News Briefs

Ohio Senate Elects Leadership of 124th General Assembly

The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus met Wednesday to elect leadership for the 124th General Assembly. Senator Leigh Herington (D-Kent), the current assistant minority leader, was elected minority leader.

"I'm pleased to step up to serve as leader of the Ohio Senate Minority Caucus." Herington said. "There are many issues facing Ohioans today, including the proper funding of Ohio's schools, addressing the needs of our aging population and health care reform. Strong attention also needs to be paid to public safety and economic development, especially since Ohio's economy appears to be slowing."

One of Herington's biggest contributions as a senator was passing a bill that continued funding for the Ohio Employee Ownership Assistance Program. Improving public schools and deregulating electricity are also issues in which senator Herington has been instrumentally involved.

Senator Greg DiDonato (D-Denison) was elected as assitant minority leader, Senator Dan Brady (D-Cleveland) was elected as minority whip and Senator Mark Mallory (D-Cincinatti) was elected as assistant minority whip.

The Democratic senators were positive about the new leaders. "I believe the team we have assembled will work to promote our ideals while working in a bi-partisan manner to serve all Ohioans," Herington said. Dean of the caucus Senator Linda Furney (D-Toledo) conducted the elections. "I believe we have selected a great team to lead the senate Minority Caucus in the next General Assembly," she said.

-Alyson Dame