Evil Brian's Evil Thoughts...it's a MotherFucker

Ohio State Senator Major Steve Stivers: True American

This guy is definitely someone I could raise a glass of beer towards, and for goddamn good reasons. A Republican that votes his conscience and not just cowtows the party line, Steve Stivers has, since his election to State Senate in 2003:

1. Sponsored a bill to provide medical care for the uninsured.

"Doctors who provide free health care to the poor in their offices would be shielded from malpractice lawsuits under a bill before lawmakers.

The bill expands protections that doctors and other health care professionals already receive for providing free care in health clinics and emergency situations away from their office.

Proponents say the bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Stivers, a Columbus Republican, would increase the number of doctors who provide care to the uninsured.

They say clinics have limited hours and are often located far from a doctor's office, making it harder to provide the care.

"It is simply much easier for physicians to see patients in their own office, rather than at a clinic location, during limited hours," Columbus Dr. Patrick Ecklar told lawmakers.

Advocates for the poor say the so-called Good Samaritan law was meant to protect doctors providing care in special circumstances, such as a roadside emergency or at a clinic, not in their offices.

"Access to health care shouldn't mean that people give up their rights to receive it," Columbus social worker Aimee Bowie said Tuesday..."

2. Helped make summer camps better and safer for kids (just like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington!!!!)

"Ohio law requires camps to subject applicants to fingerprint-based background checks by the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation or the FBI. No one is responsible for enforcing the requirement, however.

Yesterday, state Sen. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus, introduced legislation that would assign the duty to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

"We have to make sure that when kids go to camp, they're with safe people who are looking out for their well-being," he said.

Stivers' proposal -- Senate Bill 259 -- would authorize Job and Family Services to conduct random checks of camps in Ohio.

Camps that failed to comply with the fingerprint requairement would face fines. In addition, they would be required to post notices disclosing their noncompliance, and they would be listed on the state agency's Web site.

Gov. Bob Taft and Job and Family Services endorsed the legislation.

"This is important, to make sure that we close the loophole and get the kids safe and the camps complying," said Ann Husted, a spokeswoman for the governor."

3. Voted against (fruitlessly, unforunately) the statewide ban on gay marriage in Ohio

"Senate lawmakers paved the way Wednesday for Ohio to enact one of the country's most far-reaching laws banning same-sex marriages.

A divided Senate voted 18-15 in favor of the bill that puts into law that same-sex marriages would be "against the strong public policy of the state."

Four Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats in opposing the bill, which also prohibits state employees from getting marital benefits spelled out in state law for their unmarried partners, whether homosexual or heterosexual.
...
The vote came despite opposition by some large companies. Dayton-based NCR Corp. sent a letter to lawmakers Dec. 12 saying the bill could hurt the company's ability to attract and retain employees.

Columbus-based Limited Brands called Sen. Steve Stivers Wednesday to express its concerns, Stivers said. A message was left with the company.

The other Senate Republicans voting against the bill were Jeffry Armbruster of North Ridgeville, Robert Gardner of Madison and Stivers of Columbus."

4. And sponsored a bill to permit certain school districts experiencing high growth in student enrollment to receive assistance under the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program earlier than they otherwise would be eligible. (125 SB 210)

And now, he has proven himself to be a real kickass kinda guy by being called into action, as a Major in the Army Reserves, and bravely answering the call to duty. While eligible for a lawmaker's deferrment, which would be his Get Out Of Iraq Free card and allow him to concentrate on this years' Senate elections, he rejected it, will be sent over to Iraq and will continue his run for re-election for State Senate(and how in the hell could he possibly lose? In this time of ultra-patriotic fervor, who's gonna be the one to vote AGAINST the guy going to Iraq?). This man is what a good American should be: loyal to his country, loyal to his state, loyal to his beliefs, and not afraid to defend his country when called upon to do so. This is one Republican politician I would be proud to share a pitcher or two with and shake his hand.


Good Luck, Senator.

(All quotes courtesy of Lexis-Nexis, which apparently I can still access through my college website even though I graduated last month. Kickass!)