Ohio’s Eastern European Community is gaining traction to be more recognized as a key player in the state’s past, present, and future. A bill that was co-sponsored by Sen. Kenny Yuko (D) of Ohio’s 25th District in the state’s northeast was passed by a 32-1 vote in the Senate on March 3, and helped pave the way to establish the Office and Commission on Eastern European Affairs. Sen. Niraj Antani cast the lone dissenting vote against SB 46. The bill, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Michael Rulli (R) of northeast Ohio’s 33rd District, is considered the foundation for the Buckeye State’s large but under-represented Eastern European population’s leg up on being recognized on an equal level as other ethnic groups. Legislators who are supporting the proposed bill with strong bi-partisanship, consider the first step of its passage as timely since April is recognized as Eastern European Month in Ohio. The …