Senator Cecil Thomas's December 2017 newsletter provides information on legislation introduced, videos and articles of interest, and upcoming events. It highlights bills to allow continuing education credits for free spaying/neutering (SB 232) and use of firebrick ovens for cottage food production (SB 233). The newsletter also provides information on open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans and assistance programs for food and energy costs. Upcoming events include a food distribution at Freestore Foodbank and a screening of the documentary "3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets".

1. From: State Senator Cecil Thomas [mailto:Thomas@ohiosenate.gov]
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 12:30 PM
Subject: December 2017 Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Legislation Introduced: Senate Bill 232, Senate Bill 233, and Senate Resolution 320
Video: The State of Ohio - Criminal Code
The Statehouse News Bureau
Articles: SB 200 (Include Names Submitted by BMV on juror list)
Article: "Ohio's youngest students wouldn't be suspended, if new bill passes"
Spotlight/Video: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
2018 Open Enrollment Period
+
Cincinnati Office of Human Relations Assistance Information
Spotlight: Freestore Foodbank
Holiday Food Distribution
Spotlight: Ohio Development Services Agency
Home Energy Assistance Program
Event: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Free Movie Screening and Panel Discussion

2. "3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets"
Collage of Past Events
Session Calendar
State Holidays
Contact Me
SERVING:
Amberley, Arlington Heights, Cincinnati, Columbia Township, Elmwood Place,
Finneytown, Golf Manor, Lincoln Heights, Lockland, Mount Healthy, New Burlington,
North College Hill, Norwood, Pleasant Hills, Saint Bernard, Silverton, Skyline Acres,
Springfield Township, Woodlawn, Wyoming
Greetings and Happy Holidays Neighbor,
I want to thank you for opting into receiving my electronic newsletter and seeing what
I am doing for Ohio’s 9th Senate district.
I truly enjoy the privilege of representing the 9th Senate district here in Cincinnati and
in Columbus. My office and I continue to work passionately on issues that impact our
communities such as: criminal justice and education reform; providing access to
affordable, quality health and human services; and equal economic growth and
development through job creation and diversity.
I always welcome your thoughts and recommendations regarding issues affecting our
community. Your active participation in the legislative process allows me to serve you
best. Without your vigorous engagement, the goals we seek to reach as a community
are unobtainable. I appreciate all of your calls, emails, and letters on various issues
that are before us in the Senate. Please know that my staff and I are working hard to
get responses to each and every one of you.
Sincerely,

3. INTRODUCED: Senate Bill 232
• To amend section 4741.16 of the Revised Code to allow a licensed veterinarian to
receive up to two continuing education credits per biennium for performing free
spaying and neutering services
Referred 11/15/17: Senate Agriculture Committee
Co-Sponsors: Senators Yuko (D - Richmond Heights), Tavares (D - Columbus), and
Schiavoni (D - Boardman)
Special Thanks: Beth Sheehan (Cincinnati resident who brought idea forward) and
DanaMarie Pannella (Sharon Center attorney who reviewed and edited language)
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Co-Sponsor Request
I will soon be introducing legislation that would allow a licensed veterinarian to receive up to
two continuing education credits per biennium for performing free spaying and neutering
services.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, euthanasia numbers in animal
shelters have declined sharply since the 1970s, from 15 million cats and dogs to
approximately 3.4 million in 2013. This success is largely attributed to widespread spay and
neuter efforts to reduce the amount of unwanted animals on the streets as well as increased
pet ownership. Animal rights organizations and the community members that support them
continue to bring us closer to the day when euthanasia will be reserved only for animals who
are suffering or too aggressive to safely reside in our communities.

4. This legislation would give a licensed veterinarian one-half hour of continuing education
credit for every one hour of free spaying and neutering services they provide at a practice,
facility, or property that is appropriately equipped and staffed to provide such services. That
licensed veterinarian must also provide follow-up services for any post-operative
complications related to the surgery that occur within 24 hours, free of charge. The state
veterinary medical licensing board shall adopt policies and procedures necessary for the
administration of this section.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
INTRODUCED: Senate Bill 233
• To amend section 3715.01 of the Revised Code to allow a cottage food production
operator to use a firebrick oven located on a patio at the operator's residence for
purposes of the cottage food production operation.
Referred 11/29/17: Senate Health, Human Services, and Medicaid Committee
Co-Sponsors: Senators Brown (D - Toledo) and Tavares (D - Columbus)
Special Thanks: Charole Phoenix and Tia Watson (Mount Healthy residents who
brought idea forward)
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Co-Sponsor Request
I will soon be introducing legislation that would allow a cottage food production operator to
use a firebrick oven located on a patio at the operator’s residence for purposes of the cottage
food production operation.

