Joe Schiavoni

Schiavoni was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up on the south side of Youngstown, Ohio, before moving to Boardman, Ohio, where he attended Boardman High School.{{Cite web|title = Senator Joe Schiavoni (D) - Biography {{!}} The Ohio Senate|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/biography|website = www.ohiosenate.gov|accessdate = 2015-08-28}} He has three younger brothers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.adaherald.com/Content/News/Local-News/Article/Senator-Schiavoni-to-speak-at-county-Democratic-Luncheon/2/5/106392|title=Senator Schiavoni to speak at county Democratic Luncheon - Ada Herald|website=Ada Herald|access-date=2016-06-09}}

While in high school, Schiavoni was a Golden Gloves boxer, as were his three brothers and his father before them. As a young man, he held jobs at Catullo Prime Meats, Fab-Art Steel, and Keffler Construction in the Mahoning Valley.

Following high school, Schiavoni attended Ohio University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He then attended law school at Capital University, and received his Juris Doctor in 2004.{{cite web | url=http://www.vindy.com/politics/politicians/joe-l-schiavoni-g10/ | title=Election coverage: Joe Schiavoni | publisher=Youngstown Vindicator | date=May 3, 2011 | accessdate=September 12, 2011}}

After graduating from law school, Schiavoni returned to Youngstown where he became a member of the family law firm. Since then, he has practiced worker's compensation law. Schiavoni is licensed to practice law in both Ohio and West Virginia.

Schiavoni at one time helped legally represent Kelly Pavlik, the Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World, with whom he boxed as a child on the south side of Youngstown.

Schiavoni has long been an active member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley. He earned the "Big Brother of the Year" award in 2007. Through this organization, Schiavoni later joined the Youngstown State University Senior Youth Mentorship steering committee.{{Cite web|url=http://newsroom.ysu.edu/ysu-mentorship-program-pairs-senior-citizen-mentors-with-at-risk-youth/|title=YSU mentorship program pairs senior citizen mentors with at-risk youth {{!}} YSU News Center|website=newsroom.ysu.edu|access-date=2016-06-09}}

As a political novice, Schiavoni was selected in 2008 to replace Senator John Boccieri,{{Cite web|title = Schiavoni appointed to replace Boccieri|url = http://tnl-news.com/local%2520news/2008/12/23/schiavoni-appointed-to-replace-boccieri|website = The News Leader|accessdate = 2015-08-28}} who had been elected to the United States House of Representatives. His selection surprised many, as Schiavoni was only 28 years old at the time and had never held elected office. Nonetheless, Schiavoni easily won the party nomination in 2010 and was elected in the general election by a 17.2% margin.

In November 2011, Schiavoni was named Assistant Minority Whip in the Senate,{{cite news|title=Senate Democrats Pick Senator Schiavoni To Serve As Assistant Minority Whip (Press Release)|url=http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/senate-democrats-pick-senator-schiavoni-to-serve-as-assistant-minority-whip|accessdate=18 July 2015|date=22 November 2011}} but quickly rose to Assistant Minority Leader under Eric Kearney in January 2012.{{cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Robert|title=Boards and ballots: Schiavoni gets promotion|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20120127/NEWS/301279904|accessdate=18 July 2015|work=CantonRep|date=27 January 2012}} Schiavoni would serve in that capacity for two years until 2014, when he was unanimously elected by his colleagues to be Minority Leader.{{cite news |url=http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2014/11/ohio_senate_democrats_keep_cur.html |title=Ohio Senate Democrats keep current leadership in place |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland |date=2014-11-19 |accessdate=2014-11-26 }}

He was unopposed for re-election in 2014 to hold his seat in the Senate. Due to term limits, Schiavoni cannot run for reelection in 2018.

