November 29, 2011

Speaker Batchelder Releases Statement on Ohio Military Medal of Distinction

Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today joined members of the House and Senate in a joint convention to honor Ohio’s fallen soldiers by awarding them the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction.

Following the conclusion of the joint convention, Speaker Batchelder released the following statement:

“Today I had the great honor of joining Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, Senate President Tom Niehaus, and my colleagues in the Ohio Legislature in presenting the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of those service members who have given their lives in the line of duty. These men and women are modern-day heroes, brave patriots who have sacrificed themselves in defense of our nation and our communities. Although they were unable to join us today, they were alive in our hearts and spirits as we commemorated the legacy they left behind.

“As Speaker of the House, there are many things I have the privilege of participating in while serving in this capacity. But honoring our fallen Ohioans and showing their families that their sacrifices have not been forgotten or taken for granted is truly one of the most humbling. As a veteran myself, paying tribute to these brave individuals and their families is an important honor that is especially close to my heart.”

The Medal of Distinction honor was established by the Legislature in 2009.

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November 11, 2011

Column from Speaker Batchelder: Recognizing and Honoring Our Veterans

With Veterans Day falling on a Friday this year, we are given extra opportunity this weekend to honor the sacrifice that so many of our country’s service members have made over the years. From the American Revolution through the Civil War, World War I and World War II to our current military operations, our country’s veterans—including a great number of Ohioans—have inspired us by putting themselves forward for the cause of protecting our nation and defending the freedoms that we enjoy.

Many service members have given up their lives to preserve our liberty and keep us safe, while others have willingly answered the call to service during times of peace. No matter what, Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor these men and women, many of whom left behind their families and friends as they fulfilled their duties.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this has been a day not only to honor veterans, but also to highlight the very important role that peace plays in the world. We observe Veterans Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month because that is when, in 1918, fighting ceased during World War I.

As House Speaker, it’s my privilege to serve with many distinguished fellow veterans in the House. We in the House also have the honor of publicly recognizing veterans when they visit the House chamber as a way of showing each of them gratitude for their service.

Later this month, the House and Senate will be holding a joint session to award the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of Ohioans who have fallen serving our country. It is very humbling to visit with loved ones, as well as those service members still with us who have unselfishly given themselves to such a great cause.

Whether you have been a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard—or you are currently serving the United State in one of those branches—thank you for dedicating yourself to a nation that depends on you and is grateful for the blessings and freedoms you have preserved for us.

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November 10, 2011

Column from Rep. Al Landis: Thanking Those Who Fight for Our Freedom

It is not by the grace of government that we enjoy our basic, fundamental rights as Americans. They are handed down by God, which means they are rights that all human beings should be afforded. It is only by the force of restrictive, tyrannical regimes that these freedoms can be taken away.

Unfortunately, throughout history governments have tried to find ways to oppress and control its people. The United States is different because it rejects the notion that government knows what is best for everyone. Without liberty and recognition of individual rights, we would not have become the most successful and prosperous nation the world has ever witnessed in such a short period of time.

Securing these virtues depends on a strong national defense, consisting of a unified group of courageous men and women willing to risk their lives to uphold freedom. On Veterans Day, we honor the individuals who fought to keep our nation safe from attack and free from tyranny.

No one understood the reality that freedom is not guaranteed better than our Founding Fathers. They knew that creating a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” required a military that was always ready to fight in order to maintain the rights of the people.

There are many ways for us to express our appreciation for those who have risked their lives for us. I encourage people to attend a Veterans Day event, such as a parade, ceremony or church service. Simply saying thank you to a veteran can go a long way toward showing your gratitude. Explain to your children why we are lucky to live in a country that respects individual freedom, and the sacrifice needed to make it a reality.

There is nothing about being an American that makes us inherently special or exceptional. We are not born with a gene that destines us for prosperity or success. What differentiates us from other peoples is the opportunity to work towards our individual self interests and to achieve greatness. The opportunities that we have as Americans are worth fighting for, and they are worth saying thank you to the men and women who have fought to make them possible.

