Abrams Credited for Work on Primary Legislation during State of State Address
COLUMBUS - Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine gave his State of the State Address to the 134 General Assembly. Highlighted during his remarks was State Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and her work on legislation regarding distracted driving and law enforcement.
“Representatives Abrams and Lampton have a bill -- House Bill 283 -- pending before you now, that -- if passed -- will significantly help decrease distracted driving tragedies,” said DeWine. “Twenty-four other states have implemented similar legislation, and those states have seen significant reductions in serious and fatal accidents.”
With joint sponsor State Representative Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), Abrams aims to decrease distracted driving tragedies with H.B. 283 by prohibiting the use of electronic communication devices while driving.
“I’m very pleased that ending distracted driving is included in the Governor’s priorities,” said Abrams. “Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children, ages 8 to 24. Distracted driving is preventable – our children and grandchildren deserve better.”
The measure has had four hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee with overwhelming support from various proponents, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Lampton noted how preventable distracted driving tragedies are.
“As Governor DeWine mentioned in his address, lives truly are at stake,” said Lampton. “I am proud to sponsor HB 283 with Rep. Abrams, and I am pleased with Governor DeWine’s support for this legislation.”
Governor DeWine further emphasized his support for the bill when he urged its passage during the address.
“Please pass this bill,” DeWine said.
Also a priority of Abrams’ has been supporting law enforcement and first responders.
DeWine expressed praise for the Law Enforcement Training Funding Commission, on which Abrams served as a member and asked that the recommendations of the Commission be adopted.
“I’m looking forward to transitioning from the Commission to getting these recommendations written into legislation, I’ll be working closely with State Representative Tracy Richardson and State Senator Frank Hoagland during that process,” said Abrams, a former Cincinnati Police officer.
Governor DeWine further highlighted Rep. Abrams’ dedication to reforming and aiding Ohio’s police by bringing attention to her work with State Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton).
“It is our priority to support first responders and advocate for a safer Ohio, but there is always more work to be done,” said Abrams.
Governor DeWine’s sentiments resonated especially well with Abrams at the conclusion of his address when he quoted Quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow:
“We’re a really, really good team. We’re here to make noise, and teams are going to have to pay attention to us because we are coming for it all!”
“Well, My Fellow Ohioans -- so is the State of Ohio!” said DeWine.