Bernadine Kent facts for kids

Bernadine Kennedy Kent is a former state representative who worked for the people of the 25th District in the Ohio House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The 25th District includes parts of Columbus and some nearby areas in Franklin County.

Early Life and Education

Bernadine Kennedy Kent grew up in East Chicago, Indiana. Her parents moved there from the South and worked in steel factories. After high school, she went to Central State University. She then made Ohio her home.

Her husband served in the military as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War. His father was a Tuskegee Airman, a famous group of African-American military pilots.

Becoming a Teacher

Bernadine Kennedy Kent spent many years working as a teacher. She taught in the Columbus Public Schools system, helping many students learn and grow.

Before becoming a state representative, she tried to join the Columbus Board of Education twice. Although she wasn't successful then, she kept working to help her community.

Serving in the Ohio House of Representatives

In 2016, Bernadine Kennedy Kent decided to run for the Ohio House of Representatives. The person who held the seat before her, Kevin Boyce, was running for a different job.

Winning the Election

Many people wanted to represent the 25th District. In the first election, Bernadine Kennedy Kent won with more than 35% of the votes. She received support from local groups like the Franklin County Democratic Party and the Columbus Education Association. Even the Columbus Dispatch newspaper supported her.

Important Laws She Helped Create

During her first time as a State Representative, Bernadine Kennedy Kent worked on important issues. She introduced a bill, which is a proposed law, called H.B. 317. This bill wanted to make sure that police officers in Ohio had to report child abuse and neglect. At that time, Ohio was the only state where law enforcement wasn't required to report these serious issues.

She also helped create another law that named a highway. This highway was named in honor of a worker from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Advocating for Victims' Rights

Representative Kent has also worked to protect the rights of people who have been victims of crimes. She has supported making sure that a law called Marsy’s Law is followed. This law helps expand the rights of crime victims in Ohio.

Working with Other Representatives

Sometimes, there were disagreements between Representative Kent and other members of her political party. She believed that these disagreements were causing her constituents, the people she represented, to miss out.

In 2020, Bernadine Kennedy Kent supported Donald Trump for president. He was running for reelection against Joe Biden.