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Kasich Willing To Back Further Legislation Cracking Down On Human Trafficking
By: Associated Press
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UPDATE: 10:55 a.m. Ohio Gov. John Kasich said he'll back further legislation this session bolstering the state's legal crackdown on human trafficking.
Kasich spoke at an awareness event Friday at the Statehouse. The Republican governor said the state is marshaling its resources against the crime, but more can be done.
Victims of human trafficking often are prostituted or pushed to work against their will in sweatshop-type jobs. Some are girls as young as 11.
State Rep. Teresa Fedor, a Toledo Democrat, championed a new state law signed last year that increased penalties and created a fund to help victims. Kasich said he'll work with her again.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reported Thursday that despite improvement, there's still work to do in increasing Ohio's legislative response to human trafficking.
Ohio leaders are pointing to a new state law as a sign of progress made in the fight against human trafficking.
Victims of human trafficking often are forced into the sex trade or pushed to work against their will in sweatshop-type jobs.
The crime is the focus of an awareness event planned Friday at the Statehouse. Gov. John Kasich is among the scheduled speakers.
Part of the event is aimed at helping social workers and attorneys learn about implementing the state's new law. The measure increases penalties for human trafficking and creates a fund to help victims. Participants also will hear from human trafficking survivors.
Ohio's attorney general said in a report Thursday that despite improvement, there's still work to do in increasing Ohio's legislative response to human trafficking.