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November 9, 2011

Column from Rep. Anne Gonzales: Thank Those Who Fight to Keep Us Safe

It can be easy for many of us to go days or even weeks without giving our military much thought. We are probably all guilty of this at some time or another, unless we have a loved one fighting overseas. Otherwise, life for the most part goes on comfortably from day to day, following military action in the newspaper or on the evening news. But it is precisely because of our nation’s military action—past and present—that allows us to live in such comfort.

Veterans Day is just a few days away, which is a time when we should take time and reflect on all that makes this country great. At the same time, we must recognize the sacrifices that the brave men and women in uniform—living and deceased—have made for their fellow citizens.

Dating back to our nation’s infancy, the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of national defense. In order for the public to live in freedom, to pursue their individual interests and maintain their own wellbeing, they must first feel safe. They stated this belief specifically in the United States Constitution—“Provide for the common defense.” George Washington also voiced a this message in his first annual address to Congress: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”

America’s military has been fighting to uphold the Constitution ever since. They are the men and women among us who put their lives on the line in the ongoing effort to protect the greatest nation on earth. We all owe them a debt of gratitude, not only on Veterans Day, but every day.

I encourage everyone to take part in something that honors our troops, whether that is attending a Veterans Day ceremony, visiting a cemetery full of fallen soldiers or saying a prayer for all those who have ever adorned the uniform. But what might make the biggest impact is simply saying thank you to a veteran for serving our country.

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September 19, 2011

Column from Speaker Batchelder in the Post: Ensuring the right to vote overseas

The Post, 9/13

In just a few short weeks, Ohio will once again be having an Election Day for our citizens to voice their views on a variety of candidates and issues. I continue to believe that voting is one of our most sacred privileges in America. As a result, the Ohio House has seen and debated an array of legislation affecting our state election laws.

An issue that is chronically brought to the surface every time Election Day rolls around is the ability--or inability--of our nation's military members and overseas voters to fairly cast their ballots. For this reason, the legislature voted and passed House Bill 224, Ohio's Uniform Military and Overseas Voting Act. Through this bill, we have chosen to implement important flexibilities that will assist those who are overseas to exercise their right to vote.

For instance, in a world with heightened technology, this legislation allows a uniformed services or overseas voter the ability to request an absentee ballot by e-mail. If the board of elections offers this through Internet delivery, they can take advantage of that option, as well.

It also requires boards of elections to accept and process federal write-in absentee ballots for all elections. This includes ballots for federal, state and local offices, as well as all ballot questions and issues. Under the new legislation, when the military member or overseas voters submit a federal write-in absentee ballot, he or she can also use the declaration that accompanies it in order to apply for voter registration simultaneously, easing the process for these individuals.

Finally, the Uniform Military and Overseas Voting Act sets up an emergency process in the event of an international, national, state or local level emergency. If such an emergency makes substantial compliance with the federal absentee voting law impossible or impracticable, there is a system in place for military and overseas voters to cast a ballot.

This important piece of legislation was introduced by Rep. Mike Dovilla of Berea, who as an officer in the Navy, had his own troubles voting while stationed overseas. Throughout the legislative process, it received strong support from both sides of the aisle.

I'm confident that as Ohio moves forward with its elections, we will be pleased to know that those who are trying to vote while serving overseas will not face any hindrance in doing so.

http://wadsworthpost.com/medina/Opinion/copy_of_batchelder-s-column-wadsworth-9-17

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August 23, 2011

Rep. Mike Dovilla Joins In Announcement of New Military Vote Outreach Initiative

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) today joined in the announcement of the launch of a new program, Military Ready-to-Vote (MRV), a program designed to make it easier for military personnel to vote while in service to our country.

“As a U.S. Navy officer and Iraq war veteran, I am pleased to be working with Secretary Husted on the Military Ready-to-Vote, Ohio program,” said State Representative Mike Dovilla. “Our objective in advancing this project is to ensure that our deployed troops are able to exercise one of our most important civic duties as Americans: the right and responsibility to vote.”

Through the MRV program, Ohio soldiers on active duty can register and vote, get reminders about upcoming elections and important deadlines, and get other voting questions answered all in one place. More specifically, soldiers who will be on active duty during an election will be able to request an MRV packet, which will allow them to register to vote and request an absentee ballot for all elections in one calendar year, using the same, Federal Post Card Application form. Under Ohio law, military absentee ballots are mailed out 45 days prior to the election.

“The MRV program complements the recently enacted House Bill 224, a bipartisan bill I introduced in May that enjoyed unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly,” continued Dovilla. “With the critically important reforms in our law and this new initiative by the Secretary of State, we are working to ensure those who defend our rights on the front lines have their own right to vote defended at home.”

Recognizing that today’s soldiers effectively utilize technology to stay connected, the Secretary of State’s office, through the MRV program, will enable Ohio military personnel to sign up for electronic reminders via email and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Additional information, such as finding out what issues and races will appear on a ballot and viewing election results will be available online via OhioMilitaryVotes.com. To help ensure each vote is counted, soldiers will also be able to track their completed ballots to ensure they were received and counted by local county board of elections.

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July 14, 2011

Bubp Announces Resolution to Commemorate FDR’s D-Day Prayer Passes House

State Representative Danny Bubp (R-Lake Waynoka) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Resolution 116, which urges Congress to install at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. a plaque or inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed on June 6, 1944—commonly known as “D-Day.”

“The men that stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day were the pride of this nation,” said Bubp. “They defined the strength of our resolve, and their sacrifice is still appreciated by the world 67 years later. The installation of FDR’s prayer at the WWII Memorial will permanently memorialize their sacrifice.”

On June 6, 1944 the United States Armed Forces and their allies conducted the largest amphibious landing in world history in an effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II. President Roosevelt shared a prayer over the airwaves on the morning of the D-Day landings, asking for courage for the troops, safety and victory.

President Roosevelt prayed, “Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith…”

Rep. Bubp introduced House Resolution 116 on the 67th anniversary of D-Day. It passed with unanimous support in the House.

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July 13, 2011

Ohio House Approves Senate Changes to Dovilla's Military Voting Legislation

The Ohio House of Representatives today unanimously voted to concur on Senate amendments to House Bill 224, legislation that implements changes to Ohio’s Uniform Military and Overseas Voting law. The legislation will make state law more accurately reflect recommendations by the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

Specifically, the Ohio Senate included amendments to prohibit the use of nine-digit social security numbers for identification purposes in elections and to prohibit online voter registration, in order for these proposals to be more thoroughly researched and vetted.

“It is extremely important that, as lawmakers, we make every effort to safeguard our deployed service members’ ability to vote, as well as keep our elections fair and honest,” said Dovilla, who currently serves as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “House Bill 224 has received strong bipartisan support throughout the entire legislative process, and I'm particularly pleased that this is my first bill to reach the governor's desk.”

House Bill 224 will:
• permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to apply for an absentee ballot by email or, if offered by the board of elections, through Internet delivery;
• require boards of elections to accept and process federal write-in absentee ballots for all elections for federal, state or local office and for all ballot questions and issues;
• establish an emergency process for uniformed services and overseas voters to cast a ballot if an international, national, state or local emergency arises that makes substantial compliance with the federal absent voting law impossible or impracticable; and
• permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to use the declaration accompanying a federal write-in absentee ballot to apply to register to vote simultaneously with the submission of the federal write-in absentee ballot.

Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, H.B. 224 will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.

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July 8, 2011

Rep. Martin is featured on Ohio in Focus

Rep. Jarrod Martin is featured on an episode of Ohio in Focus.

