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 highlighted 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.

Franklin County Democrats are especially proud of the successes they have delivered for constituents thus far in the 134th General Assembly. Members of the delegation have introduced a number of anti-corruption bills to combat the Republican culture of corruption at the Statehouse, and they passed legislation to repeal portions of House Bill 6. 

Franklin County Democrats have sponsored several pieces of legislation that have passed in the Ohio House, including HB 95, to establish a tax credit to assist beginning farmers, and HB 41, to create additional safety and security measures for mental health professionals. Franklin County Democrats also sponsored HB 29, to allow sports betting in Ohio, which was signed into law by the governor. 

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 Franklin County Democrats had to say: 

“I am working with the New Albany community to prepare for the Intel project and the high quality jobs that will be available in Central Ohio. I also continue to advocate for high quality, affordable child care, legislation to attract more STEM teachers and more diverse teacher candidates, and to protect Ohio’s land, water, and air,” said Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville).

“I’m proud of the successes House Democrats have had in the last year, especially here in Franklin County. As we look to the remainder of this General Assembly, I’m going to continue working for the people of Ohio to expand opportunity and take on the real issues facing our communities,” said Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester). 

“I am proud to be able to serve the people of Ohio. While Democrats have delivered many significant results to improve the lives of all Ohioans, we must continue to bring everyone’s voices to the table. I am committed to standing up and speaking out to uplift all Ohioans,” said Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus). 

“Our work in the Statehouse is just beginning, but I am proud to say we are starting at a great pace, advocating for criminal justice reform, housing, workforce development, and healthcare. I can assure you that I am creating and supporting legislation that will better the lives of my constituents and all of the residents of Ohio,” said Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus). 

“Democrats have a plan to build a better, stronger Ohio for all who live here. Our path forward would expand opportunity, grow good-paying jobs, and create an economy that works for everyone,” said Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington). “We’re already delivering results for Ohioans, and we will continue to work with our colleagues across the aisle to tackle the real, everyday issues that affect Ohioans.”