State Senator Keith Faber

12^th District

PROUDLY SERVING THE PEOPLE OF

ALLEN, MERCER, AUGLAIZE, SHELBY, CHAMPAIGN, DARKE AND PREBLE COUNTIES

Combating Drunk Driving:

In 2006, the National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration reported that every 30 minutes someone lost their life in an alcohol related traffic accident. In fact, alcohol related crashes made up more than 41 percent of the total number of accidents that year. Even more troubling than the overall number of accidents is the number of repeat DUI offenders. According to recent state statistics, there are currently more than 33,000 individuals in Ohio with five or more DUI convictions. While recent statistics also show that the number of drunk driving accidents is in decline, clearly, there is still more that needs to be done.

          Recognizing the problem, lawmakers recently took action to pass new legislation, Senate Bill 17, which will not only strengthen Ohio’s Dui laws, but also help to combat the number of repeat offenders. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the bill and what impact it will have on drunk driving in Ohio.

SB 17 increases the penalties for repeat drunk driving offenses, requires that offenders undergo mandatory treatment and increases the use of interlock and continuous alcohol monitoring.  Not only will the penalties and restrictions in the bill increase depending on the number of offenses committed, but this new law also provides that offenders with two or more convictions cannot attempt to circumvent the law by refusing to submit to a blood alcohol level test. Under SB 17, law enforcement will be permitted to require offenders to take a test.

For the most serious of offenders, the SB 17 will also require the Ohio Department of Public Safety to maintain a public registry of habitual offenders who have been arrested for drunk driving five or more times in the last 20 years. The registry will be posted on the Internet and will include the offenders’ names, addresses, dates of birth and the number of arrests on their records.

Unfortunately, the catalyst for this legislation was the untimely death of two young Ohioans. In March 2006, James Cline, who had 11 previous drunk driving offenses on his record, caused an accident that claimed the lives of 18-year-old Hiram College students Grace Chamberlain and Andrew Hopkins. Following the accident and with his previous offenses, a judge sentenced Cline to 38 years in prison. While heartbreaking, both Andrew and Grace’s parents were able to turn tragedy into hope, and used this accident to highlight the need for increased penalties in Ohio’s penal code.

SB 17 is a comprehensive approach that will not only help take drunk drivers off of our roads, but also ensure that those in need of treatment for addiction have the opportunity to get it.  Those refusing to get treatment and choosing to continue to put lives at risk will quickly learn that we are going to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

It is my hope that those families and friends impacted by the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver, such as the case was for those close to Andrew and Grace, view this new law as a step in the right direction, as well as one that will work to ensure the safety of innocent bystanders.

If you would like to learn more about this or other current legislation, please visit the Ohio General Assembly’s website at www.legislature.state.oh.us.

Statehouse Update

State Senator Keith Faber

12^th District

ENSURING PUBLIC OFFICIALS’ DEDICATION TO OHIOANS:

Part of the privilege of holding a public office or being appointed as a government policymaker is having the ability to access important resources and information.  Of course as with any privilege, a great sense of responsibility should be attached.  Accordingly, we as lawmakers are charged with using the information and resources at our fingertips solely for the purpose of creating efficient and effective government processes and improving our constituents’ quality of life.

Unfortunately, Ohioans have heard all too often about public office holders, across the state and the nation, who have used their privilege for personal gain or for criminal purposes.  And, in response to this trend, I sponsored Senate Bill 3, which Governor Strickland recently signed into law.  Because it contained an emergency clause, this legislation went into effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature.  Its provisions will send a strong message to policymakers to fulfill their responsibilities and will provide safeguards to the public.

First of all, Senate Bill 3 clarifies the penalties public officials will face if they are convicted of certain felonies while in office.  More importantly, it extends the penalties beyond the realm of elected officials to include executive appointments to state boards, senior policy-making employees, law enforcement officers and prosecutors. 

Under current law, public officials who have committed felonies are forbidden from holding office only until they have been released from prison or probation.  In contrast, SB 3 maintains that if these people violate the public’s trust by committing theft in office, bribery, obstruction of justice, perjury, intimidation or tampering with records and evidence, among other felonies, they will be prohibited from ever running for or holding any public office in the future.  In addition, the bill prevents convicted felons from ever registering as a lobbyist.

