Valley lawmakers propose panel to judge closing of local developmental centers

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 and current employees with unanswered questions regarding their futures,” Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, 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 of Hubbard, D-32nd; and HB 73, sponsored by Reps. Ronald Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, and Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, D-58th, 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.

Read more about the proposal in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.