Representative Monique Smith - District 16

Rep. Monique Smith (D-Fairview Park) today applauded the House passage of a $2 billion package of coronavirus relief bills to deliver direct aid for rent and utility assistance, childcare providers, bars, restaurants, lodging and schools, among other industries facing economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic lawmakers also expressed concern over the months-long delay in the release of the funding, which they say slowed the state’s recovery.

State Reps. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and Monique Smith (D-Fairview Park) today announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 257, or the “Extreme Risk Protection Orders Act.”  Introduced as HB 316 in the 133rd General Assembly, the bill would allow family members, household members or law enforcement officers to petition the court for an order temporarily preventing individuals considered to be an imminent danger to themselves or others from possessing firearms.

Today, Rep. Monique Smith (D-Fairview Park) signed on as a co-sponsor to the Ohio Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that would protect LGBTQ+ Ohioans from discrimination in employment, housing and accommodations. A previous version of the Ohio Fairness Act (The Equal Housing and Employment Act) passed the Ohio House of Representatives on Sept. 15, 2009, with bipartisan support. Last General Assembly, the Ohio Fairness Act had 3 hearings but did not receive a committee vote.

Today, Rep. Monique Smith (D-Fairview Park) announced the state Controlling Board approved several requests for funding, including the release of $43.7 million in federal CARES Act funding to help Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Controlling Board approved several other measures to ensure clean water, support residents in low-income housing, and reimburse partners for PPE.