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June 23, 2011

Dovilla’s Legislation Addressing Overseas Voting for Military Members Passes Ohio House

The Ohio House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation written by State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) to implement changes to Ohio’s Uniform Military and Overseas Voting law to make it more accurately reflect recommendations by the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

“This legislation will implement important flexibilities to assist Ohioans living overseas in exercising one of our most important civic duties: the right and responsibility to vote,” said Dovilla. “I am particularly pleased that my Democratic friend and colleague, Representative Michael Stinziano, joined me in jointly sponsoring this bipartisan bill.”

House Bill 224 will:
• permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to apply for an absentee ballot by email or, if offered by the board of elections, through Internet delivery;
• require boards of elections to accept and process federal write-in absentee ballots for all elections for federal, state or local office and for all ballot questions and issues;
• establish an emergency process for uniformed services and overseas voters to cast a ballot if an international, national, state or local emergency arises that makes substantial compliance with the federal absent voting law impossible or impracticable; and
• permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to use the declaration accompanying a federal write-in absentee ballot to apply to register to vote simultaneously with the submission of the federal write-in absentee ballot.

“In passing House Bill 224, we are honoring the military members within our communities,” continued Dovilla. “While these brave men and women are protecting our country and families around the globe, we have a duty to protect their ability to vote.”

The legislation will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

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Ohio House Passes Bill to Ensure Job Opportunities for Military Veterans

State Representatives Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) and Danny Bubp (R-West Union) have announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 162, legislation to allow all military veterans to receive the veterans’ preference on civil service examinations.

Specifically, House Bill 162 will amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code to provide certain professional licensing and certification rights to service members, spouses of service members, and veterans, and to eliminate the requirement that a veteran be a resident of Ohio to qualify to receive the veterans preference on civil service examinations.

“Only a handful of states have a residency requirement for their veterans’ preference on these exams, and none of our neighbor states require residency,” said Stebelton. “These changes address issues our service members and their families face due to situations out of their control.”

Currently, veterans may receive a 20 percent additional credit to their total grade scored on the regular civil service examination only if they are also a resident of Ohio. This condition hinders former residents of Ohio who have left for their military service and taken up residency where they are stationed from returning to Ohio to live and work in the civil service sector.

“By extending the military service credit to all honorably discharged veterans, Ohio will be encouraging well-qualified service members to come work in our great state,” Bubp said.

The Veterans Affairs committee amended H.B. 162 to include provisions allowing for service members and their spouses to obtain temporary professional licenses when they relocate to Ohio due to their military service. For example, a wife of a soldier who is relocated to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base who has a cosmetology license currently would be unemployable until she would get her Ohio license. Under the bill, she would get a six-month temporary license so she could start working when she arrives in Ohio.

House Bill 162 passed with unanimous support and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

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June 21, 2011

Tuskegee Airman honored during Tuesday’s Ohio House session

The Ohio House of Representatives welcomed First Lieutenant Arthur Saunders of the U.S. Army Air Corps during House session. Lt. Saunders, a Tuskegee Airman of the 477th Bombardment Group, is one of only 300 remaining living members who comprised a unit of all-black pilots—the first in U.S. military history.

“Lieutenant Saunders is an authentic hero of World War II, a man whose service reflected credit on the United States of America,” said Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “He served at a time when African American servicemen were denied proper recognition for their dedication to this nation. The Tuskegee Airmen played a crucial role in our nation’s and world’s history, and I was honored and humbled to present Lt. Saunders, a great American, to the Ohio House.”

A graduate of Yale University, Lt. Saunders had served in an executive position as an architect and director of the Ralph Taylor Companies – Architecture and Civil Engineering, whose world headquarters are located in Cleveland. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in 2007. He lives in Cleveland and turned 91 on June 12th.

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Ohio House honors the U.S. Armed Forces for the successful operation against Osama bin Laden

Members of the Ohio House of Representatives today united to commend and honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who conducted a successful operation against Osama bin Laden on May 1, 2011.

