator Sawyer Introduces Bill for Alternative Redistricting Plan

Columbus – State Senator Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) today introduced legislation (SB 225) calling for a more balanced approach to congressional redistricting that better maintains communities of interest and increases the number of competitive districts in Ohio. The map was one of the top entries in a non-partisan competition sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and other citizen groups.

“The map drawn by Republicans (HB 319) represents a new extreme in gerrymandering for the state of Ohio,” said Senator Sawyer. “My legislation illustrates how it is possible to draw a fairer map that uses the same data and follows the law.”

The map contained in Senator Sawyer’s legislation was drawn by Republican State Representative Mike Fortner of Illinois. The map maintains communities of interest, promotes competitiveness and complies with the Voting Rights Act. It also does the following:

• Keeps 79 of Ohio’s 88 counties in single congressional districts.
• Creates competitive races in 11 of 16 congressional districts, compared to just two in the Republican plan.
• Gives Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton counties entire districts within their boundaries.

Senator Sawyer is not endorsing Mr. Fortner’s plan specifically, but rather the more balanced approach it represents. This approach, based on public input, promotes fairness and inclusion instead of the narrow self interest of one political party.

“Mr. Fortner’s map may not be perfect, but its light years head of House Bill 319,” said Senator Sawyer. “I hope my legislation will lead to a thorough conversation about the supercharged partisanship that has over taken our current redistricting process.”

Senator Turner on the "Ed Show" on MSNBC

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy