State Senator Tom Patton (R–Strongsville) today honored Kelsey Higgins at the Ohio Statehouse for being name the 2013 Northern Ohio Rose. The competition, which honors Irish culture, was held on April 19th. Higgins will travel to Portlaoise, Ireland in May to participate in the International Rose of Tralee Festival’s Regional Finals where she will compete with Roses from around the globe. Read more from the Westlake/Bay Village Observer by clicking here.

State Senator Tom Patton (R–Strongsville) today introduced legislation, Senate Bill 107, that would increase penalties for anyone who assaults an Ohio transit system employee. The legislation is jointly sponsored with State Senator Nina Turner (D–Cleveland). 

Senate President Keith Faber (R–Celina) today named State Senator Tom Patton (R–Strongsville) to serve as Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Patton served as the committee’s Chairman during the previous legislative session, but has scaled back his responsibilities on the committee, as he will also serve as the Senate Majority Floor Leader for the 130^th General Assembly.

"A law to ban texting while driving took effect last August and began with a six month grace period that is no more than half completed."