Antonio, Russo Discuss Reproductive Rights and Democracy on White House Panel
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), and Tennessee state Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) participated in a panel at the White House on democracy and reproductive rights.
“I was honored to present on the White House panel to share the ways that we’re fighting to protect our democracy and reproductive rights in Ohio,” said Leader Antonio. “Time and time again we see Republicans introduce legislation that undermines our democracy and attacks some of our most vulnerable Ohioans. Issue 1 is no different. Democrats in Ohio and across the nation will continue to protect democracy and expand access to essential reproductive healthcare.”
“I am honored to take part in the White House’s critical discussions surrounding state-level attacks on citizen-ballot initiatives and reproductive rights. Voting ‘NO’ on Ohio’s Issue One is not just about protecting our democracy, it’s about protecting reproductive rights, raising the minimum wage, and securing commonsense gun reform, all issues that a majority of Americans support,” said Leader Russo. “While extremist Republicans throughout our nation are pushing dangerous and divisive legislation, we will continue to put people first to create a better future where we all have the freedom, dignity, and opportunity to thrive.”
“The health of our personal rights and freedoms cannot be separated from the health of our democracy,” said Rep. Johnson. “That’s why it’s imperative we continue fighting for fair elections and true representation.”
The panel focused on the proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the voter threshold for future state constitutional amendments from 50% to 60% in an attempt to diminish the chances for a reproductive freedom ballot measure to succeed in November 2023.
Leader Antonio and Leader Russo were both in attendance for the White House State Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights where 85 state legislators from 41 states came together to highlight state-level attacks on reproductive rights and state efforts to protect and expand access to abortion care.