Rep. Sweeney Receives Legislative Champion of Public Education Award from Ohio Education Association

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) was presented with the Ohio Education Association’s (OEA) Legislative Champion of Public Education Award for her legislative work in support of educators and for delivering historic wins for public education funding in Ohio.

Rep. Sweeney served as the lead Democratic sponsor of the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan in 2021, securing the largest investment in public education in recent history. As ranking member of the House Finance Committee, Rep. Sweeney helped ensure the Plan’s continued implementation through the state budget and successfully safeguarded teachers from a significant increase in mandatory state licensure fees.

“It is truly humbling to be recognized by some of the hardest-working public servants in the state–Ohio’s teachers and educators. ¿¿The progress we've made in supporting public education would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of teachers who have spent their careers fighting for fair funding and stronger schools,” said Rep. Sweeney. “While we’ve made meaningful strides together, the work is far from over. As some continue to push to underfund and rollback our bipartisan progress, I remain committed to standing with educators. I will always fight for Ohio’s public schools, educators, students, and taxpayers.”

This is the first time the Ohio Education Association has presented the Legislative Champion of Public Education Award, making Rep. Sweeney one of the inaugural recipients. She was honored alongside former State Rep. Jay Edwards in recognition of their bipartisan work to continue the phase-in of years three and four of the Fair School Funding Plan through the state operating budget for fiscal years 2024-2025, H.B. 33 of the 134th General Assembly.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Sweeney accepting the OEA Legislative Champion of Public Education Award is attached to this press release.