While in the Senate, Schiavoni has been an outspoken advocate for public education{{cite news |url=http://www.wksu.org/news/story/41730 |title=Ohio Democrats eye raising minimum wage, expanding Medicaid |work=WKSU |location=Kent, Ohio |date=2015-01-22 |accessdate=2015-01-22 }} and charter school reform.{{cite news |last=Siegel |first=Jim |url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/01/22/democrats-in-ohio-senate-are-pushing-limited-agenda.html |title=Democrats in Ohio Senate lay out agenda |work=Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus |date=2015-01-21 |accessdate=2015-01-22 |archive-date=2015-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122171920/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/01/22/democrats-in-ohio-senate-are-pushing-limited-agenda.html |url-status=dead }} He has penned legislation to create stronger charter school oversight.{{cite news |url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/22/state-dems-outline-priorities/ |title=Senate Democrats outline legislative priorities |work=Youngstown Vindicator |location=Youngstown, Ohio |date=2015-01-21 |accessdate=2015-01-22 |archive-date=2015-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122232547/http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jan/22/state-dems-outline-priorities/ |url-status=dead }}

In October 2014, Schiavoni proposed a grant program to help Ohio schools create bullying prevention programs.{{Cite web|title = Senator Schiavoni Proposes Grant Program For Bullying Prevention|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/democrats/press/senator-schiavoni-proposes-grant-program-for-bullying-prevention|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}} In February 2015, he reintroduced the bullying prevention grant program, along with legislation that would provide additional funding for school safety initiatives.{{Cite web|title = Senator Schiavoni Introduces Legislation To Protect Students|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/democrats/press/senator-schiavoni-introduces-legislation-to-protect-students|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}

Schiavoni has been a vocal opponent of the controversial Ohio law that gives an unelected CEO "complete operational, managerial and instructional control" of failing Ohio school districts.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2016/feb/13/schiavoni-bill-could-be-blueprint-to-des/|title=Vindy.com - Schiavoni: Bill could be blueprint to destroy schools|website=Vindy.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/how-ohio-gov-john-kasich-took-over-the-schools-in-youngstown/2016/02/01/3944be56-bbc0-11e5-b682-4bb4dd403c7d_story.html|title=How Ohio Gov. John Kasich took over the schools in Youngstown|website=Washington Post|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|title = Youngstown Residents Speak Out Against CEO Takeover Of School District|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/youngstown-residents-speak-out-against-ceo-takeover-of-school-district|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|title = Vindy.com - Rally against schools plan draws hundreds|url = http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jul/08/group-rallies-against-schools-plan/|website = Vindy.com|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|title = Lawmakers say bill to take over Youngstown schools was rushed|url = http://wkbn.com/2015/06/29/lawmakers-say-bill-to-take-over-youngstown-schools-was-rushed/|website = WKBN.com|accessdate = 2015-09-03|first = Greta|last = Mittereder|date = 29 June 2015}} Schiavoni and Representative Michele Lepore-Hagan held town hall meetings in Youngstown to seek resident input on the new law.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jul/08/group-rallies-against-schools-plan/|title=Vindy.com - Rally against schools plan draws hundreds|website=Vindy.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://wytv.com/2015/09/17/crowd-decries-coming-state-takeover-of-youngstown-schools/|title=Crowd decries coming state takeover of Youngstown Schools|author=WYTV Staff|date=2015-09-18|website=WYTV.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jul/14/education-frustration/|title=Vindy.com - Youngstown plan meets opposition|website=Vindy.com|access-date=2016-06-02}} The two legislators then introduced companion legislation in the House and Senate to adjust the law according to recommendations made by local educators and families.{{Cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2015/10/16/local-legislators-to-introduce-their-own-youngstown-schools-plan/|title=Local legislators introduce their own Youngstown Schools plan|last=Ricciutti|first=Gerry|date=2015-10-16|website=WKBN.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}

He and other top Democratic lawmakers also called for the removal of State Superintendent Richard Ross.{{Cite web|title = Senator Schiavoni Joins Call For State Board Of Education To Remove Superintendent Ross|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/senator-schiavoni-joins-call-for-state-board-of-education-to-remove-superintendent-ross|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}} "citing the recent scandal involving the cover up of failing charter school grades in state evaluations, the plan to takeover the Youngstown public schools crafted behind closed doors, and general lack of accountability to the State Board of Education and the public." Ross eventually resigned.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/11/state_superintendent_richard_r.html|title=State Superintendent Richard Ross to retire at end of controversial year|website=cleveland.com|date=6 November 2015|access-date=2016-06-09}}

