Rep. Brent, House Democrats reject an amendment to strip ODH of power during a pandemic

COLUMBUS—State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today released a statement following the dangerous and partisan attack on Dr. Amy Acton by House Republicans:  

“This is a blatant attack on Dr. Amy Acton and the executive orders issued to keep Ohio safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Brent. “It is because of Dr. Acton’s swift actions that Ohio was able to flatten the curve. I support the precautions the Ohio Dept. of Health and Gov. DeWine took to minimize Ohio deaths and prevent a second wave of COVID-19 cases. In unprecedented times such as these, it is important to listen to our public health experts and put science at the forefront when determining proper procedure.”

The amendment was attached to Senate Bill 1 in today’s State and Local Government Committee meeting without advance notice or any public testimony and was discharged from committee on a party-line vote, with all Democratic members voting against it.

The amended bill now goes to the Senate for a vote. 

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