5. The Ohio Revised Code (Chapter 3715) defines a “cottage food production operation” as “a
person, who in the person's home, produces food items that are not potentially hazardous
foods, including bakery products, jams, jellies, candy, fruit butter, and similar products
specified in rules adopted pursuant to section 3715.025 of the Revised Code.”
However, a person’s home in this section is currently defined as “the primary residence
occupied by the residence's owner, on the condition that the residence contains only one
stove or oven used for cooking, which may be a double oven, designed for common
residence usage and not for commercial usage, and that the stove or oven be operated in
an ordinary kitchen within the residence.”
This legislation seeks to change the definition of home in this section to allow for either or
both of the following to qualify: (a) current definition of home in this section; and (b) one
firebrick oven that is used for cooking and is located on a patio appurtenant to the primary
residence.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
INTRODUCED: Senate Resolution 320
• Honoring the City of Mount Healthy on its Two Hundredth Anniversary
WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the 132nd General Assembly of Ohio are
pleased to recognize the City of Mount Healthy on the jubilant occasion of its Bicentennial;
and
WHEREAS, This is, indeed, an auspicious milestone, and celebration is certainly in order.
Since its inception two hundred years ago, Mount Healthy has experienced dramatic growth
and change, and yet, commendably, even as its residents have exuberantly embraced the
promise of a bright future, they have never relinquished their appreciation for the worthiest
virtues of the past. Without sacrificing their sense of tradition in the name of progress, the

6. people of Mount Healthy have managed to nurture a fresh perspective and a positive outlook
that endear this distinctive place to all who know it well; and
WHEREAS, Two centuries after it was founded, Mount Healthy still radiates vitality,
optimism, and a charm all its own. Clearly, it is a place of many engaging qualities, and its
schools, businesses, and civic organizations both embody and thrive upon the values of
which our flag is an emblem. A vigorous commitment to public service and an earnest
devotion to lofty ideals have long been second nature to most of the city’s residents, and
vigilance, industriousness, and generosity have come to typify their collective character; and
WHEREAS, Every state depends upon such vibrant, durable communities as Mount Healthy
for its own survival and stability. Although it has known adversity and tribulation, it also has
been favored with its share of blessings. Under the guidance of its current administration,
distinguished by impeccable integrity, sound judgment, and an expansive, purposeful vision,
the city is sure to remain on its admirable course and to continue to transform challenges
into opportunities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 132nd General Assembly of Ohio,
in adopting this Resolution, extend our congratulations to the City of Mount Healthy as it
commemorates its Bicentennial and offer our best wishes for its perennial good fortune; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a duly authenticated copy of this
Resolution to City of Mount Healthy.
VIDEO: The State of Ohio - Criminal Code
The Statehouse News Bureau

7. Discussing the Ohio Criminal Justice Recodification Committee's Recommendations w/
Karen Kasler (Statehouse Bureau Chief) and Senator John Eklund (R - Munson
Township)
View Video
ARTICLES: Senate Bill 200
• To amend section 2313.06 of the Revised Code to require the names submitted by
the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to the commissioners of jurors to be included on the
annual jury source list compiled by the commissioners.

8. 91.7 WVXU Cincinnati: "Should jurors
be picked from more than just voter
lists?"
Learn More
City Beat: "Should your driver's license
require you to report for jury duty?"
Learn More
ARTICLE: "Ohio's youngest students
wouldn't be suspended, if new bill passes"

9. I am co-sponsoring legislation to ban out-of-school suspensions for students in Pre-K - 3rd
Pictured (LtoR) are Joint Sponsors Senator Gayle Manning (R - North Ridgeville) and Senator
Peggy Lehner (R - Kettering), and Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Laura Mitchell
Learn More

10. SPOTLIGHT/VIDEO:
Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (Obamacare)
2018 Open Enrollment Period
Last year, 300K Ohioans bought coverage on the Marketplace. Make sure you're
covered in 2018!
Buy health insurance on https://www.healthcare.gov/ starting November 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are answers by HealthCare.gov on Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the important dates for enrolling in 2018 health coverage?

11. November 1, 2017: Open Enrollment begins.
December 15, 2017: Open Enrollment ends. After December 15, you can still buy a
health plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
January 1, 2018: Plans sold during Open Enrollment start.
Q: Where can I find 2018 plans and prices?
2018 plans and prices will be available for preview shortly before Open Enrollment
starts on November 1, 2017.
For now, read these Marketplace tips and use this checklist (PDF) to gather everything
you’ll need to apply.
Q: How can I get ready for 2018 Marketplace health insurance?
Get a quick overview of the Marketplace, and see if you’re eligible to apply.
Make sure you have everything you need by using this checklist (PDF).
If you don’t take the time to get ready before you apply, you may need to log back in
or call back several times.
Q: Will I save money on a 2018 Marketplace plan?
Your savings depend on your expected household income for 2018. To get a quick idea if
you’ll save, select your household size and state. We'll tell you if your income's in the saving
range. You'll find out exactly how much you'll save when you apply.
Q: Can I get health insurance for the rest of 2017?
Outside Open Enrollment, you can get health coverage only 2 ways:
• With a Special Enrollment Period, if you lost job-based coverage, had a baby,
got married, or had other life changes. Answer a few quick questions to see if
you may qualify.
• Through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can
apply any time and can enroll immediately if you’re eligible.
If you don’t qualify for either, you can apply for 2018 Marketplace coverage as soon
as November 1, 2017.

