Kevin to Big Ten: Don’t tinker with Ohio State-Michigan game

August 31st, 2010

COLUMBUS—State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R- Cuyahoga Falls) today announced he will introduce a resolution in the Ohio Senate which urges the Big Ten Conference to maintain the Ohio State-Michigan football game as the final game of the regular season. The Big Ten Conference has indicated that the Ohio State-Michigan game will be played annually once the conference’s reorganization due to the addition of Nebraska is complete.  However, no formal assurance has been given, and the Conference has indicated that the game may be played earlier in the season.

“Millions of Ohioans, Ohio State alumni, current and former Buckeye players, and fans around the world look forward to that Saturday afternoon in late November when the Buckeyes and the Wolverines meet on the field,” Coughlin said. “This season finale has become the greatest rivalry in sports history, and I believe it would be unfortunate to dilute one of college football’s most important traditions.”

Since the first game in 1897, The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan football teams have played each other 106 times and, since 1934, their game has been an annual November tradition eagerly awaited by players and fans.

“There are plenty of important issues for us to deal with in Ohio. But we can take a few minutes and express our concern that the Big Ten Conference is tinkering with something that many fans feel isn’t broken,” Coughlin said.

The resolution, cosponsored by seven other senators,  is expected to be formally introduced tomorrow.

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What do Ohioans want/need to hear from the governor candidates?

July 13th, 2010

Ohio faces unprecedented challenges in the next few years.  And Ohioans deserve to hear how those who would lead our state plan to address those challenges.

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OSMA Awards Sens. Kearney and Coughlin Voice of Medicine Awards

April 9th, 2010

(Columbus, OH) – The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) awarded State Senators Kevin Coughlin and Eric Kearney with the Voice of Medicine Award at the association’s annual meeting in Columbus.

“Senators Coughlin and Kearney have shown a strong commitment to Ohio’s physicians and their patients by fighting to improve the health care delivery system in our state,” said Tim Maglione, senior director of the OSMA. “We are pleased to present them with the Voice of Medicine Award in gratitude for their work in the Ohio legislature.”

Sen. Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) has served as the Chairman of the Health, Human Services and Aging Committee for the past six years. He has sponsored and co-sponsored legislation which would provide greater access to medical care and also supported legislation which would provide for fairer reimbursement rates. Most recently, Sen. Coughlin was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 64, pending legislation which would require health care plans to provide benefits for colorectal examinations.

“It is an honor to receive the Voice of Medicine Award from the OSMA,” said Coughlin. “I have fought hard to improve the health care delivery system in Ohio during my career. In doing so, I have worked closely with the OSMA to make sure that any proposals must protect the doctor-patient relationship while improving health care delivery in our state.”

Like Coughlin, Sen. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) has supported legislation to increase access to medical care and legislation to reduce the bureaucracy physicians confront when dealing with health insurers. This year marks his third annual walk from Cincinnati to Columbus to bring attention to the children’s health issues. He is also the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 24, pending legislation which would establish nutritional standards for food and beverages sold in public schools.

“I am grateful to receive this award from the OSMA,” said Kearney. “From fighting childhood obesity to improving prevention and wellness insurance coverage, I have worked with the OSMA on many efforts to help improve the health and well-being of Ohioans, especially children.“
-more-

The Voice of Medicine Award is presented to individuals outside of the health care profession for advancing the OSMA’s mission of improving the practice of medicine for physicians, their staff and patients.

The OSMA last presented the award to State Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) and State Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) in 2008 for their work on the Healthcare Simplification Act (H.B. 125). The legislation, signed into law in March 2008, mandates transparency and fairness in the contracting process between physicians and insurance providers.

About OSMA
The Ohio State Medical Association is a statewide association representing 20,000 Ohio physicians, residents, medical students and practice managers. It is dedicated to improving the practice of medicine for physicians, their staff and patients, by advocating their position, saving them time and money, and promoting the medical profession. The OSMA is affiliated with the American Medical Association on the national level and county medical societies on the local level.

