Schiavoni bill would create review process for facility closures

COLUMBUS — A new state commission would review facilities closures proposed by the governor, under legislation being considered in the Ohio Senate and House.

Lawmakers said Wednesday they plan an amendment to include the announced closings of developmental centers in Youngstown and Montgomery County, with hopes that disabled residents can remain where they are.

"This decision has left many residents, their families ad current employees with unanswered questions regarding their futures," Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) told the chamber's Government Oversight and Reform Committee, where the bill had its initial hearing. "Although community-based and private group home care can be a successful alternative for some, it is the consensus of the families and residents affected by this recent decision that other types of care do not meet their needs, based on their disabilities."

SB 62, sponsored by Schiavoni and Sen. Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and HB 73, sponsored by Reps. Ronald Gerberry (D-Austintown) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), call for the creation of closure commissions whenever the administration proposes to close a state-run facility.

The 13-member panel would review the reasons for the closure, the potential impact and other issues and offer recommendations before affected facilities could close.

Schiavoni said he planned an amendment to cover the closings of the Youngstown and Montgomery developmental centers, which are slated to ceased operations in about two years. He said that decision is affecting 180 disabled residents and 400 employees.