Schiavoni requested a special audit of the Ohio Department of Education after it was discovered that failing online charter school data had been omitted to make Ohio charter schools appear more successful overall.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/07/state_didnt_follow_the_law_in.html|title=State broke the law by ignoring online school F's, state school board says|date=15 July 2015|accessdate=2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/06/ohio_ignores_online_school_fs_as_it_evaluates_charter_school_overseers.html|title=Ohio ignores online school F's as it evaluates charter school overseers|date=14 June 2015|accessdate=2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/minority-leader-schiavoni-requests-special-audit-of-ohio-department-of-education|title=Minority Leader Schiavoni Requests Special Audit Of Ohio Department Of Education|website=The Ohio Senate|accessdate=2015-09-03}}

In early 2016, state audits found that at least three online charter schools (e-schools), which are paid per full time student,{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/11/online_schools_are_losing_supp.html|title=Online schools are losing support, creating divisions in the national charter school movement|website=cleveland.com|date=30 November 2015|access-date=2016-06-02}} had been significantly overpaid due to inaccurate recording and reporting of student attendance.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/03/01/lax-attendance-tracking-allows-800000-state-overpayment-to-online-charter-school.html|title=E-school to repay Ohio for missing students|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/04/09/kasich-hears-about-e-school-bill-as-audits-turn-up-more-questions.html|title=Kasich hears about e-school bill as audits turn up more questions|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}} In response, Senator Schiavoni and the Senate Democratic Caucus called for increased scrutiny for e-schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/the-daily-briefing/2016/03/3-1-16-eschool-folo.html|title=Senate Dems call for broader look at e-school attendance|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}} Schiavoni introduced a bill - Senate Bill 298 - to reform attendance data collection and reporting rules for e-schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=202634|title=Ohio Capitol Connection|website=www.hannah.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/03/22/e-school_bill.html|title=Bill seeks to toughen e-school attendance monitoring|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}} Among other provisions, Senate Bill 298 would require e-schools to keep complete and accurate records of the times when each student participated in online coursework. That data would be reported to the state each month. If a student failed to log into their classes for 10 consecutive days, the bill would require the child's e-school to alert the state and the student's parents/guardians.

In 2015, Schiavoni sponsored legislation that would make improper child restraints in vehicles a primary offense, meaning officers would not need another reason to pull the vehicle over.{{Cite web|title = Young crash victim's family fights for tough seat-belt laws|url = http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20150523/NEWS/150529589/?Start=1|accessdate = 2015-09-03|first = Kelly|last = Byer}} This legislation was at least partially motivated by a head-on crash in the Minerva, Ohio, area that killed three people, including an 11-year-old girl who had been riding in the vehicle's cargo area.

In June 2015, Schiavoni and Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for people found guilty of purposefully harming children under age 13.{{Cite web|title = Senators Schiavoni And Gentile Seek Tougher Penalties For Child Abuse Cases|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/democrats/press/senators-schiavoni-and-gentile-seek-tougher-penalties-for-child-abuse-cases|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}

Schiavoni has championed collective bargaining rights for workers, and has actively opposed attempts to weaken these rights.{{Cite web|title = Ohio state Senate passes bill to curtail collective bargaining|url = http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/02/ohio.budget/|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|title = Overhaul of state's collective bargaining law proposed in Ohio Senate|date = 10 February 2011|url = http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/02/overhaul_of_states_collective.html|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}{{Cite web|title = Senator Schiavoni Comments On Governor's Decision To Strip Worker's Collective Bargaining Rights|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/senator-schiavoni-comments-on-governors-decision-to-strip-workers-collective-bargaining-rights|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}