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Coughlin statement on passing of Chief Justice Thomas Moyer

April 2nd, 2010

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH – The following may be attributed to State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) regarding the unexpected passing of Ohio Chief Justice Thomas Moyer:

“Anne and I are saddened by the sudden passing of a friend and outstanding jurist, Chief Justice Thomas Moyer. Chief Justice Moyer was committed to professionalizing Ohio’s courts. He championed judicial reforms including merit selection and the elimination of archaic mayor’s courts. He passionately argued for effective courts that protect the rights of citizens. Chief Justice Moyer’s opinions were consistently grounded in reason and he was respected by political leaders on both sides of the aisle. His thoughtful leadership will be missed on our high court and throughout the state of Ohio.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family. They can take comfort in knowing that his imprint will be felt on Ohio’s judicial system for generations to come.”

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Kevin Intros Historic Scholarship Plan

January 13th, 2010

Today, Senator Kevin Coughlin introduced a package of legislation to create the largest scholarship program ever proposed in Ohio. Senate Bill 224 and Senate Joint Resolution 9 pave the way for a bold and innovative move to transform Ohio into an economic powerhouse. Below is a summary of the plan.

A Better Educated Workforce. A College Degree in Reach of More Ohioans.

Where we are

• Ohio ranks 41st in the percentage of people over 25 with bachelors degrees.
• Ohio ranks 28th in personal income per capita.
• Too many Ohioans are being priced out of a college education.

Where we need to be

• Ranked in the top one-third of states with a college-educated population.
• Ranked in the top one-third in incomes.
• A state where a college degree in within reach of more Ohioans.
• A state that is recognized for having an educated workforce, ready to work on day one.

The Ohio Promise Scholarship

An achievement-based scholarship program that provides substantial financial aid to Ohioans attending in-state public and private institutions of higher learning. Once fully implemented, about 87,180 students will receive the scholarship each year.

Eligibility

Students are eligible for the scholarship if they:
• Rank in the top 33.3% of their high school graduating class. Scholarships will pass down to the next eligible students in line so that 33.3% of all Ohio high school graduating classes will receive the award.
• Pass all parts of the Ohio graduation test
• Are a resident of Ohio for at least two years preceding their high school graduation
• Graduate from high school with a diploma
• Complete the core curriculum

Students are not eligible if they:

• Are not attending a public or private four-year or two-year institution in Ohio
• Are attending college outside of Ohio
• Already have secured grants equal to or greater than the scholarship.

Scholarship Renewal

Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years provided that the student:
• Maintains at least a 3.0 GPA in college
• Completes the minimum credits to be classified as full time each term

If a students loses eligibility while in college, they may regain eligibility only once.

Scholarship Amounts

Four-year public and private institutions: $7,000 or tuition (lesser)
Four-year branch campuses: $4,250 or tuition (lesser)

Two-year community colleges: $2,750 or tuition (lesser)

* for private institutions, if the difference between existing scholarships/grants and $20,000 is less than $7,000 the amount of the Ohio Promise Scholarship will be adjusted to fill that gap.

Program Funding

The Ohio Promise Scholarship will be provided from the investment earnings of a trust fund established and managed by the Treasurer of State. The principle will be established by investing the proceeds of the sale or lease of the Ohio Lottery and the lease of the Ohio Turnpike to private operators.

Based on similar arrangements in other U.S. states and foreign countries, Ohio can reasonably expect to secure $9 billion on the sale of the Ohio Lottery and $6 billion on the lease of the Ohio Turnpike. After paying down the Turnpike’s debt, that leaves $14 billion for the scholsrahip trust fund.

If the fund is left to mature for two years before awarding the first scholarships and the fund earns at least a 5% return annually, the program can be fully funded by investment income alone.

Legislative Package Needed to Make This a Reality

1) Senate Joint Resolution 9 (1) allowing the Ohio Lottery to be operated by a private entity, and (2) allowing the proceeds of the sale of the lottery to be used for college scholarships. Note: No change is proposed to the annual payout required by law to k-12 education.

