Rep. Robinson highlights key 2020 victories

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today highlighted several key priorities Democrats were able to deliver for Ohio taxpayers in 2020. These accomplishments include securing $4.53 billion in funding to assist local communities, front line workers, first responders, students and schools, and small businesses. Democrats focused on helping Ohio’s working people and families affected by the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty.

“Despite the pandemic and the $60 million bribery and racketeering scandal with the former Speaker and FirstEnergy to pass HB 6, we were able to continue to serve Ohio and pass needed COVID-19 relief. We also passed a $2.1 billion capital appropriations budget to fund brick-and-mortal projects and related jobs, and pushed through other bills to help Ohioans in these difficult times,” said Rep. Robinson.

Beyond COVID-19 relief bills, Rep. Robinson also highlighted the 2020 passage of:

·         House Bill (HB) 4, his bipartisan bill that help streamline the process of developing industry-recognized credential and certificate programs. HB 4 will create higher paying job opportunities that will let Ohioans live the American dream.

·         Over $1.1 million in capital funds for District 6 community projects and $186.5 million for community projects all over the state. The state government works for Ohioans, so it needs to pledge to go to work every day to deliver results for its communities.

This year also saw the end of the two-year 133rd General Assembly where Democrats passed 55 bills, a 60.3 percent increase in the total share of bills passed by the House that were sponsored by House Democrats compared to the 132nd GA.

Additionally, Democrats stood with working people and families, fighting for proposals to enact commonsense gun safety, protect workers on the job, dismantle systemic racism, invest in Ohio’s future and renew the promise of opportunity for all Ohioans, Rep. Robinson believes the Ohio House of Representatives must continue this work when the 134th General Assembly begins in January 2021.

“Although progress was made on many issues this last General Assembly, there are still policy concerns we have left unfinished. Reform is still needed for school funding, state report cards, EdChoice vouchers, school takeovers and Academic Distress Commissions (ADCs), and early child education access; and that is just education issues. Healthcare access, small business support, gun safety reform, repealing HB 6, continued pandemic relief for Ohioans… the 134th General Assembly will be a busy one if we do our jobs right.” added Robinson.

The 134th General Assembly began January 4, 2021.