Tim Schaffer (R)
Senator
A lifelong resident of Central Ohio, State Senator Tim Schaffer has spent the last eight years dedicated to serving the public in the Ohio General Assembly. Senator Schaffer began his service after being elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2000. Then in 2006, after serving three terms as a State Representative for Ohio’s 5th House District, Senator Schaffer was elected to the Ohio Senate, representing the 31st Senate District, which includes all of Fairfield, Licking, Hocking and Perry Counties, as well as the eastern portion of Pickaway County.
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Senator Snapshot
| Hometown: Lancaster |
| Party: Republican |
| Elected Experience: State Senator since 2007; State Representative 2000-2006 |
| Current Term: Expires December 2010; Eligible to run for another four-year term |
- Contact
- Committees
- Bills
- Resolutions
- Media
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Senate Building 1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: (614) 466-5838 Email: SD31@senate.state.oh.us |
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Energy and Public Utilities (Vice Chair) Environment and Natural Resources (Chair) Highways and Transportation Insurance, Commerce and Labor Ways and Means and Economic Development |
| Primary Sponsor | SB 4 | SB 23 | SB 25 | SB 26 | SB 28 | SB 30 | SB 39 | SB 40 |
| SB 42 | SB 65 | SB 178 | SB 179 | SB 182 | SB 183 | SB 190 | SB 209 |
| SB 218 | SB 231 | SB 239 | |||||
| Primary Sponsor | SCR 29 | SR 74 | SR 80 | SR 83 | SR 109 | SR 177 | SR 204 | SR 205 |
| SR 206 | SR 268 | ||||||
| 07.26.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: Supporting the men and women serving in Ohio's National Guard | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 07.06.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: Senate bill would make Ohio's concealed carry laws more consistent and easier for permit holders to follow | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 07.01.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: On Independence Day, we remember the patriots who fought for our freedom and those who continue to defend it | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 06.07.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: The week in review | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 06.02.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: The week in review | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 05.28.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer to introduce resolution naming Utica the "Ice Cream Capital of Ohio" | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer announced his sponsorship of a resolution that would recognize the Village of Utica as the Ice Cream Capital of Ohio. | |
| Read more... | |
| 05.27.2010 | |
| Schaffer wins Senate approval for bill updating Ohio's concealed carry laws | |
| Columbus - Seeking to make Ohio's concealed carry laws more consistent with those of other states, State Senator Tim Schaffer today won support from his Senate colleagues for Senate Bill 239, which clarifies how weapons must be carried in a vehicle and allows concealed weapons to be carried in restaurants that serve alcohol if the licensee is not drinking and only if permitted by the establishment. Joining Schaffer as lead sponsor of the bill was Senator Shannon Jones (R- Springboro). | |
| Read more... | |
| 05.27.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer honors 2010 Ohio Fair's Queen Heather Wilson on Senate floor | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today presented Heather Wilson, a junior at Pickerington High School North, with a Senate resolution honoring her for being selected as the 2010 Ohio Fair's Queen. Heather will represent all of Ohio's county fairs at The Ohio State Fair and other events throughout the state this summer. Read more... |
| 05.21.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer: The week in review | |
| Guest column from State Senator Tim Schaffer | |
| Read more... | |
| 05.19.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer meets with Pataskala students | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus- State Senator Tim Schaffer recently met with fourth-grade students from Pataskala Elementary as part of the group's tour of the Ohio Statehouse. Schaffer talked with the students about his role as a member of the Ohio Legislature and also recognized them on the floor of the Senate during session. Read more... |
| 05.12.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer's bill to protect amateur radio emergency communications approved by Ohio Senate | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer won unanimous support today for his legislation that will help ensure the continued availability of amateur radio communications in times of emergency. Senator Schaffer co-sponsored Senate Bill 218 with Senator Tom Sawyer (D- Akron). Schaffer first learned of the need for this legislation from local constituents who are ham radio operators. | |
| Read more... | |
| 04.16.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer urges Governor to complete financial study on 3C rail system | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today called on Governor Strickland to complete a financial plan for the proposed 3C rail system before asking the state Controlling Board to approve spending $25 million in federal funds for additional studies. The $25 million proposed to be used for environmental plans would come from the $400 million in federal stimulus dollars Ohio was awarded earlier this year to develop a passenger rail system linking Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. | |
| Read more... | |
| 03.26.2010 | |
| Schaffer seeks to block federal health care mandate | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer has joined two initiatives to block the federal health care mandate, Senate Bill 244 and a letter urging Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to file suit to stop the health care mandate. | |
| Read more... | |
| 03.24.2010 | |
