Local state senators get committee assignments

An area senator has landed seats on committees that will consider state spending plans, Medicaid and transportation issues.

Sen. Capri Cafaro of Hubbard, D-32nd, will serve as ranking minority member of the Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee and the Medicaid Committee, as well as vice chairwoman of the Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education.

Her other assignments include Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services and Ways and Means.

Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, is the minority leader of the chamber.

The committee assignments were announced Friday, days after the Ohio House unveiled its committee makeup. Bill introductions in both chambers are expected in coming days.

“We have a diverse group of members with a broad background of life and career experience ranging from farmers and business owners to attorneys and teachers,” Senate President Keith Faber said in a released statement. “My goal with our committees is to capitalize on their expertise so we can continue the Senate’s tradition of successfully tackling the state’s challenges and opportunities.”