Meanwhile, SB 3 helps ensure that Ohioans will not have to pay for mistakes made in office and their consequences.  It provides that if public officials commit a felony while in office, they must forfeit their rights to public retirement benefits based on employer contributions. In general, this legislation is explicit that disregarding one’s duties in public office will not be tolerated.

Before the General Assembly voted on SB 3, an important and timely amendment was added in the effort to make sure that recent violations of public responsibility on the part of the state’s former Attorney General will be thoroughly examined.  The current law only grants the Ohio Inspector General the ability to investigate the Governor and state agencies.  However, under SB 3’s amendment, Inspector General Tom Charles will be given the purview to conduct an investigation into all allegations surrounding former Attorney General Marc Dann and the office of the Ohio Attorney General.

At the core of SB 3 is a strong desire to give the people of Ohio what they deserve – trustworthy and diligent public officials who are working for the public cause.  Moreover, this legislation responds to Ohioans’ demand to have transparency in all levels of government.  For this reason, it provides a fair, disinterested and independent state investigation into cases of wrongdoing concerning the office of the Attorney General and will work to prevent future occurrences by strengthening state laws when it comes to the public’s trust.

If you would like to learn more about SB 3 or other current legislation, please visit the Ohio General Assembly’s website at www.legislature.state.oh.us.

Enjoying the Outdoors:

With summer just around the corner, I thought I would take this time to inform you of a few activities that the whole family can do in the State of Ohio. The 12th district encompasses many different state parks; including Grand Lake St. Marys, Lake Loramie, Hueston Woods, and Kiser Lake. Activities at these state parks range from camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

I feel that it is important for families to enjoy the limited free-time that they have in this ever growing hectic society, and these parks and many others in the State offer a way for families to spend quality time with one while enjoying the outdoors.

One last thing that I would like to mention is the safety aspect that must come along with outdoor activities. It is important to remember to take precautions when participating in activities like boating and swimming. Remember while boating to wear a life-jacket. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently kicked off a campaign to increase the awareness of boaters about the importance of a life-jacket. Also, while enjoying the outdoors it is important to protect your skin. It is recommended that a person wear SPF 30 sunscreen to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. 

 I will conclude by saying that I hope all is well in the 12th district and I encourage you and your family to enjoy the outdoors.

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As always, I welcome your views and opinions on this or any other topic.  Please feel free to write me at Senator Keith Faber, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or call my office at (614) 466-7584.  In addition, you may also email me at sd12@mailr.sen.state.oh.us.

Statehouse Update

Week of April 14, 2008

Help Wanted: Qualified Nurses for the Public Sector:

If you are the parent of a child who is preparing to graduate from high school this spring and they have no idea what they want to do with their life, encourage them to enter into the field of nursing. Due to a recent decline in the number of nurses needed to meet the needs of today, the Department of Health and Human Services predicts that Ohio, like many other states in the nation, will be facing a significant nursing shortage by 2020. While early estimates have indicated that our nation will need approximately 2.8 million nurses in 2020, the actual number of registered nurses at that point in time is expected to be closer to 2 million, meaning a shortfall of 800,000. This shortage will be felt by all areas of the healthcare industry, particularly by the public sector. With private healthcare facilities being able to offer greater benefits and highly competitive wages, the state, specifically the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC), is struggling to keep up and it is costing Ohio more than just adequate care.

Recognizing that this is a growing problem and one that needs to be addressed appropriately and immediately, I have sponsored Senate Bill 147, legislation that has been overwhelmingly approved by the Ohio Senate.

SB 147 would assist the DRC in the recruitment and retention of nursing staff by expanding their physician recruitment program to include registered nurses and licensed practical nurses among the list of employees eligible to participate. Under this program, the DRC agrees to repay all or part of a government or other educational loan of an eligible employee in exchange for the employee’s agreement to provide full-time services to inmates of correctional institutions. Detail regarding length of service and the amount of the loan to be repaid would be outlined in a contract that is signed by both the employee and employer.