| Schaffer testifies in support of bill to clarify Ohio's concealed carry laws | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today appeared before the Senate Judiciary - Criminal Justice Committee and urged the members to support changes to Ohio's concealed carry laws to simplify them and make them more consistent with those in other states. Schaffer is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 239 with Senator Shannon Jones (R- Springboro). Read more... |
| 03.24.2010 | |
| Schaffer recognizes Newark company for its work with the developmentally disabled | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer recently presented LICCO, Inc. with a Senate proclamation declaring the month of March as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month." LICCO offers a variety of employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities and also advises the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities in providing services and support to eligible individuals. Read more... |
| 03.16.2010 | |
| Senators Schaffer and Jones introduce bill to update Ohio's concealed carry law | |
| Columbus- State Senators Tim Schaffer and Shannon Jones (R- Springboro) today introduced Senate Bill 239, which seeks to clarify Ohio's concealed carry laws regarding the transportation of a firearm in a vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon in restaurants that serve alcohol. | |
| Read more,... | |
| 03.11.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer testifies in support of bill to create tax check-off for the American Red Cross | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer recently appeared before the Senate Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee and urged members to support Senate Bill 231. The bill would create a tax check-off on Ohio income tax forms for the American Red Cross, allowing Ohio taxpayers to donate a portion of their refunds to the organization. Schaffer is co-sponsoring the measure with Senator Jason Wilson (D- Columbiana). Read more... |
| 03.09.2010 | |
| Schaffer announces Amanda Bent Bolt Company to receive state grant for job creation, expansion | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer recently announced the state Controlling Board awarded a $40,000 Rapid Outreach Grant to the Amanda Bent Bolt Company (ABB) to assist in the purchase of new machinery and equipment. The company is expanding its facility in Logan, a project that will create 20 new full-time jobs and retain 100 others. | |
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| 03.09.2010 | |
| Senator Schaffer named a "Watchdog of the Treasury" by United Conservatives of Ohio | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus — State Senator Tim Schaffer was recently named a “Watchdog of the Treasury” by the United Conservatives of Ohio (UCO) for his dedication to fiscal responsibility and strong conservative voting record during the 127th General Assembly. Read more... |
| 02.18.2010 | |
| Schaffer announces local organizations to receive grants for health services | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer announced that the Ohio Department of Health recently awarded nearly $140,000 in grants to local health departments to help improve immunization rates for young children and work to reduce injuries in children and adults. | |
| Read more... SD 31 ODH Grants | |
| 02.17.2010 | |
| Schaffer introduces bill to allow Ohioans to donate portions of their tax refunds to the American Red Cross | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today introduced legislation that would allow Ohioans to elect to donate a portion of their state income tax refund to the American Red Cross to help Ohio in disaster preparedness. Senate Bill 231 would add a "check-off" on state income tax forms. | |
| Read more... | |
| 01.27.2010 | |
| Ohio Senate passes Schaffer's bill to require performance audits of state agencies | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today won Senate support for Senate Bill 4, legislation that will save hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money by requiring the Auditor of State to conduct performance audits of cabinet-level state agencies and departments. This would ensure that government is focused on common sense business regulation to protect jobs and save money.< | |
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| 01.26.2010 | |
| Statement from State Senator Tim Schaffer regarding the Governor's state of the state address | |
| Columbus - The following statement can be attributed, in whole or in part, to State Senator Tim Schaffer regarding the Governor's State of the State address: "I appreciate the Governor's recognition of Republican-initiated education policies that have propelled Ohio schools to 5th in the nation according to Education Week. In spite of Gov. Strickland's cuts to education funding, where more than 400 school districts had their budgets reduced, we still have great schools, great faculty and staff and great kids in Ohio. | |
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| 01.19.2010 | |
| Schaffer amendment establishing Officer Brett Markwood Memorial Highway approved by committee | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer announced that the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee included an amendment written by Schaffer to name State Route 22 in Lancaster the Office Brett Markwood Memorial Highway as a part of House Bill 27. The bill, which was voted out of the committee last Wednesday, seeks to create a number of specialty license plates and memorial highways. | |
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| 01.13.2010 | |
| Schaffer has perfect attendance during Senate session for 2009 | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer recently recorded another year of perfect attendance in the Ohio Senate. He was present each day of session throughout 2009, giving him a perfect attendance record since joining the Senate in 2007, and since joining the Ohio House of Representatives in 2001. | |
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| 01.13.2010 | |
| Schaffer announces multiple projects in Licking, Hocking and Perry counties to receive state funds | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer recently announced that the state Controlling Board approved a $5 million loan to ArvinMeritor, Inc. (AVI) to be used for facility upgrades associated with its planned expansion in Heath. The company has committed to retaining 325 jobs as a result of the assistance provided. | |
