The Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 108 yesterday, legislation that defines a “rape crisis program” for the state of Ohio.  State Representative Jack Cera (D-Bellaire), a co-sponsor of the measure, noted that rape crisis services for victims across the state of Ohio have been lax due to the shortage of statewide funding.   House Bill 108 is the first step in rectifying the problem, as it appropriates $1,000,000 in each FY for 2014 and 2015 to fund rape crisis centers.

“This is an important first step in assisting rape survivors by providing valuable and necessary services on their behalf,” said Representative Cera.

Sometimes state legislators are put in uncomfortable positions. I've been in many during the years that I have served in the Ohio House of Representatives. The most recent example is when I got my haircut. Sitting in a chair while an upset small business person with sharp scissors is asking me about Gov. John Kasich's plan to charge sales tax on haircuts and other types of services made me more than a little nervous.