Joe Uecker

State Representative

10/30/06

October was a month to remember many things:

As we wrapped up October and headed into November I wanted to make sure everyone did not forget what special events we set aside to remember each October.  We commemorated National Crime Prevention Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  

In commemorating Crime Prevention, it brings to mind several laws that this General Assembly passed addressing crime prevention, domestic violence and strengthening penalties on criminals.

In the beginning of this general assembly, legislation was introduced to clarify Ohio’s jurisdiction in prosecuting murder cases initiated in Ohio, but completed in other states.  Another measure makes information on offenders more transparent and accessible to the public. The bill requires the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) to add to their current web site the parole dates and possible hearing dates of all offenders. This database is to include the type of crime committed, the minimum and maximum prison sentence, and the date of admission. The measure requires the DRC web site to let the public know where they can send letters to request potential parolees be denied and compels the parole board to consider these written statements when granting parole to an offender. This process gives the general public, in addition to the victim and the victim’s family, a voice on the safety of the community. This bill was signed into law by the governor in August 2005.

In addition to our efforts to prevent crime, the legislature has also continued to combat domestic violence. In Ohio, it is a crime to harm or threaten to harm a spouse, former spouse, child or sibling, parent or person with whom you have a child.  House Bill 29 was named “Amy’s Law” in honor of Amy Rezos, a domestic violence survivor whose ex-husband made multiple attempts on her life after being granted bail by a judge. To ensure that the court considers the seriousness of an offender’s crimes, the bill requires domestic violence offenders to appear before the court personally for the setting of bail if the arresting officer indicates in a police report the presence of potential for domestic violence. These precautions help ensure that potentially violent or deadly situations are averted by keeping those that pose a threat away from their victims. House Bill 29 was signed into law by the governor and is now in effect.

The legislature has also worked hard to pass laws strengthening the penalties for those who harm our youngest citizens, primarily children under the age of 13. Early last year we introduced House Bill 95, legislation aimed at strengthening punishment for sex offenders.

These measures along with many other measures in the legislature represent our commitment to protecting our citizens while enacting tougher penalties for those who cause us harm.

Lastly, October is becoming more known for the role it plays in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More than 10,000 individuals were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 while 1,900 others lost their lives – just in Ohio. However, from 1982-2002, the number of breast cancer cases in Ohio declined by 13 percent and the number of deaths declined by 5 percent. These trends are reassuring as we try new treatments and increase our efforts toward eliminating breast cancer.

One important idea to remember is that women 35 and older should get an annual breast examination.  Another is that since this disease also impacts the lives of men as well as women, men should take a more active role in breast cancer awareness. Men should learn more about it and try to remind the women in their lives that taking preventative measures on a regular basis can help ensure they have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.  Educating yourself and others around you are crucial ways to protect yourself and those you know and love.

Joe Uecker

State Representative

Ohio’s 66 District

Representing Batavia, Goshen, Miami and Union Townships as well as the Cities of Loveland and Milford and the Villages of Batavia and Amelia. 

Columbus Phone: 614-466-8134

Email:   Joe@JoeUecker.com

Website: http://JoeUecker.com