In 2011, Schiavoni helped lead his fellow Democratic senators in opposition to Senate Bill 5,{{Cite web|url=http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/553741/Teachers-conduct-session-on-SB5.html?nav=5021|title=Teachers conduct session on SB5 - TribToday.com - News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Tribune Chronicle - Warren, OH|website=www.tribtoday.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/02/overhaul_of_states_collective.html|title=Overhaul of state's collective bargaining law proposed in Ohio Senate|website=cleveland.com|date=10 February 2011|access-date=2016-06-02}} a controversial piece of legislation that would have eliminated collective bargaining powers for many public employees and changed collective bargaining rules for local government employees. The bill also included provisions affecting contracts and rules for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Schiavoni was ranking minority member on the Insurance, Labor and Commerce Committee - where the bill had its hearings - during this time.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/02/ohio.budget/|title=Ohio state Senate passes bill to curtail collective bargaining|website=www.cnn.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.timesreporter.com/article/20110222/News/302229872|title=In the cross hairs: Ohio worker rights|last=Baker|first=Jon|website=Times Reporter|access-date=2016-06-02}}

After Senate Bill 5 was signed into law, Ohio citizens collected signatures{{Cite web|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2011/06/30/Record-1-3M-back-vote-to-torpedo-Senate-Bill-5-2.html|title=Record 1.3M back vote to torpedo Senate Bill 5|website=Toledo Blade|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/04/04/sb-5-opponents-move-swiftly-to-get-referendum-on-ballot.html|title=SB 5 opponents move swiftly to get referendum on ballot|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}} and placed a referendum on the November ballot (State Issue 2).{{Cite web|url=http://www.ideastream.org/stateimpact/2011/08/04/what-senate-bill-5-referendum-will-look-like-on-the-ballot|title=What Senate Bill 5 Referendum Will Look Like on the Ballot|date=2011-08-04|website=ideastream|access-date=2016-06-02}} Schiavoni helped rally voters to repeal Senate Bill 5 at the ballot.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/mar/31/tempers-flare-sb-5-approved/?print|title=Tempers flare as SB 5 approved|website=www.vindy.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://adaherald.com/Content/News/Local-News/Article/Schiavoni-states-opposition-to-Issue-2/2/5/106521|title=Schiavoni states opposition to Issue 2 - Ada Herald|website=Ada Herald|access-date=2016-06-02}} Issue 2 - which would repeal SB 5 - was passed by the voters in November 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/11/08/1-issue-2-election.html|title=Unions get revenge as Issue 2 fails|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/ohio_voters_overwhelmingly_rej.html|title=Ohio voters overwhelmingly reject Issue 2, dealing a blow to Gov. John Kasich|website=cleveland.com|date=9 November 2011|access-date=2016-06-02}} It passed by a margin of 61% - 39%, dealing a victory to unions and a blow to the administration of Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Schiavoni is opposed to fast track trade agreements and has urged the US Congress "to oppose fast track legislation on trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership."{{Cite web|title = Senators Schiavoni And Gentile Introduce Resolution Urging Congress To Oppose|url = http://www.ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/senators-schiavoni-and-gentile-introduce-resolution-urging-congress-to-oppose-fast-track-trade-agreements|website = The Ohio Senate|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}

"Communities throughout the Ohio Valley have been devastated by previous fast track trade agreements, and we can't allow that to happen again. We need fair trade deals that grow our economy and stop good paying jobs from leaving our shores."