2) Senate Bill 224 (1) establishing the scholarship program and the fund, (2) requiring the sale of the Ohio Lottery, (3) abolishing the Ohio Lottery Commission, (4) transfers the Charitable Gaming Oversight function back to Attorney General, (5) requiring the lease of the Ohio Turnpike, (6) Abolishing the Ohio Turnpike Commission and, (7) establishing appropriate oversight.

Other notes on the scholarship program set-up

• Scholarship is for first-time freshmen direct to college from high school
• If a student completes two years at a community college and are eligible for scholarship renewal, the scholarship follows them to a qualified 4-year institution.
• The Ohio Board of Regents is directed to recommend to the legislature what financial assistance programs can be eliminated as a result of the Ohio Promise
Scholarship to avoid duplication and produce savings to the GRF.

• The Department of Education and Board of Regents are directed work with the Treasurer of State to establish the program.
• The Treasurer of State shall implement the scholarship program, invest and administer the fund, determine eligibility of students, and process all awards.
• Only up to one quarter of one percent of the money in the scholarship fund may be used to implement and administer the program.
• All interest money is to be credited to the fund.
• The scholarships may only be funded by interest income. The principal shall not be spent.
• The scholarship amount may be adjusted down if, in any given year, the Treasurer of State determines that the amount of interest in the fund cannot fund the number of eligible students at the rate set in statute.
• Requires Treasurer to adopt rules for notification by high schools and universities of eligible students.
• Upon receipt of notification of eligibility, OBM must establish an individual account for each eligible student. Each academic year the student is eligible, the Treasurer will direct OBM to credit to the account an amount equal to the scholarship under the program for that academic year.
• Each year a student is eligible, the Treasurer shall cause an electronic transfer of scholarship process from the student’s account to the institution the student is attending.

“For too many Ohioans, being smart enough isn’t good enough. Too many people are being priced out of a college tuition, or left with crippling debt when they graduate.

“The most ambitious financial aide package ever proposed in our state, the Ohio Promise Scholarship is the kind of courageous move we need to make in order to get Ohio working again.”

- Senator Kevin Coughlin

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Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Bill Introduced

November 17th, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bi-partisan effort to decrease and prevent childhood obesity was introduced today in the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives, with the strong support of the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children coalition. The Healthy Choices for Healthy Children legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) and Senator Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati) in the Ohio Senate. Representatives John Patrick Carney (D-Columbus) and Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) are co-sponsoring the bill in the Ohio House.

“One in three children born in Ohio is overweight by the age of eight,” said Senator Coughlin. “Ohio simply cannot afford to ignore the short- and long-term implications of this epidemic – in terms of the impact on children’s health and the associated societal costs.”

“This legislation will address childhood obesity in Ohio in a setting where we know we can have immediate impact – our schools – and approaches this complex problem with research-based solutions,” Senator Coughlin said.

The bill contains school-based initiatives that will increase physical activity, raise the bar for physical education and improve the nutritional value of foods offered during the regular and expanded school day.

“We’re going to get kids moving for at least 30 minutes per day, make sure they are developing good fitness habits by providing high-quality physical education classes and have healthy food available to them while they are at school,” said Senator Kearney. “By making these simple changes in their school day, we can help our kids grow up healthy and strong.”

The bill also provides for Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings upon school entry and in 3rd, 5th and 9th grades and education for parents about their child’s BMI and the health risks associated with his or her results. Aggregated BMI results will be reported on local district and building report cards, using the Center for Disease Control’s standards of underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese.

“This is about getting to kids with weight-associated health risks early and making sure parents know there is a problem as soon as possible, said Representative Carney. “This way, parents can work with their health provider to intervene before the child experiences long-term health issues,” said. “The earlier we get to these kids and help them, the better for their health and less expensive it will be for everyone in the long run.”

