Leader Russo Recognizes Black History Month, Highlights Legislative Priorities Fighting for Ohio's Black Communities

COLUMBUS- House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today honors Black History Month and the contributions Black Ohioans have made to our state. 

“Black history is American history, and Ohio would not be the state it is today without the contributions of Black Ohioans,” said Leader Russo. “From the first government document to ban slavery, to the first African-American woman to be elected mayor of a United States municipality, Black Ohioans have contributed to a rich state history that we can all be proud of.”

At a news conference Wednesday, members of the House Democratic Caucus detailed their People First Agenda legislative priorities addressing systemic inequalities and to help support and lift up the Black communities across Ohio. 

• HB 44 (Humphrey/Stewart) – Requires electronic recordings of certain parole board hearings in order to increase transparency and create a more equitable process.
• HB 408 (Mohamed/Brewer) – Requires public schools to provide students with meals regardless of their ability to pay.
• HB 164 (Jarrells/Seitz) – Establishes the Foster-to-College Scholarship Program to award qualifying students scholarships based on a federal need analysis.

House Democrats are committed to creating a state that works for and supports all Ohioans, regardless of race, gender, income, and zip code.