Sen.

Turner on The ED Show

Emphasizes importance of focusing on policy changes
The GOP released their "self-autopsy" report in March, after months of analysis following their defeat at the polls in November. Senator Turner had the opportunity to comment on the report's findings that the party needs to increase outreach to minority communities but not change the staunch policy positions that consistently disenfranchise them. Senator Turner also made an appearance on "UP" with Steve Kornacki this month. Click here to check it out!

Budget Would Cut Family Planning Funding From Family Planning Groups
ColumbusAfter conservative members of the Ohio House were through with it, the Governor's budget proposal turned into a vehicle for policies to govern the intimately personal decisions of all Ohio women. Similar to proposals offered last year during the mid-biennium budget review, some Republicans would like to "re-prioritize" federal family planning funding to clinics that do not specialize in family planning. Although federal and state law preclude any public monies from going to programs that support abortion, Republicans are looking to block money from supporting the preventive services cervical cancer screenings, sexual health education, birth control, HIV testingthat providers such as Planned Parenthood offer. Federal law stipulates that family planning dollars go to support "the delivery of related preventive health services, including patient education and counseling; cervical and breast cancer screening; STD and HIV prevention education, testing, and referral; and pregnancy diagnosis and counseling." The re-prioritization of this funding would decrease access to family planning services for Ohio women and funnel more people through fewer doors at the local public health clinic.

Medicaid Pulled from House Budget by Republicans

ColumbusThough Medicaid expansion, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), was part of Governor Kasich's executive budget, House Republicans cited the federal deficit as a major reason for striking its expansion. Complying with the ACA would cover over a quarter of a million additional Ohioans and create tens of thousands of jobs in the healthcare sector. Senator Turner commented on the House's decision this month: I am severely disappointed by the House Republicans refusal to compromise on Medicaid expansion. As the Governor has noted, expanding Medicaid in Ohio to cover individuals at 138% of the federal poverty level would offer coverage to an additional 275,000 Ohioans. This move would relieve an overburdened health care system and create over 4,000 jobs in Cuyahoga County and nearly 500 in Lake County over the next two years. For a party supposedly focused on jobs, this move is a serious blow to thousands of future careers."

Voter Protection Act Would Make Ohio 'Gold Standard' for Elections
The Voter Protection Act, introduced by Senator Turner, represents a months-long effort to craft fairer election policies, and includes the recommendations of voter advocates, election officials and experts, and citizens from around the state. This legislation will increase access to the ballot, ensure the counting of every eligible vote, and prevent disenfranchisement due to immaterial mistake. Overall, the bill aims to accomplish six goals: Ease provisional voting Prevent long lines Promote voter registration Modernize the law and set the stage for future improvements Protect early voting opportunities Advance absentee voting

turner@ohiosenate.gov www.ohiosenate.gov

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