One Ohio state senator will not be able to vote on the state budget proposal. Senator Steve Stivers of Columbus is in Kuwait - about 1/2 through his scheduled one year tour of military duty in Middle East. Stivers, a 20 year veteran of the National Guard, commands a battalion of soldiers who provide personnel services for service men and women in the Middle East.
While he cannot vote on legislation Stivers says he is getting help from other lawmakers, his staff and even his mother to push his legislative priorities.
He says he keeps in contact with his staff and constituants by phone and e-mail.
Stivers expects to return to Ohio by Christmas.
In an interview with WOSU's Mike Thompson, Stivers explains how he is able to balance soldiering with legislating.
Click the Listen icon to hear an extended interview with Senator Stivers.
