Rep. White Denounces Rollback of Child Labor Protections: "A Step Backward for Working Families - A Child's Place Is in the Classroom, Not Closing Shifts"

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) today issued the following statement on Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 3, which passed in attempts to weaken child labor protections in Ohio.  

“I strongly oppose SCR 3 and any effort to weaken Ohio’s child labor protections – laws that have safeguarded our children for nearly a century. No parent has ever called my office asking for their child to work longer hours on a school night. What parents do call about is fairly funding our schools, safer neighborhoods, and affordable childcare. A child’s place is in the classroom – not closing shifts. That’s not an opportunity, this is exploitation. We owe the next generation the same rights and protections we were given as children: the right to build opportunity, not bear burdens,” said Rep. White.

SCR 3 urges Congress to loosen federal child labor limits under the Fair Labor Standards Act, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work later on school nights. Rep. White voted in opposition of the resolution, calling the measure a “step backward” for Ohio’s working families and the values that built the state’s middle class. Ohio should be investing in education and fair wages, not expanding child labor hours.  

You can watch Rep. White’s floor remarks on the resolution on the Ohio Channel.  

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of Rep. White on the House floor is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.