Rep. Robinson, House Dems outline priorities as Assembly returns to consider emergency legislation amid coronavirus outbreak

Says bills will help Ohio families, businesses impacted by public health, economic crisis

March 23, 2020

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today joined Democratic colleagues to outline several key priorities as lawmakers return to the Statehouse this week to take up emergency measures to address the public health and economic crises facing the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need to make certain that during this pandemic our small businesses don’t go under, everyone has a chance to cast their ballot, schools are supported as they support students and our children, families have access to the essentials of life, and Ohioans have financial stability as we all cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. I look forward to the Ohio House and Senate coming together in bipartisanship to address the concerns of all Ohioans in these difficult times,” said Rep. Robinson.

“Gov. DeWine, the Ohio Dept. of Health and Health Dir. Dr. Acton, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have done a lot of great work in taking effective action and informing the public. I also applaud Congress for their bipartisan action in passing a $100 billion relief bill and hope that trend continues as they work on more emergency legislation. Now, it’s the state legislature’s turn to act.”

House Democrats have identified several key priorities they say will benefit working people, families and Ohio businesses, both in the short-term and long-term, including:

Expanding unemployment benefits and paid sick leave to more Ohioans;
Providing tax relief to families and small businesses;
Making COVID-19 medical expenses free, expanding telehealth access and allowing for longer supplies of medications to be prescribed;
Waiving required testing for K-12 students and halting expansion of EdChoice;
Addressing rising concerns of Ohio’s higher education student;
Protecting Medicaid and TANF benefits from interruption;
Enabling government bodies to meet remotely;
Extending absentee voting for Ohio Primary to April 28;
Prohibiting evictions and foreclosures to ensure Ohioans can stay in their homes;
Preventing gas, water and electricity service interruptions for Ohio households;
Allowing appropriate insurance coverage for businesses and individuals.

House Dems are evaluating all possible revenue streams for these proposals, including tapping into the state’s rainy day fund, which is near-capacity, as well as General Revenue funds and federal assistance.

In addition, Dems plan to discuss utilizing state emergency dollars during a meeting of the state Controlling Board Monday, and intend to work with JobsOhio to identify ways in which that agency can assist in the support of state and local economies.