“I personally know what a difference daily physical activity can make in a person’s life,” added Representative Wachtmann. “The fitness benefit of getting children moving every day is just the tip of the iceberg. I will not be surprised if we also see dramatically positive results in our children’s mental health, self-confidence and ability to concentrate during the school day.”

The legislation is supported by a newly formed group of state leaders in business, health care, education, child advocacy, fitness and nutrition – the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children coalition – led by Nationwide Children’s Hospital CEO Steve Allen, M.D., and Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove, M.D., as co-chairs of the Ohio Business Roundtable Childhood Obesity Task Force.

“Childhood obesity is the most profound public health issue confronting Ohio,” stated Dr. Allen, and Vice Chair of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, “Dr. Cosgrove and I firmly believe that without dramatic action to arrest the disease burden caused by this epidemic, today’s children could be the first generation of Ohioans to have shorter lives than their parents. We applaud our policymakers for joining hands with us on the most important work we can do together.”

For a fact sheet detailing specific bill provisions, a document outlining the research supporting the legislation and a complete list of coalition members, please visit http://www.healthychoiceshealthychildren.org

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Coughlin, Sawyer Support Trustee Removal

October 16th, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH – State Senators Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) and Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) issued the following joint statement today:

“Governor Strickland has requested advice and consent of the Senate for the removal of Jack Morrison, Jr. as a trustee of the University of Akron following his conviction of violating Ohio’s ethics laws.

“We are pleased that Senate President Bill Harris has decided to move forward with the removal at the Senate’s next scheduled session.  With the interest of the University and the community in mind,  we ask our colleagues to resolve this matter in a swift and dignified way.”

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Kevin Lays Out Agenda for State-Based Health Reform

September 14th, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH – State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) today sent the following memorandum to his Republican colleagues in the Ohio Senate. Coughlin is chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services, & Aging Committee:

As the debate over health care reform reaches a fevered pitch in Washington, I think it is appropriate for our caucus to put forward a state-based approach to lower health care costs and open up greater access.

We’ve made some progress here already with dramatic medical malpractice tort reform. But the current federal proposal would eventually squeeze out private health coverage and quality care, replacing it with government-run coverage and mediocre care.

Given our majority in the Senate, we have an opportunity to provide other states with a template for resistance to a federal takeover of health coverage and define a proactive approach to lowering costs and creating access. I suggest the following:

Pass Senate Joint Resolution 2

Universal health care is a goal shared by people from both parties. But states can define the context of that reform by taking a strong stand against an individual mandate and government-run health care.

Early this year while the health care debate was still simmering I introduced SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment protecting the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and to purchase private health care coverage. It also prohibits the General Assembly from requiring any person to participate in any health care system or plan, or to impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan.

This addition to our state constitution will be a clear expression by the people of Ohio that we do not want compulsory government-run health care. It is possible that health care reform may provide the opportunity for the long-awaited showdown over states rights in the United States Supreme Court. If that comes to pass, states can help support that case now by passing measures similar to SJR 2.

It should be noted that SJR 2′s proposed election date for the issue to appear on the ballot will have to be amended to 2010.

Urge Congress to Remove the Handcuffs

We should pass resolutions urging Congress to provide the two most meaningful reforms they can: tax equality and interstate pooling of risk. Congress must address the disparity in tax treatment between those who have health care provided by an employer and those who purchase it themselves. And Congress would do well by states by allowing privately-insured people to enter multi-state risk pools. Currently, people are restricted to in-state only insurance. Multi-state private insurance dilutes risk, creates greater stability, and keeps costs under control.

Explore Multi-State Partnerships

We should explore the legality and feasibility of entering into a multi-state compact for the provision of multi-state private health insurance. Compacts have allowed states to innovate while asserting their sovereignty. We should pass legislation directing the state to work with the Council of State Government’s Center for Interstate Compacts to explore this possibility.

Address Wellness and Prevention

Healthy people cost less. While much can be done without legislation, I would urge all members to think about ways the legislature can combat preventable chronic diseases, reduce childhood obesity, and help local governments with healthy design.