12. Q: How do I submit documents?
You can upload documents online, which is the fastest and easiest way to get them
processed. Or you can mail copies instead.
How you upload documents depends on the information you're providing:
• If you need to confirm application information, like your income, check out
this quick guide with pictures (PDF).
• If you need to confirm your Special Enrollment Period eligibility, like if
you lost other health coverage or moved, check out this quick guide with
pictures (PDF).
• If you need to verify your identity if ID proofing was unsuccessful, check
out this quick guide with pictures (PDF).
Learn more about submitting documents.
Q: What if my income has changed from what I put on my application?
Update your application as soon as possible. If you don’t, your savings could be
wrong and you could wind up paying higher premiums or owing money when you file
taxes.
Log in to report any income and household changes.
• See which changes to report.
• Learn how to report changes.
For questions, or to apply by phone, contact the Marketplace Call Center
1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Learn More

13. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15. SPOTLIGHT: Freestore Foodbank
Holiday Food Distribution
Photo from Freestore Foodbank's website
Giving the Gift of Hope
Holidays are a time of family, food and generosity. We believe that every family deserves
to share a holiday meal together. We are gearing up for our Christmas Food Distribution
and will provide holiday boxes at our Customer Connection Center, located at 112 East
Liberty Street in Over-the-Rhine, during the following dates/times:
Christmas Food Distribution
- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2017
*I'll be there with several other legislators from about 9:30 - 12:30 p.m.!
- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2017
- 8:00 a.m. to noon Friday, December 22, 2017

16. Learn More
SPOTLIGHT: Ohio Development Services Agency
Home Energy Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered
by the Ohio Development Services Agency's Office of Community Assistance (OCA). It is
designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. If you
are eligible for assistance, the amount of your one-time HEAP benefit will depend on federal
funding levels, how many people live with you, total household income, and the primary fuel
you use to heat your home. In most cases, the one-time benefit will be a credit applied to
your energy bill by your utility company (or fuel vendor). The program begins November
1st.
Size of Household 12 Month Household Income
1 Up to $21,105
2 Up to $28,420
3 Up to $35,735
4 Up to $43,050
5 Up to $50,365
6 Up to $57,680
7 Up to $64,995
8 Up to $72,310
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email: energyhelp@development.ohio.gov.
For questions regarding energy: help.ohio.gov.
For the hearing impaired: 1-800-686-1557

17. Phone: 1-800-282-0880
Learn More
Event: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense
in America - Free Movie Screening and Panel
Discussion of "3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets"
*I will be doing my best to attend, depending on session and committee schedules

18. Learn More

19. Collage of Past Events
@ No Tax Cuts for the Rich Rally (Hosted by Organizing For Action - Ohio)

20. 2017 Friend of the Profession Awardee (Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association)

21. AT&T Check Presentation @ Boys & Girls Sheakley Club of Greater Cincinnati

22. @ Freestore Foodbank's Thanksgiving Food Distribution
w/ St. Joseph Catholic School, Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel, and
Freestore Foodbank Communications and Advocacy Specialist Rajani Menon
St. Bernard-Elmwood Place High School's Groundbreaking Ceremony

23. Independent College Mascot Day @ Ohio Statehouse - Senate Chambers
w/ Whoot (Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science)
and Joe Lion (Mount St. Joseph University)
SESSION CALENDAR

24. *Subject to change
DECEMBER:
5th @ 1:30 p.m.
12th @ 1:30 p.m. (if needed)
13th @ 1:30 p.m.
19th @ 1:30 p.m. (if needed)
STATE HOLIDAYS
Free Clinic Appreciation Month
Dec. 1: Rosa Parks Day
First Week: Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week
Week of Dec. 17: Ohio Aviation and Aerospace History Education Week

25. Dec. 21: Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
CONTACT SENATOR THOMAS
Thank you for subscribing to my electronic
newsletter!
I am very passionate about criminal justice
reform, improving the quality, accessibility,
and affordability of education and
healthcare services, and working to ensure
that lower and middle-class families have
fair opportunities to better their lives
through job creation and growth. I urge you
to contact my office with any comments,
questions, or concerns you may have. I rely
on your feedback in order to best serve you
and our community.

26. Facebook Twitter Website Email
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square, Room 56
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-5980
Thomas@ohiosenate.gov
Cindy Peters, Senior Legislative Aide
Ruben Hernandez Story, Legislative Aide
Leia Washington, Intern
Jacob Dretzka, Page