House Concurrent Resolution 16, jointly sponsored by Reps. Jim Butler (R-Oakwood) and Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), applauds all those in the military, including the U.S. Special Forces, the U.S. national security agencies, and the U.S. intelligence community for their successful mission in locating bin Laden.

“This resolution honors all those who made the operation against Osama Bin Laden a success,” Rep. Butler said. “Especially those anonymous brave men and women who risked and gave their lives, not for glory, fame or political advantage, but to defend our fragile freedom, which is never safe from threat and should never be taken for granted.”

H.C.R. 16 states that “the death of Osama bin Laden represents the culmination of nearly ten years of efforts by the United States Armed Forces and intelligence agencies as well as efforts of our allies to bring Osama bin Laden to justice for the death and destruction that he and his organization have wrought throughout the world. Those efforts, most of which are not known or recognized, are indicative of the courage, skill, determination, and honor of the men and women who have undertaken them on behalf of the citizens of the United States and freedom-loving people throughout the world.”

"This resolution seeks to honor those who seek no recognition,” Rep. Rosenberger stated. “Daily, these men and women go about their job with no news or fanfare, and many of their successful operations go unpublished. This resolution seeks to thank those brave Americans who fight for our freedoms and continue to defend liberty’s cause."

The resolution passed with unanimous support in the Ohio House.

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June 10, 2011

Military child custody legislation signed into law

State Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) has announced that yesterday at 3:30 PM, Governor John Kasich signed into law House Bill 121, which will ensure that an existing custody order for the child of a parent actively serving in the military cannot be altered solely because of that parent’s military service.

House Bill 121 prohibits a court from finding that past, present or possible future active military service justifies the modification of an existing custody order. It also requires that a service member seeking a temporary parenting time order notifies the child’s other parent and applies to the court as soon as reasonably possible with the date that the active service starts.

“The men and women of our armed forces deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Representative Rosenberger, the primary sponsor of the bill. “I was shocked to learn that, with all of the sacrifices they make for our country, Ohio would not already have this law in the books.”

Under the new law, the temporary custody order based on a parent’s active military service will be terminated within 10 days of notice that the active military service has ended. While serving, the court may grant a parent on active service a temporary order that allows for a relative or other person who has a substantial relationship with the child to take over that parent’s visitation rights, if deemed acceptable by the court.

“The urgent need for this legislation was brought to my attention by Amanda Denehy, constituent of the 86th House District, and I am pleased that the Legislature quickly moved this bill through both chambers,” Rosenberger said.

An emergency measure was included in House Bill 121 so that the new law is in effect for a pending troop deployment that will likely see the mobilization of 2,500 members of the Ohio National Guard.

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June 1, 2011

House accepts Senate changes to military child custody legislation

The Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on Senate changes to House Bill 121, which will ensure that an existing custody order for the child of a parent actively serving in the military cannot be altered solely because of that parent’s military service.

House Bill 121 prohibits a court from finding that past, present or possible future active military service justifies the modification of an existing custody order. It also requires that a service member seeking a temporary parenting time order notifies the child’s other parent and applies to the court as soon as reasonably possible with the date that the active service starts.

Under the legislation, the temporary custody order based on a parent’s active military service will be terminated within 10 days of notice that the active military service has ended. While serving, the court may grant a parent on active service a temporary order that allows for a relative or other person who has a substantial relationship with the child to take over that parent’s visitation rights, if deemed acceptable by the court.

The Senate included an emergency measure so House Bill 121 would be in effect for a pending troop deployment that will likely see the mobilization of 2,500 members of the Ohio National Guard. House Bill 121 will now move to Governor Kasich for his signature.

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May 24, 2011

Dovilla offers sponsor testimony from Japan on military overseas voting bill

During today’s hearing of the House State Government and Elections Committee, State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) testified via Skype from Tokyo, Japan in support of House Bill 224, legislation that would implement changes to Ohio’s Uniform Military and Overseas Voting law.

