Lou Gentile

In late 2011, Senator Jason Wilson resigned from his seat in the Ohio Senate to become Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia under Ohio Governor John Kasich. As a result, Senate Democrats were required to appoint a successor to the seat.[6] Gentile was the Senate Democrats' top pick to fill the position.

It was announced in early December that Gentile had been chosen for Senator Wilson's seat. He was sworn into office on December 15, 2011.[7] Gentile was elected to a full term in the Senate in 2012, defeating Republican Shane Thompson 53% to 47%.[8] This was a significant victory for Gentile, as he had been the GOP's top target and the GOP spent over $1 million to defeat him. Gentile raised about $800,000.[9]

When Senator Joe Schiavoni was named Minority Leader in 2014, Gentile was named as a member of his leadership team, serving as Assistant Minority Whip.

Gentile ran for re-election to the Ohio Senate in 2016, but was defeated in the general election by Republican Frank Hoagland by a margin of 53%-47%.[10]

The 30th Senate district encompasses a large portion of Appalachian Ohio.[11] The region's economy is heavily dependent on energy jobs, particularly in the coal industry.[12] As Senator, Gentile secured funding to support energy innovation and job retention in the region.[13] He authored the Ohio Workers First amendment to create the Shale Workforce Report. The report includes information about employment levels of Ohio's workers in the oil and natural gas industry. Gentile also secured $200,000 in funding for scholarships[14] for students at Eastern Gateway Community College who are pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry.

During the 130th General Assembly, Gentile sponsored Senate Bill 13 to provide college credits for certain trainings received by veterans while they served.[15] The bill was used to model what ultimately became the state's method for awarding college credit to veterans.

During the 131st General Assembly, Senator Gentile proposed legislation to provide tax relief to fully disabled veterans.[16] Senate Bill 302, jointly sponsored by Senator Gentile and Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni, would exempt 100% disabled veterans from paying any property tax on their home.[16]

Gentile also introduced Senate Bill, which would provide income tax credits to small businesses that hire unemployed veterans.[15][17] When his efforts to move S.B. 18 forward were met with opposition, Gentile offered this bill as an amendment to Ohio House Bill 390. When this was unsuccessful, he attempted to amend the same bill on the Senate Floor to include the tax credits proposed in S.B. 18.[18][19]

Gentile has routinely tried to end the income cap on the homestead exemption, which is a program that gives a property tax break to senior and disabled homeowners.[20][21][22] In 2013, The Republican-controlled legislature limited the program, so Ohioans turning 65 who have a household income of more than $30,000 would no longer be eligible for the tax relief.[21][22]

In 2013, the state of Ohio announced that a mine safety training center in Harrison County, Ohio, would be closed and relocated.[23] Senator Gentile worked with Harrison County officials and the United Mine Workers union to keep the facility open.[23] In 2016, due to Gentile's efforts, Ohio approved funding for a new mine safety training center in Harrison County.[23]

Senator Gentile has also joined US Senator Sherrod Brown in calling on Congress to approve the Miners Protection Act and protect retired coal miners' benefits.[24] "Our retired coal miners have worked hard and have earned their pensions and benefits. Congress has an obligation to ensure that the promises made to them are kept." - Senator Lou Gentile[24]

• Committee on Rules