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Hello,

Below is a brief update on some of my work in the legislature and the district over the last several weeks. I appreciate the feedback I have received on legislation in the form of letters, phone calls, and emails.

As always, if I can be assistance to you in any way, please reach out. I'm available at Dolan@OhioSenate.gov, by phone at (614) 466-8056, or follow legislative and community updates on my social media pages linked below. 

Your input and involvement is what makes the work I do meaningful. 
 

Sincerely,

State Senator Matt Dolan
24th Senate District 
www.ohiosenate.gov/Dolan

I, along with Senator Yuko, sponsored a resolution to urge Congress to designate the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial, as a National Memorial. Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 (SCR 11) was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2022.

Located inside Zion Memorial Park, a not-for-profit Jewish cemetery, the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial and Monument was built to honor those who died in World War II, provide a grave for the 6 million Jews lost in the Holocaust who have no burial site, and to act as a sanctuary for those who lost loved ones. For the past 60 years, it has served as a gathering place, sacred site and reminder that history must not be repeated. The Holocaust Monument is also the site of an annual memorial service, held each year on the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as an annual Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration.

Senator Yuko and I had the opportunity to visit the memorial and attend the 60^th Annual Kol Israel Foundation Memorial Service. It was a humbling and moving experience to hear the first-hand accounts of the survivors, as well as the experiences of their children and grandchildren and how they are impacted today.

It is important that we support the Kol Israel Foundation in their work to preserve and protect this important site for future generations. Once the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial receives designation as a National Memorial, it will open up new sources of support and funding for the site. We want to ensure that the memorial receives the designation it deserves, and is protected for years to come.

The goal of SCR 11 is to support the Kol Israel Foundation’s efforts to obtain federal designation as a National Memorial, which requires an Act of the United States Congress. SCR 11 has been sent to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.

April is designated as “Eastern European Month” in Ohio. Ohioans are called to learn more about the culture and history of Eastern European countries and to observe this month with appropriate educational opportunities, ceremonies, and activities.

The Ohio Statehouse is celebrating Eastern European Month with the exhibit “Pysanka: A Ukrainian Tradition.” Pysanky, also known as Ukrainian Easter Eggs, is a traditional art form that has been practiced for thousands of years in celebration of spring and new life.

Dyed and decorated eggs are currently on display in the Statehouse Rotunda and the Riffe Gallery until May 6^th. This exhibit is presented by the Ohio Arts Council Riffe Gallery and the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Both parties proudly stand with the Ukrainian people during this difficult time.

I was pleased to attend the ribbon cutting for the new Empowering Epilepsy location in Beachwood, where I toured the facility and met members of their community. Since 2014, this great organization has provided much needed support for Ohioans looking to manage their seizures and take charge of their lives. Empowering Epilepsy has helped 700 families in Northeast Ohio and this new location will allow them to expand their programming to reach even more people affected by epilepsy.

Empowering Epilepsy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with epilepsy, their families, and caretakers. Empowering Epilepsy not only raises awareness about epilepsy, but also provides free or low cost services and events to create a positive, welcoming community for those affected by epilepsy. This month, they are offering free virtual learning events, support groups and art therapy.  

The Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association recently hosted their 71^st annual Ohio Youth in Government program at the Ohio Statehouse. It was an honor to welcome the students to the Chamber as their guest speaker. In my remarks, I spoke on the importance of civic participation, preservation of freedom, American Exceptionalism, and the strength of our Republic, in which power is derived from the consent of the governed.

At this three day event, students from across the state gained first-hand experience in the legislative process and learned about the work and impact of state government. In this government simulation, the students participated as a member of either the Legislative, Supreme Court or Executive branches. From researching and presenting legislation, to debating ideas on how to move Ohio forward, these students worked with their peers to pass their legislation through both the Legislative and Executive Chambers.

The Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs is a nonprofit organization formed to maximize the impact of the thirteen Clubs across Ohio and drive partnerships with state government. Each year, the Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs holds a celebratory luncheon to announce and honor their Youth of the Year, who embodies the Clubs’ values of leadership, academic excellence & healthy lifestyles. Congratulations to Ramier Kyles from the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon on being named the 2022 Ohio Youth of the Year!

I was proud to address the eight outstanding nominees and members in attendance from Boys & Girls Clubs from across the state. In my remarks, I recognized the tremendous and inspiring efforts that were made during the pandemic by all thirteen clubs (with sixty-seven sites) across Ohio. Together, they educated, fed, socialized with thousands of kids who were in need.

With the vision of ensuring that every young person has access to the tools needed to graduate high school and develop a plan for the future, Boys & Girls Clubs provide school age youth with a quality out-of-school experience. They work to provide resources, mentorships and a safe space for young people to develop the skills, experiences and character needed for academic and personal success. In addition, the Boys & Girls Clubs also focus on meeting youth mental health needs and bridging the workforce readiness gap.

Senator Matt Dolan represents Ohio’s 24th Senate District, which contains a portion of Cuyahoga county. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Dolan.