Richard D. Brown News

COLUMBUS— Today, State Rep. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) applauded the unanimous passage of his House Bill (HB) 279 in the Ohio House Civil Justice Committee. Along with Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton), Brown advocated for the passage of this legislation that will significantly cut down on the red-tape required to obtain probate court approval of a settlement determination when a wrongful death occurs. 

State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today announced the Ohio School Safety Center will award $10 million in grants to fund security enhancements at K-12 public schools and institutions of higher education in Ohio. 

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including the allocation of more than $7 million in CARES Act funds. The assistance from the federal government will enhance the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections’ COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, and pay DRC employees with a hazardous duty supplement. Additionally, The CARES Act funding will provide needed support for Ohio’s National Guard and State Defense Force members who are supporting the state’s COVID-19 response. The item also included $25.5 million for the Department of Education to provide grants for schools and $500,000 for the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) applauded the House passage of legislation that would allow more health professionals to administer the coronavirus vaccine, extend professional licenses and help low-income Ohioans pay for utilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today announced that House Bill (HB) 167, COVID-19 relief legislation that will deliver $465 million in direct aid for rent and utility assistance, was signed into law. House Democrats have called for rent and utility relief since the onset of the pandemic, introducing bills that would have created a program for immediate rental assistance, postponed evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevented utility shutoffs during an emergency.

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today issued the following statement on the House passage of House Bill 110, the state’s two-year budget. House Democrats largely opposed the bill, saying it was a missed opportunity to invest in everyday Ohioans still struggling amid the health and economic crisis.

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items this week, including the establishment of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which will allow Ohio to accept an estimated $5.5 billion under the recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid the state’s economic recovery once appropriated. 

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) applauded the House passage of a $2 billion package of coronavirus relief bills yesterday 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.

Assistant Minority Whip Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today urged constituents to proceed with caution after Franklin County was upgraded to Level Four or “Purple” on Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System.  Purple is the highest-level rating on the advisory system and indicates severe exposure and spread of COVID-19 in the county. 

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today called on Statehouse leaders to repeal Ohio’s new no duty to retreat law, which passed in December 2020. Democratic-sponsored legislation, House Bill (HB) 38, would repeal the new shoot first law that took effect Tuesday, April 6.