We’re starting the second half of the 130th General Assembly. It was a fairly productive session, with nearly 60 bills passed by lawmakers covering topics including the state budget and various other spending blueprints, internet cafes, jobless benefits, election laws, pensions, the state auditor’s authority to audit JobsOhio and a Columbus schools plan similar to one for Cleveland. But there are hundreds more bills that are still out there – some are only partway through the legislature, and there are others that are awaiting hearings. And there are those that made waves, but have no chance of passing.
Last week the top leaders in the Ohio House, Speaker Bill Batchelder and Minority Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard, shared their thoughts. This week, it's the leaders from the upper chamber. Republican President Keith Faber of Celina is starting his second year as President. Democratic Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni of Boardman near Youngstown is just starting that position – he took over for Senator Eric Kearney when he left that position late last year.