Schiavoni has made water quality issues a priority during his time at the Ohio Statehouse.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ohiohouse.gov/democrats/press/dem-lawmakers-rollout-focus-on-the-future-agenda-aimed-at-next-generations-economic-stability|title=Dem Lawmakers Rollout "Focus On The Future" Agenda Aimed At Next Generation's Economic Stability {{!}} Minority Caucus {{!}} The Ohio House of Representatives|website=www.ohiohouse.gov|access-date=2016-06-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://statenews.org/post/minority-democrats-house-and-senate-talk-their-must-do-items-year|title=Minority Democrats In House And Senate Talk Up Their "Must-Do" Items This Year|last=Kasler|first=Karen|website=statenews.org|date=5 January 2016|access-date=2016-06-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/minority-leader-schiavoni-joins-us-senator-sherrod-brown-in-calling-for-state-and-federal-legislation-to-improve-water-quality|title=Minority Leader Schiavoni Joins U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown In Calling For State And Federal Legislation To Improve Water Quality|website=The Ohio Senate|access-date=2016-06-01}} In 2015, he introduced a bipartisan resolution to address water quality issues statewide.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2016/feb/10/resolution-aims-to-fund-water-sewer-upda/|title=Schiavoni bill would provide funding for water, sewer system upgrades|last=Kovac|first=Marc|date=February 10, 2016|website=Youngstown Vindicator|publisher=Vindy.com|access-date=June 2, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2016/02/06/sen-schiavoni-proposes-bond-issue-to-improve-water-quality/|title=Sen. Schiavoni proposes bond issue to improve water quality|last=Mullen|first=Christina|date=2016-02-06|website=WKBN.com|access-date=2016-06-02}} The resolution would allow the use of state bonds to help fund local sewer and water improvement projects. The Dayton City Commission later passed a resolution in support of Schiavoni's legislation.{{Cite journal|date=April 27, 2016|title=Session Minutes 4.27.16|url=http://www.cityofdayton.org/cco/Commission%20Agendas/2016/04-27-16%20Minutes.pdf|journal=Dayton City Commission - Regular Session Minutes|access-date=June 2, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/support-grows-for-leader-schiavonis-water-and-sewer-infrastructure-bill|title=Support Grows For Leader Schiavoni's Water And Sewer Infrastructure Bill|website=The Ohio Senate|access-date=2016-06-01}}

In January 2016, it was discovered that residents of Sebring, Ohio, had not been properly notified of high lead levels in their drinking water.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/official-in-hot-water-over-lead-in-sebring-ohios-water/|title=Official in hot water over lead in Sebring, Ohio's water|website=www.cbsnews.com|access-date=2016-06-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/02/01/much-went-wrong-to-delay-public-notice-of-lead-in-sebring-water.html|title=Much went wrong to delay public notice of lead in Sebring water|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=2016-06-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sebring-ohio-next-flint-water-crisis-lead-copper/|title=Sebring, Ohio, may be the next Flint with its water crisis; lead and copper found in taps|website=www.cbsnews.com|access-date=2016-06-01}}{{Cite web|url=http://wkbn.com/2016/01/21/higher-than-normal-lead-levels-discovered-in-sebring-beloit-water/|title=EPA: Sebring knew of high lead levels in water since December|last1=Simeon|first1=Chelsea|last2=Santelli|first2=James|date=2016-01-22|website=WKBN.com|access-date=2016-06-01}} Senator Schiavoni and Rep. John Boccieri sent multiple letters to the Ohio EPA,{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/28/us/sebring-lead-levels-ohio-epa/index.html|title=Sebring lead levels: Lawmakers question Ohio EPA's actions|first1=Sarah|last1=Jorgensen|first2=Kristina|last2=Sgueglia|website=CNN|date=29 January 2016|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/lawmakers-question-epa-on-sebring-water-issue/20960843|title=Lawmakers question EPA on Sebring water issue|last=TEGNA|website=WKYC|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-review.com/local%2520sebring%2520mahoning/2016/01/23/Schiavoni-Boccieri-want-answers-from-EPA-about-Sebring-water|title=Schiavoni, Boccieri want answers from EPA about Sebring water|website=The Review|access-date=2016-06-02}} asking for additional information. Schiavoni then introduced legislation requiring faster public notification of hazardous drinking water.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wfmj.com/story/31094314/ohio-senator-proposes-new-legislation-in-response-to-sebring|title=Ohio senator proposes new legislation in response to Sebring|last=Stevens|first=Glenn|website=www.wfmj.com|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://ohiosenate.gov/schiavoni/press/senate-minority-leader-introduces-legislation-to-require-faster-public-notification-of-hazardous-drinking-water|title=Senate Minority Leader Introduces Legislation To Require Faster Public Notification Of Hazardous Drinking Water|website=The Ohio Senate|access-date=2016-06-01}} Several of Schiavoni's proposals were later incorporated into Governor Kasich's plan to address the Sebring water crisis.{{Cite web|url=http://www.barnesville-enterprise.com/commentary/2016/04/26/legislation-would-speed-up-water-quality-notifications|title=Legislation would speed up water quality notifications|website=Barnesville Enterprise|access-date=2016-06-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2016/03/gov_john_kasich_proposes_water.html|title=Gov. John Kasich proposes water quality reforms to protect against lead|website=cleveland.com|date=31 March 2016|access-date=2016-06-02}}

