State Representative Kenny Yuko

State Rep. Kenneth “Kenny” Yuko (D-7th District) proudly represents the communities of Euclid, South Euclid, Richmond Heights, and Collinwood (Cleveland).

Rep. Yuko grew up in Euclid and graduated from Brush High School in the South Euclid/Lyndhurst School District in 1968.  He then attended both Cuyahoga Community College and Kent State University before entering the workforce.

Rep. Yuko began his career as a clothing buyer for Polsky’s Department Store, but he soon found his true passion with union organizing.  Rep. Yuko served with the Laborers’ Local #860 for 30 years, including 25 years as union organizer. He retired from that service in 2004. During his long career, he received multiple awards for his efforts, including the “2000 Organizing Award” from his International Union.

As a former leader in the labor movement and now as State Representative, Rep. Yuko is committed to improving the quality of life for Ohio’s working families. Rep. Yuko has established himself as a strong advocate for increased health care access and Multiple Sclerosis awareness since voters first elected him in 2004.

In March of 2006, he introduced and achieved passage of House Bill 379, which designated March as "MS Awareness Month" in the state of Ohio.  The bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the legislature, and was signed into law by Governor Bob Taft.  In recognition of this and other efforts, Rep. Yuko was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Ohio Health Advocacy Network in 2006.

Rep. Yuko is now the Ranking Member of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, and he also serves on the Criminal Justice, Health and Local/Municipal Government & Urban Revitalization committees.  In addition to his regular legislative duties, Rep. Yuko serves on the Bureau of Workers Compensation Oversight Committee, Unemployment Advisory Committee, and the Ohio Historical Society board (ex-officio).  He is an active member of the Cancer, Fire, and Housing caucuses. Rep. Yuko also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic House Delegation.