Dovilla, who is currently on active duty at Yokota Air Base as part of his commitment to the U.S. Navy Reserve, sponsored H.B. 224 to protect the ability of Ohio’s military and overseas voters to make their voices heard in elections. This is the first time in the history of the Ohio House that a sitting representative has testified from across the world via Skype before a committee.

“Each May, we recognize on Armed Forces Day those who serve the nation in our military and remember on Memorial Day those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our republic,” Dovilla said. “Today, in addition to recognizing and remembering, we respect with this legislation their ability to participate in one of our most important civic duties as Americans: the right and responsibility to vote.”

Specifically, House Bill 224 will permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to apply for an absentee ballot by e-mail or, if offered by the board of elections, through Internet delivery; require boards of elections to accept and process federal write-in absentee ballots for all elections for federal, state or local office and for all ballot questions and issues; establish an emergency process for uniformed services and overseas voters to cast a ballot if an international, national, state or local emergency arises that makes substantial compliance with the federal absent voting law impossible or impracticable; and permit a uniformed services or overseas voter to use the declaration accompanying a federal write-in absentee ballot to apply to register to vote simultaneously with the submission of the federal write-in absentee ballot.

“During my deployment to Iraq in 2007, I fell victim to the current process for military and overseas voting when, through no fault of my own and despite a proactive effort to obtain a ballot, I was disenfranchised in that year’s municipal elections,” Dovilla said. “Since that time, I have vowed that if I were ever in a position to be able to address this public policy challenge and prevent it from happening to others serving in uniform overseas, I would do so. I am pleased to be able to have such broad bipartisan support from all over the State of Ohio as we introduce this bill to help move our election processes forward for those who serve on the front lines in faraway lands.”

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Combs, Uecker Discuss Resolution to Honor Military Members

State Representatives Courtney Combs (R-Hamilton) and Joe Uecker (R-Loveland) today held a press conference to unveil a resolution designating the Honor and Remember Flag as Ohio’s emblem representing the sacrifice of those in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Honor and Remember Flag recognizes all individuals who have died as a result of serving in the U.S. military, acting as a symbol of national gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the nation’s freedom and prosperity. It also serves to help recognize military families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

“This legislation will ensure that those who have given their lives for our country will truly be remembered,” said Combs. “As we approach Memorial Day, we felt it was appropriate to take steps to honor our fallen military members by drafting and introducing this resolution as just one way of showing our gratitude.”

“It is long overdue that we support a national symbol that pays tribute to those who have died while protecting their families and neighbors back home,” Uecker said. “I’m honored to sponsor this bill with Rep. Combs and bring Ohio one step closer to recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.”

The goal of the resolution is to establish the Honor and Remember Flag as a permanent, officially sanctioned symbol to fly continuously in remembrance of fallen military servicemen and women. It differs from the Gold Star Service Flag because it allows all Ohioans the opportunity to show their respect for those who gave their lives for their nation, as opposed to the Gold Star Service Flag that is reserved for military families.

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Column from Rep. Christina Hagan: Honoring our fallen heroes on Memorial Day

As the month of May winds down, Americans across the nation and overseas will soon be observing Memorial Day. On May 30th, we all have the opportunity to honor our fallen military heroes. These courageous individuals gave their lives in service to our country so that we can continue to live in a nation built on the ideals of democracy and freedom. Through their ultimate sacrifice, our servicemen and women have safeguarded the fundamental rights that we enjoy today. From the deserts of Afghanistan to the shores of Normandy, our military members have given of themselves to ensure that the rest of us can live in freedom.

Each time I walk into the Statehouse, I could not be prouder to represent Ohioans and the democratic values that we all so cherish. I am extremely humbled when I remember that my representation is only possible because of the men and women who lost their lives defending our liberty. Our government by the people and for the people relies on the selflessness and bravery of those in all of our military branches. This Memorial Day, we can express our gratitude by honoring these fallen soldiers from throughout history.