Schiavoni proposed legislation to require Ohio's governor to get approval from a state commission before closing or selling state-operated institutions such as prisons or centers for individuals with developmental disabilities.{{Cite web|title = Governor couldn't close state prisons, institutions without input under Senate bill|date = 20 February 2015|url = http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/02/governor_couldnt_close_state_p.html|accessdate = 2015-09-03}} The proposed state commission would include "lawmakers, officials of the agency in charge of the institution, others who have worked with the agency, a union member, and members of the public."

Schiavoni announced his run for Governor of Ohio in the 2018 election on February 28, 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://specials.daytondailynews.com/ohios-next-governor/|title=Who wants to be Ohio's next governor?|access-date=2016-06-27}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2016/05/democrat_connie_pillich_sounds.html|title=Democrat Connie Pillich sounds out support for Ohio gubernatorial run in 2018|date=11 May 2016|access-date=2016-06-27}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/with_tim_ryan_out_of_the_gover.html|title=With Tim Ryan out of the governor's race, eyes turn to Betty Sutton, Joe Schiavoni and others|date=28 February 2017|access-date=2017-02-28}} He lost the primary race for governor on May 3, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/05/08/us/elections/results-ohio-primary-elections.html|title = Ohio Primary Election Results|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 8 May 2018}}

In 2019 Schiavoni announced that he would run to be a Judge of the Mahoning County Court against JP Morgan. Morgan was appointed by Governor DeWine to fill a vacated seat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wfmj.com/story/41403182/former-state-senator-schiavoni-running-for-judge-seat-in-2020|title = Former State Senator Schiavoni running for judge seat in 2020}} Schiavoni won 58%–42% in a November 3, 2020, election and will serve out the remainder of the term, presiding over the Sebring Court.{{Cite news|date=November 24, 2020|title=Schiavoni to be sworn in as judge today|work=The Vindicator|url=https://www.vindy.com/news/local-news/2020/11/schiavoni-to-be-sworn-in-as-judge-today/}}

Schiavoni is a member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Mahoning Valley, Curbstone Coaches, the local Farm Bureau, Boardman Civic Association, Italian-American Education Foundation, and the Legends of Leather Boxing Organization. He is also a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Mahoning County Bar Association. He has served as Co-Chair of the Public Relations Committee for the Mahoning County Bar Association.

Schiavoni is married to Margaret Schiavoni, a nurse-anesthetist, and they have two children together. They reside in Boardman, Ohio.{{cite web | url=http://www.buckeyestateblog.com/joe_schiavoni_appointed_to_replace_boccieri_in_ohio_senate | title=Joe Schiavoni appointed to replace Boccieri in state Senate | publisher=Buckeye State Blog | date=December 18, 2008 | accessdate=September 12, 2011}}

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• [http://www.joeschiavoniforohio.com Joe Schiavoni for Ohio], official campaign website

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Category:Democratic Party Ohio state senators

Category:21st-century members of the Ohio General Assembly

Category:Living people

Category:1979 births

Category:Politicians from Youngstown, Ohio

Category:Politicians from Columbus, Ohio

Category:Ohio lawyers

Category:Ohio state court judges

Category:Lawyers from Columbus, Ohio

Category:Lawyers from Youngstown, Ohio

Category:People from Boardman, Ohio