Kenny Yuko for State Representative District 7

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Message for District 7

For Immediate Release: April 26, 2010

Representative Kenny Yuko Announces
Bid for Re-election
Legislator to Run for Fourth Term Representing District 7

Columbus – State Representative Kenny Yuko has formally announced his intent to run for his fourth and final term in the Ohio House of Representatives. The legislator, who has represented Richmond Heights, Euclid, South Euclid and parts of Collinwood for the last six years, says he is excited to tackle this next term.

Representative Yuko grew up in Euclid and graduated from Brush High School. He went on to attend Cuyahoga Community College and Kent State before entering the workforce. Yuko served with the Laborers Local #860 for 30 years, including 25 years as a Union organizer. He retired in 2004 after receiving multiple awards for his dedication to the organization including the “2000 Organizing Award” from his International Union.

As a former leader in the labor movement and now as a State Representative, Yuko is committed to improving the quality of life for Ohio's working families and has established himself as an advocate for increased health care access and people living with mental illness. In 2006 he introduced and achieved passage of House Bill 379, which designated March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Ohio Health Advocacy Network. In 2009 he received the
Community Service Award from the Greater Cleveland chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and in 2010 he was given the Ohio Counseling Association's Public Policy and Legislation Award.

Yuko currently sits on the Transportation, Local Government, Health and Faith Based Initiatives committees and is Chair of the Commerce and Labor committee. During his current term the Representative took a stand on several controversial subjects, including introducing a bill that would legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. “I'm aware that this is a touchy subject, but it's time to show some compassion and stop victimizing people who are sick and in pain.” Rep Yuko stated. “Not only do the polls show that this makes sense to most Ohioans, but I have received hundreds of letters and e-mails from the residents of District 7 thanking me for introducing this piece of legislation.” Both The Ohio Poll sponsored by the University of Cincinnati and the Pew Research Center found that a majority of Ohioans favor allowing doctors to recommend marijuana for medical purposes.

Another issue that Yuko has been addressing is the nursing facility services that were bundled in House Bill 1, otherwise known as the budget bill. Services that include medical transportation, durable medical equipment, oxygen and physical therapy were bundled together in order to pull down desperately needed Medicaid dollars for the State, but there have been unforeseen complications from the bundling of the services. The Representative has been working with several groups to address the problem and fix it in a way that would be budget neutral.

Without a doubt, Yuko's most pressing bill is the casino enabling legislation which follows the constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Ohio. This bill will provide the framework for the operation of the four casinos coming soon to the State and requires passage by June 3rd. “I can't tell you how honored I am to be able to play a part in this piece of legislation. The casinos are going to create a much needed boost to Ohio's economy and finally allow us to compete with surrounding states”.

When asked what he expects from his next term Yuko stated, “I am deeply invested in my community and I look forward to continuing the work that we started back in 2004. I know that life hasn't been easy for many Ohioans over the last five years and I am committed to continue the challenge of addressing this difficult economy with a spirit of optimism and a determination. I've dedicated myself to the cause of working families my entire life and that will never change”.