Who She is…
Stephanie Kunze has called Ohio home for more than 30 years. She recently completed her second term in the Ohio Senate representing the people of the 16th Senate District. Prior to serving as State Senator, she was elected to two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. Before her time in the Ohio Legislature, Kunze served as an elected member of Hilliard City Council.
Kunze is known across the state as a go to person, readily available to assist on projects from large scale economic incentives, to smaller investments to ensure Ohio families have the resources needed to thrive. Her skillful handling and knowledge of committees and processes in the General Assembly together with her common sense, pragmatic, bipartisian approach have won her numerous awards as Outstanding legislator. Her relationship building skills and abundant contacts at all levels of government have allowed her success in serving the Ohio she loves with passion and principle.
Kunze has been at the forefront of important legislation as she brings commonsense, data driven solutions to issues facing Ohio. She was instrumental in supporting economic strategies and sponsored legislation to create opportunities for Ohioans to access employment. Her advocacy for capital budget and infrastructure improvements have provided millions of dollars in investment into the Central Ohio region. Her knowledge and skill at understanding of the state's main operating budget has allowed numerous business, nonprofits and advocacy groups access to funding to improve the lives of Ohioans. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee she shepherded bipartisan budgets that made significant investments in infrastructure improvements across the state.
While serving in the Ohio General Assembly, Kunze has successfully championed legislation delivering justice for victims of sexual violence, has championed bills that have helped those who have been trafficked to expunge their records, gain a certificate of qualification for employment, and increased penalties for promoting prostitution.
Kunze served as Co-chair on the Infant Mortality Commission. During her two terms in the Ohio House representing the 24th Ohio House District, she played a key role in the passage of legislation aimed at reducing Ohio’s alarming infant mortality rate.
Kunze has also served as a Chair of the Ohio Children's Trust Fund; as a member of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board; The Commission on Minority Health and she founded and Co-chaired the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission which paved the way for a monument to honor women who shaped Ohio’s history to be constructed on the Ohio Statehouse Grounds.
Kunze has earned numerous legislative awards for her work, including the Child Advocacy Award from the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Champion for Children from Ohio Head Start, Legislative Award from Mental Health America, Legislative Award LIfetime Membership from Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus, Ohio Humanities Hero Award, Ohio Domestic Violence Advocacy Award, and Legislator of the Year - Ohio Public Transit Association.
The Governor has appointed Kunze to serve as a Commissioner on the Liquor Control Commission and formerly as a member to the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. The Speaker of the Ohio House appointed her to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Board. She serves on the Capitol Square Foundation Board as a member of the Arts Committee working to establish a monument to Ohio women on the Statehouse grounds.
Kunze graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English. She and her husband, Matt, live in Dublin. She has two grown daughters and her family is her greatest joy and accomplishment.