In addition to the improved quality of care, Ohio will also see a financial benefit to expanding this program and hiring more nurses. Currently, when the DRC is in need of nurses and unable to hire any they contract these services. According to a recent Legislative Service Commission analysis, the difference between the annual costs of employing a nurse as a civil service employee or as a contractor is a difference of approximately $50,000. This savings would then be used to offset the cost of the loan repayment program meaning that there would be no additional cost to the state.

Another area where the successful implementation of SB 147 would benefit the state is by reducing the amount of overtime pay needed to compensate those nurses putting in long hours to make up for a lack of staff. In fact, The Columbus Dispatch found that state overtime increased by 16 percent in 2007, costing Ohio roughly $116 million. By increasing the number of state nurses, we will be able to save the state money in an area that saw some of the largest growth in overtime pay.

Competition to attract quality nursing staff is fierce and without additional incentives, facilities without the means to offer highly competitive salaries do not stand a chance. This program will incur little to no additional cost to the state and will help to attract and retain qualified nurses for state employment.

 Storm Safety:

With the arrival of spring, comes the chance for severe weather. Severe weather can come in the form of thunderstorms; which can produce high winds, heavy rains, and dangerous lightening. Also, tornadoes can produce during events of severe weather. Tornadoes can produce winds in excess of 250 miles/hour and cause major damage to property. I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you of what you can do to protect your family, pets, and your property.

The first thing is to have a plan. Make sure that everyone in the family knows what to do in the event of sever weather. Second, it is always good to run through the plan that you have created. Remember in the event of a thunderstorm or tornado always stay indoors and away from windows. Also if there is a tornado you will need to go to the lowest level of your home and to the inner-most room.

Fighting To Preserve the Sanctity of Life:

This past week marked the 35^th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that determined most anti-abortion laws in the United States to be in violation of a person’s constitutional right to privacy under the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment.  While pro-life advocates have been working for more than three decades to regain the ground lost as a result of this ruling, Ohio’s lawmakers have made great strides in the ongoing efforts to preserve the sanctity of life and end the needless killing of innocent children.

One of the more significant achievements was the passage of House Bill 351 in 1999.  Under this legislation, Ohio joined the more than 30 other states that had already placed a ban on the practice of partial birth abortion.  Specifically, HB 351 defined and prohibited most instances of partial birth abortion procedures by providing that the doctors who perform the procedure can be charged with a felony of the second-degree, punishable by up to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.  To help ensure that the law was clear and not left up to interpretation, lawmakers wrote the law so that it applied to both viable and non-viable fetuses.  HB 351 also allows a woman upon whom the partial birth abortion was performed, the father of the fetus, or the parents of the woman if she is a minor, to seek civil action to recover damages up to one year after the abortion was performed. 

In addition to our efforts here at the state level, the federal government has also taken steps to curb the practice of partial birth abortion.  In 2003, President Bush signed into law the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.  Under this bill, all partial birth abortions, except those done to save the life of an expectant mother, are prohibited.  Similar to HB 351, this measure also provides that the doctors who perform the procedure are subject to fines and prison time.

          Another area where the state has taken proactive steps was in the passage of House Bill 421 during the 122^nd General Assembly.  This bill addressed the issues of patient notification and parental consent for minors.  HB 421 specified that physicians must meet with a pregnant woman in person at least 24 hours prior to performing an abortion.  This provision was included to ensure that those women who are contemplating having an abortion are given ample opportunity to ask questions and will be fully informed when it comes time to make the final decision.  The requirement for minors to obtain parental consent before they can have an abortion was also included as part of this bill.  Recognizing that the choice to have an abortion can be accompanied by a wide range of emotions, this provision helps to ensure young women who may not be mature enough to understand, or aware of all of the effects, receive the guidance and counseling of a loving parent.

Even though the legislative achievements accomplished by Ohio lawmakers to date have been significant, there is still more that can be done.  To that end, Ohio’s General Assembly is currently considering multiple bills to further reduce the number of abortions in Ohio and give more children the chance to live a full life.

Senate Bill 230 and Senate Bill 231, both sponsored by my colleague Senator Gary Cates, have been crafted to provide women with thorough and accurate information before making the very emotional, life-changing decision to have an abortion.  SB 230 would require that any woman planning to have an abortion be given the opportunity to view any available ultrasound images of the child.  Prior to the introduction of this bill, it was learned that many woman were not being shown ultrasounds that were done as a routine part of the abortion process.  By having the opportunity to view these images, it is my hope that more women will be fully informed about the procedure and by seeing the life they are deciding to end, choose not to proceed with the abortion.