Senator Eric Kearney and I are set to introduce a bill addressing childhood obesity and school nutrition and activity. This is a collaborative effort with the Ohio Business Roundtable and I urge you to take a look at the bill and give it your support.

A renewed commitment to smoking cessation and prevention, and consideration of reasonable diabetes and colorectal cancer screening insurance coverage should also be part of our agenda. While none of these appear to fit in our conservative world view, the data linking prevention in these areas, costs savings, and reduced deaths is compelling and impossible to dispute.

Collaboration with the Private Insurers

We should seize the initiative and engage the health insurance and health care stakeholders to develop a low-cost bare bones product that anyone not eligible for Medicaid can afford. Remember that the private health insurance market is primarily regulated by the states, not by the federal government. Our ability to change the private market in Ohio, preferably by consensus, is important in showing that states are the rightful place for this reform. This type of leadership will not come from the governor.

One Stop Shop for Health Care Consumerism

Advanced consumerism in health care will lead to better quality and lower costs as providers compete for patients. The state should be taking steps to allow Ohioans to become better, more empowered consumers of health care. That means providing information to help them choose providers.

We should pass legislation establishing a one stop shop website providing information on quality, cost, and efficiency so people can make informed decisions when choosing providers. The state already collects a host of data including but not limited to hospital infection rates, disciplinary action, violations, and much more. We should also collect information on the costs of procedures and services and their outcomes. Ohioans should have the opportunity to share their reviews of providers on the website making it a “TripAdvisor.com of health care.”

There is much more that Ohio and other states can do. But within the remaining timeframe of our session and with Congress moving quickly on federal reform, I urge Senate Republicans to show the nation why states are the right place to address critical health care issues.

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THANK YOU!

July 13th, 2009

July 13, 2009

Since announcing the organization of a campaign for governor next year, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to people from across Ohio. They are rightly concerned about the future of our state and the direction in which our country is headed.

I’m grateful to my family, and to so many long-time supporters and new-found friends who have encouraged me to seek the chance to lead Ohio.

As great as this experience has been, as much as we have learned and as much as I care about the future of Ohio, I have decided that now is not my time.

Coming off of so many years in the legislature and in the current economic environment, I just don’t have the motivation to raise the financial resources to wage a successful campaign. My family and I have decided that now is a time to pause and think, not to jump right into a new endeavor.

After my last election Anne and I began my final term in the Ohio Senate very much looking forward to the prospect of leaving public life. The fact is that there is much that I’d like to accomplish outside of elected office.

Now, after a brief interlude exploring a run for governor, I find myself back where I was – grateful for the opportunity to serve, better educated by the events surrounding my time in office, and excited about the opportunities ahead.

In the upcoming campaign for governor, my hope is that Ohioans will be able to choose from two candidates for who have the courage to put forth detailed and serious agendas to change our state for the better. Campaigns built on empty rhetoric lead to empty rhetorical government. That’s been our problem for too long, and it does not serve Ohio well. Especially in these times, we need to expect more from our candidates and our elected officials.

Anne and I thank all of you who have supported the effort in so many ways. God bless you and God bless Ohio, this state we love so much.

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Coughlin Statement on Passing of Sen. Robert Schuler

June 20th, 2009

(CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH) – State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) issued the following statement on the death last evening of State Senator Robert Schuler (R-Sycamore Township):

“Bob Schuler was not just a colleague. He was a friend. Bob’s friendly nature and his dry wit had a way of putting others at ease and helped him develop strong relationships during his time in the legislature. He was a constant champion for southwest Ohio and his expertise in the complex areas of energy and public utilities will be missed.

“Bob was a long-time participant in the Council of State Governments, where I got to know him and Shelagh well. Bob and Shelagh have been a nearly inseparable pair who have lived their lives together to the fullest. I spoke with Bob on his birthday last Monday. Even through his struggle, I could tell that he had found comfort in the love and company of his family.

“Anne and I are praying for Bob, Shelagh and their family. We will miss our friend and Ohio will miss a great public servant.”

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