Juanita O. Brent News

COLUMBUS—State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) announced that the 2021 Energy Assistance Expo for residents of Cuyahoga County will take place this Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9 am to 1:30 PM by appointment only. The event is hosted in collaboration with Reps. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland), Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights), and Sen. Sandra Williams. This event is intended to help people in Cuyahoga County who need support in paying their energy bills or applying to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) programs.

COLUMBUS—State Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) is glad to see Governor DeWine veto Senate Bill 375. The legislation would have voided the Ohio Department of Health Director’s order limiting county fairs to junior fair activities and animal exhibitions issued on July 30, 2020.

Today, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) was sworn in by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, followed by the following officers: State Reps. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Erica Crawley (D-Columbus), Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), and State Sens. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), and Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). The change in leadership is also accompanied by the appointment of a new director of the caucus, Tony Bishop. The new leadership team briefly outlined a plan to better engage Black Ohioans and build the necessary coalitions across the state to improve the everyday lives of all Ohioans. The new leadership team issued the statements below following their swearing-in.

State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today condemned Governor Mike DeWine’s signing into law of Senate Bill 175, which grants civil immunity to handgun licensees who are responsible for injury, death, or other loss as a result of carrying a handgun. The proposed amendment mimics “stand your ground” laws and permits the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered. Brent says the legislation disproportionately impacts the lives of Black Ohioans and puts the safety of Ohioans at risk.

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today spoke on the House floor and voted in favor ofthe amendments to House Bill (HB) 674, which revises liquor laws.

CLEVELAND– State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) Tuesday evening spoke on the House floor and voted against the Senate amendments to House Bill (HB) 665, which would address agricultural societies and amusement ride safety.

State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) late Thursday night spoke on the House floor and voted against an amendment to Senate Bill (SB) 175, which grants civil immunity to handgun licensees who are responsible for injury, death, or other loss as a result of carrying a handgun. The proposed amendment mimics “Stand Your Ground” laws and permits the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered. This type of legislation is dangerous for Ohioans and disproportionately impacts the Black Ohioans.

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) condemned today’s passage of Senate Bill (SB) 375 by the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. SB 375 would void the Ohio Department of Health Director’s order limiting county fairs to junior fair activities and animal exhibitions issued on July 30, 2020. The bill was passed out of committee along party lines.

COLUMBUS—Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), a longtime advocate for the decriminalization of cannabis, today applauded the passage of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill removes cannabis from the federally controlled substances act and facilitates the cancellation of low-level arrests and convictions related to cannabis. This is the first time that the U.S. House has voted to remove cannabis from the federally controlled substances act.