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| 12.17.2009 | |
| Statement from State Senator Tim Schaffer on House Bill 318 | |
| Columbus - The following statement can be attributed, in whole or in part, to State Senator Tim Schaffer regarding his decision to vote "no" on House Bill 318: "Throughout this budget process I fought for two goals - not increasing taxes and avoiding further cuts to schools. As such, I was frustrated to see that few cost-savings measures were considered among the possible solutions to the shortfall. | |
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| 12.15.2009 | |
| Schaffer's bill revising Ohio's architecture laws approved by Ohio Senate | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer announced the Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 183, his legislation that fixes a loophole in the laws regulating ownership of architecture firms in Ohio. | |
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| 11.23.2009 | |
| Senator Schaffer: A time to give thanks | |
| Guest column by Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 11.16.2009 | |
| Schaffer introduces stand-alone bill to cut pay for legislators, Governor, Lt. Governor and cabinet officials | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today introduced Senate Bill 209, legislation that would enact a five percent pay cut for legislators, including base salary, committee stipends and leadership stipends. The bill would also institute a five percent pay cut for the Governor, Lt. Governor and all members of the Governor's cabinet, including the Adjutant General, the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents and the Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission, which though not statutorily defined as cabinet members, are traditionally considered as such. | |
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| 10.30.2009 | |
| Senator Schaffer: Ohioans to decide agricultural safety issues | |
| Guest column by Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 10.27.2009 | |
| Schaffer honors Pickerington Central High School band | |
 Download High Resolution Image | Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today presented Mike Sewell, director of the Pickerington Central High School Marching Band, and Principal Scott Reeves with a resolution honoring the band for being selected to participate in both the 2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2010 Rose Bowl Parade. Read more... |
| 10.22.2009 | |
| Schaffer introduces bill to allow high school students to continue to receive JROTC credits | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today announced he has introduced Senate Bill 190, legislation that seeks to allow high school students to continue to receive credits through the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). | |
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| 10.06.2009 | |
| Schaffer introduces bill to require drug testing for individuals seeking state assistance | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer today announced he has introduced Senate Bill 178, which would require individuals seeking state benefits such as housing, food stamps or financial assistance to undergo drug testing before being approved for those benefits. | |
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| 09.23.2009 | |
| Senator Schaffer: Ohio's agriculture industry will get a boost from bio-products bill | |
| Guest column by Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 09.04.2009 | |
| Senator Schaffer: Honoring Ohio's veterans | |
| Guest column by Senator Tim Schaffer | |
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| 08.17.2009 | |
| Schaffer to help prepare arguments in favor of November veterans bonus issue | |
| Columbus - Senate President Bill Harris (R- Ashland) has appointed State Senator Tim Schaffer to the committee charged with preparing arguments in favor of proposed State Issue 1, which would provide for the issuance of $200 million in bonds for one-time bonuses to veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. | |
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| 04.02.2009 | |
| Schaffer reacts to Governor's veto for Lancaster tourism signs | |
| Columbus - State Senator Tim Schaffer announced today that an amendment he included as part of the state transportation budget, House Bill 2, which would have placed historic marker signs near Lancaster, was vetoed by Governor Strickland. | |
| Read more... | |
| 03.10.2009 | |
| Senate passes Schaffer bill that will help protect children | |
| Columbus - In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe and better protect our children, the Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 42, legislation sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer that will provide better enforcement of the law that prohibits sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, regardless of when the offender committed their crime. | |
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| 02.10.2009 | |
| Schaffer introduces bills for residents of the 31st Senate District | |
| Columbus - In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe and encourage growth and economic stability in our local communities, State Senator Tim Schaffer today introduced several bills designed to achieve these goals. | |
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| 02.05.2009 | |
| Schaffer to chair Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee | |
| Columbus - Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) has appointed State Senator Tim Schaffer Chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and Vice Chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee. Schaffer will also serve on the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, and continue on as a member of the Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee and the Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee. | |
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