2005…2006…2007…
Where does the time go?

As we prepare for the last half of the 127th General Assembly, I often reflect on where we have been and concentrate on where we are going.

Yes, we are moving in the right direction.  Under the leadership of Governor Ted Strickland and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher we have addressed a number of issues that concern a majority of Ohioans.  For many people, the impact has been minimal.  We have such a long way to go before we can expect to feel an improvement in the quality of life that we all so deserve.  As legislators, we are constantly asking you to be patient, to give our new Governor a chance to “turn around Ohio”.

It started with our budget.  Despite being the tightest budget submitted in 42 years, the budget was passed with only one dissenting vote!  It triggered a new era in Ohio, where Democrats and Republicans could work together and where the people in our great state could finally see a glimmer of hope.

When our senior citizens asked for assistance, we responded with Homestead Exemption tax relief that will provide approximately $400 annually to people over the age of 65. While some people hoped for more, it was a start.

“Educational funding” has been a mainstay for nearly every political campaign for way too long.  We need to overhaul our educational programs from top to bottom.  Unfortunately, due to a severe lack of funding, we were forced to make some very tough decisions.  It was decided that higher education would benefit first – much to the chagrin of our local school districts and local elected officials.  School funding continues to plague our schools and our children are the ones who are suffering.  I am confident that we will stay focused and continue to make this a top priority for the upcoming year.

Staying focused on the economic well being of our State, our Governor and Legislature are working diligently on addressing our energy needs of today as well as for our future.  This will continue to be a top priority in the final year of the 127th General Assembly.

Committee assignments play a major role in what we do as legislators.  Currently I am serving as the ranking member on the Commerce and Labor Committee.  We have addressed numerous bills and issues that have an immediate impact on both businesses and Ohio’s workforce.  Other committee assignments include the Health Committee, Criminal Justice Committee, as well as Local Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee.  Informal committees called caucuses are often set up and I’m proud to serve on the Cancer Caucus and the Fire Caucus.  I also serve on a Housing Caucus where we are addressing home foreclosures and predatory lending.  In the months to come, we will be establishing several new caucuses to take up some priority issues.

Additional assignments include the Ohio Historical Society, and the Unemployment Board Advisory Committee.

Back in the District, business is equally exciting.  Between the array of civic meetings, visits to various agencies, ward club meetings, and constituent issues, my schedule can quickly become hectic.  District 7 was also the destination of our Governor’s Chief of Staff, John Haseley, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, and Sean Logan, Director of the O.D.N.R (the Ohio Department of Natural Resources).  These visits concentrated on economic development opportunities in our District.

On a personal note, I was recently honored with two awards.  The first award was presented by L.E.A.P. (Linking Employment, Abilities Potential) for Legislative Advocacy.  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society then inducted me into their Hall of Fame at their 2007 National Conference in Dallas, Texas.

So much has been done, yet there is still so much to do.  The good news is that I have so much help.  Unsung heroes like high school students who give unselfishly as they donate their time, energy and talents… our Senior Citizens who are concerned for their fellow “Seniors”, as well as our children… for all of our local artists, who despite their enormous “wealth” of talent, struggle to get by in the everyday world… to our many professionals who look at their vocation not as a job, but as a privilege to serve…like our police force, firefighters, teachers, doctors and nurses, and so many more.

In closing, let me say ”thank you” to our great residents, our local and county elected officials, local businesses – both large and small, our safety forces and teachers.