Sometimes it seems that there is no adequate way to recognize the monumental sacrifice of these young men and women. While we can hold vigils and reflect upon lives taken too soon, there are simple ways in which we can honor them, not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year. While we will not be able to match the magnitude of their actions, we can preserve their legacy by exercising our rights as Americans.

The small act of casting a vote or attending a town hall meeting can show our appreciation and respect. Through civic engagement, we can uphold American democracy. These simple actions display pride and respect for the armed forces lost in combat. By becoming involved in our communities, we are acknowledging the importance and gravity of our hard-won freedoms.

In this patchwork country filled with diversity, there are many ways to show our patriotism. From Nevada to New York to our own state of Ohio, we celebrate our American heritage with different traditions. However, on May 30th, every American shares a common national tradition in observing Memorial Day. There is no greater way to express your love of democracy than by honoring our courageous fallen soldiers. Please join me and our community in paying tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom.

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May 17, 2011

Columbus Dispatch Editorial: Protecting the military

Lawmakers should arm military members with voting, custody rights

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 03:06 AM

Ohioans fighting overseas for America's freedoms are making considerable sacrifices already, so two laws under consideration at the Statehouse are much needed to secure their voting and child-custody rights.

The first bill would remove barriers to getting an absentee ballot and having it count. While members of the military are more likely to register to vote, they're far more likely to have their long-distance efforts thwarted.

The second bill would protect military parents from having custody arrangements altered while they are overseas. The law also aims to help deployed parents stay in touch with their children, accommodating visits during leaves and letting a close adult - a grandparent, for example - to fill in for them while away. It also would allow the military parent to participate in custody and visitation proceedings using electronic means.

The nation is now at war on three fronts. Ohio owes its sons and daughters these protections. Service members defending their countrymen's democratic rights should never be denied their own.

"Members of our military are being forced to choose between serving our nation and raising a family," said Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, who is sponsoring House Bill 121, the military custody-rights act.

The current law allows courts to take into consideration a parent's active military service when changing custody orders. The new law would forbid this.

While the welfare of the child always should be the top consideration, military parents deserve some protections. It's important for America's military to be able to focus on missions, undistracted by personal problems. This law, passed unanimously by the House on Tuesday, offers assurance that family bonds will be honored and preserved.

The second proposed law, House Bill 224, comes from bitter experience. In 2007, Mike Dovilla was deployed with the Navy to Iraq and wanted to vote in the local election.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections never got him an absentee ballot, having rejected his application as incomplete. By the time letters flew back and forth , the election was over.

He vowed if he was ever in a position to prevent this from happening to someone else, he would. Dovilla is now a Republican state representative from Berea, and he's teamed up with a Columbus Democrat who also knows the problem first-hand: Michael Stinziano, a past director of the Franklin County Board of Elections.

The House is considering other voting reforms, but Dovilla and Stinziano believe the military issues deserved their own bill, as problems are well-documented.

In 2010, Ohio had 1.1 million absentee voters. The return rate for voted ballots from members of the military was half that of the general public - 45 percent compared with 93 percent.

And military votes are less likely to be counted, either because the voted ballots arrive late or lack identifying information. In the 2008 presidential election, boards rejected one in 15 military ballots nationally, compared to one in 50 for other absentee voters.

Those abroad face slow mail, frequent changes in address and challenges meeting notarization or verification requirements.

Dovilla and Stinziano's bill, introduced Tuesday, would permit voters outside the United States to apply online for absentee ballots. Voters would be able to register at the same time, eliminating another delay.

Both laws appeal to common-sense and fairness.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2011/05/17/protecting-the-military.html?sid=101

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May 16, 2011

Rep. Mike Dovilla featured on Ohio in Focus

Rep. Mike Dovilla is featured on Ohio in Focus.

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