The other bill, SB 231, is designed to help women who do not want to have an abortion but are forced into having the procedure done.  In some cases, the father of the child, a parent, or another individual thinks ending the life of an unborn child is the best course of action and forces the mother into an abortion.  SB 231 would require facilities that perform these procedures to clearly display signs stating that no one can force a woman to have an abortion unless she voluntarily consents.  To show that consent was obtained, Ohio law requires a woman to sign a form prior to having an abortion.  In an effort to also protect expectant mothers and their babies from attack, SB 231 increases criminal penalties for causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member who is pregnant.

As a father of two beautiful children, I can’t imagine what would posses a person to want to prevent an unborn child from coming into this world and experiencing all of the joys that life has to offer.  Life is precious, and while we may not be able to do anything to change the legal precedent established by the court, we can and must continue our efforts to put into place safeguards that recognize the importance of every life, both born and unborn.

Emerald Ash Borer:

 With the winter cold upon us I just wanted to take this time to remind you about the Emerald Ash Borer quarantine. It is illegal to move ash tree logs, ash branches, ash wood chips, ash bark, and all hard firewood out of Ohio’s quarantine areas.

For our district of the state this includes Mercer and Auglaize Counties. Also, the surrounding counties that are included are Allen, Miami, Montgomery, and Logan. The previously mentioned types of wood can be moved freely within the county, but cannot be transported outside of the quarantined counties mentioned.

If you would like more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, and the regulations and identification of the insect you can visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website

Statehouse Update

Week of February 1, 2008

WORKING TO ENSURE OHIOANS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR HOMES:

One of the most frightening experiences a person can be faced with is becoming the victim of a home invasion.  If in your home at the time of the crime, this raises the stakes and places you and your family in a potentially dangerous situation.  While no one wants to have their privacy violated in this way, when facing an intruder who could possibly be looking to harm you and your family, your primary focus is going to be protecting yourself and your loved ones from harm.  In this situation, it is my belief that a person should be able to defend his or her home with an appropriate level of force.  However, today’s laws are written in such a way that an individual who chooses to use force could face civil and criminal prosecution, even when the force is warranted and done to protect oneself and ones family.

Recognizing that change is needed, I chose to be the first to cosponsor of Senate Bill 184, legislation designed to clarify Ohio’s Castle Doctrine law and ensure that all Ohioans have the right to defend themselves and their family against violent attack without the fear of legal recourse.  Having received hundreds of letters and phones calls from constituents regarding this issue, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the bill.

To give the victims of crime more protection under the law, SB 184 will establish the presumption that any person who unlawfully enters a home is doing so with the intent to cause harm to those inside.  By making this change in the law, the burden will be shifted to the perpetrator to prove, in court, that they were not breaking into a person’s home to cause harm to those inside.  Another important provision included in this bill states that once a person is proven to have acted in self defense, that individual will be immune from civil prosecution.  Under current state law, even after a legal finding of self-defense, the victim still faces the possibility of being held liable for damages in a civil lawsuit.  If signed into law, SB 184 would bring Ohio in line with 19 other states, including Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan, which already have similar legislation in place. 

At the end of the day, it is my goal to ensure that all Ohioans are able to properly defend themselves and their families should the need arise.  SB 184 would give every Ohioan a new foothold in the area of self defense and it is my hope that it will also serve as strong deterrent for criminals.  I am proud to support this important bill.

Primary Election Time:

The Ohio primary election is fast approaching on March 4, 2008. I would like to take this time to remind you all of the eligibility requirements for the types of I.D needed to vote, and also voter registration requirements. To vote in the State of Ohio you must reside in the state for at least 30 days prior to the election that you intend to vote in. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming primary election is February 3, 2008.

Also, it is important to remember that when you vote you will need to take your I.D. The different forms of I.D. that are acceptable in the State of Ohio are; Ohio Drivers License, Ohio photo I.D., Bank Statements, Utility Bills, Paychecks, or any government document that shows your current address.

