Ukrainian Independence Day Bill Introduced by Reps. Brennan, Seitz

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) this week announced that he has introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) designating August 24th as “Ukrainian Independence Day” in the state of Ohio.  

“Parma is the Ukrainian capital of Ohio with more than a reported 4,407 Ukrainian residents, which is about 5% of Parma’s population. Personally, I think that statistic is low, based on my experience. By recognizing Ukrainian Independence Day, we send a message that we support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ohio who are experiencing a lot of pain due to the invasion by Vladimir Putin,” said Rep. Brennan.

The bill commemorates August 24, 1991, the day when the parliament of Ukraine, the Verkhova Rada, formally declared an independent, sovereign, and democratic Ukrainian state. Prior to that, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.).

There are an estimated 45,781 Ohioans claiming Ukrainian ancestry in Ohio. In fact, Ohio ranks 6th among states with the largest Ukrainian populations. It has been reported that more than 5,000 Ukrainians have resettled to Ohio since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Following Parma with the largest Ukrainian populations are Cleveland with 2,028, Columbus with 1,953, North Royalton with 1,559, Parma Heights with 1,294, and Strongsville with 1,099.

House Bill (HB) 360 has been referred to the Ohio House Government Oversight Committee for consideration.