In State of the State response, Democrats outline plan to build a better, stronger Ohio

COLUMBUS – Today, House and Senate Democrats issued a joint response to Gov. DeWine’s State of the State speech. During the press conference, Democrats outlined their plan to expand opportunity, invest in working people and families, and build an economy that works for everyone. 

House and Senate Democratic leaders highlighted several ways Democrats have already delivered results for Ohioans the past three years, including the American Rescue Plan to spur Ohio’s economic recovery and support working families, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to rebuild Ohio’s infrastructure. Democrats also helped pass the Fair School Funding Plan, a longtime priority to invest in our students, and secured $210.98 million for public transit and $250 million for broadband development in underserved areas in the state’s last budgets.

Akron-Canton Democrats are especially proud of the successes they have delivered for constituents thus far in the 134th General Assembly. Members of the delegation have sponsored several pieces of legislation that have passed in the Ohio House, including HB 441, to equip police officers and first responders with dementia training. Additionally, Akron-Canton Democrats sponsored HB 8, criminal justice reform legislation to require the recording of interrogations for most major felonies, which was signed into law in 2021.

Democrats outlined their priorities for the remainder on the 134th General Assembly, including: 

Strengthening our democracy by enacting fair maps that best represent Ohioans and protecting the freedom to vote;
Continuing to stand with working people, to invest in our communities and grow good paying jobs that cut workers in on the deal and build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top
Making healthcare affordable and accessible;
Investing in working families by enacting paid family leave and expanding access to childcare;
Implementing commonsense gun safety reforms;
Implementing criminal justice reform;
Fixing the state’s broken unemployment system;
Tackling corruption and restoring integrity to state government;
Ending the coal plant bailouts within the corrupt HB 6 legislation and prepare Ohio for a clean energy future;
Reforming our state’s tax system so working people can get ahead.
 

Here’s what Akron-Canton Democrats had to say: 

“In the last year, House Democrats made great accomplishments for the people of Ohio. I’m proud of the work we are doing to make Akron and Northeast Ohio a place where if you work hard, you can get ahead. As we look forward, I’m committed to creating better lives and brighter futures for all Ohioans,” said Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron). 

“Unfortunately, the governor has broken his promises to address infant mortality and to ‘do something’ about gun violence. Instead, he has chosen to sign bills like permitless concealed carry into law that directly endanger Black lives. Democrats are working hard to counter these measures and ensure that Ohio is a welcoming place for all families and hardworking people,” said Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron). 

“I am proud of the achievements my colleagues and I have accomplished in the last year for our Northeast Ohio constituents. I continue to remain focused in the upcoming year on tackling Statehouse corruption and fighting for legislation that supports all Ohioans,” Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson). 

“Ohio’s future looks bright with Intel, Honda, and other potential economic drivers investing in our state, but we know that too many families are still struggling to make ends meet. We must address workforce development and connect all families to the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton).

Watch the full Democratic response HERE