Property Tax Relief:

In the most recent state budget bill, many great things were included as part of that legislation for the benefit of Ohioans throughout the state.  Lawmakers addressed higher education needs by placing a two-year freeze on tuition increases for all of Ohio’s public two and four-year colleges, expanded health care coverage for children and we improved the state’s Homestead Exemption program to help more of Ohio’s seniors and permanently disabled residents.  With the price of everyday goods and the cost of living continually on the rise, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the benefits of the new Homestead Exemption program, who is eligible and how someone can apply.

For many years, the General Assembly wrestled with how best to help Ohio seniors with the financial burden of today’s society, while balancing the need to ensure local governments and schools that rely upon property tax revenues have the resources they need to serve their communities.  Recognizing that many of the individuals who were taking advantage of the state’s Homestead Exemption program, my colleagues and I looked for ways to improve and expand the program to encompass more Ohioans.  Then, as part of the state budget bill, we incorporated those ideas and successfully expanded the state’s Homestead Exemption to ensure all homeowners age 65 and older and disabled Ohioans were eligible.  Previous to the rollout of the new program, eligibility was based on income.

Prior to the program’s expansion, roughly 6,400 residents in the counties that make up the 12^th Senate District, Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Mercer and Preble, were taking advantage of these benefits.  During a special enrollment period, which concluded in October 2007, more than 20,000 eligible residents signed up for the new Homestead Exemption program.  As a result, these individuals will pay no property taxes on the first $25,000 of their homes’ values, saving the typical household approximately $400 per year, according to figures from the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Applications are quick and easy to complete and readily available at all county auditors’ offices, by calling the Department of Taxation’s toll-free number at 1-800-282-1780, as well as online at www.tax.ohio.gov.  Currently-enrolled homeowners do not need to reapply, and those who were eligible, but missed the previous enrollment period, can still see a savings on their 2007 property tax bills by checking the “late application for the prior year” box, which appears at the top of the form.  All applications must be turned into county auditors’ offices no later than June 2^nd.

The individuals that the Homestead Exemption Program is designed to help, most of who are living on fixed incomes, have worked their entire lives to secure a home to call their own and enjoy the later years of life.  For that reason, I am proud to have had a role in revamping a program that has benefited more than 787,700 Ohioans.  I encourage all those who are eligible to apply and take advantage of this worthwhile program.

As always, I welcome your views on this or any other state issues.  If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, or if you need assistance working with a state government agency, please feel free to contact me: by mail at Senator Keith Faber, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215, email at sd12@mailr.sen.state.oh.us, or by phone at (614) 466-8156.

National Teacher Awards:

Understanding the impact that teachers have in the development of children, State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) is encouraging students, parents and community leaders to recognize those efforts by nominating local educators and principles for the 2008 Time Warner Cable National Teacher Award and the 2008 Champion Principle Award.

          “Whether it is teaching the skills that will carry a student though life or helping them to understand life’s lessons, teachers play one of the most parts in the development of our children,” Faber said.  “These awards are an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of teachers and school administrative officials throughout our local communities.”

          The Time Warner Cable National Teacher Awards recognize the efforts of educators who have demonstrated innovation through the use of cable television programming and/or technology in the classroom.  This year, 15 award recipients will be selected from entries submitted to Time Warner Cable divisions around the country.

          In addition to the 2008 National Teacher Awards, Time Warner Cable is also accepting nomination forms for the 2008 Champion Principal Award.  This award recognizes the role a principle plays in supporting teachers who use technology as an effective learning tool.

          The deadline for entry is April 1, 2008, for both awards.  For applications and information on the selection process of these awards, individuals may go to the Time Warner Cable website at www.timewarnercable.com/nationalteacherawards.

Legislative Scholarship Program For 2008 High School Graduates:

          186 scholarships are available through the Legislative Program of the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools. This includes three scholarships for full tuition to one of Ohio's Career Colleges and Schools, twenty scholarships for one-half tuition, and one hundred sixty three scholarships for a specific amount. These scholarships are provided by the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools through the cooperation of Ohio's Business and Trade schools without any cost to the state. High school students from the graduation class of 2008 may wish to contact Senator Faber's office or their high school counselor for more details. The deadline for these scholarships is March 30, 2008.