Stephanie D. Howse News

COLUMBUS— Today, State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland), a member of the Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus (ODWLC), participated in the virtual Women’s Lobby Day. The virtual event gathered participants from across the state to discuss policy solutions to challenges Ohio women and families face.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) 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.

State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) joined Democrats in opposing a Republican resolution that would urge Congress not to pass HR 1, the For the People Act, federal pro-voter legislation that would protect the freedom to vote, prevent billionaires from buying influence in elections, and make sure voting options are equally accessible across all 50 states.

State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) issued a statement applauding the passage of House Bill (HB) 2, a long-held Democratic priority that would create the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Program, specifically designed to bring broadband access to unserved residential households in both rural and urban areas of the state. The bill funds $20 million in grants for this year. 

COLUMBUS –Rep. Stephanie Howse (D- Cleveland) 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. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) 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.

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus (OBMHC) is introducing a resolution this week to recognize Black Maternal Health Week in Ohio. Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) is an annual event that promotes awareness and seeks to advance and improve Black maternal health outcomes across the country.

State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) 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 takes effect Tuesday. 

Reps. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) and Jessica E. Miranda (D-Forest Park) today introduced the Ohio Equal Pay Act, legislation to recognize the full value and potential of Ohio’s working women. The announcement comes as advocates commemorate Equal Pay Day, the date to which the average working woman in America must work into the next calendar year to make what their male counterparts did the previous year. For women in Ohio, that annual pay gap is nearly $10,000. 

Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) issued a statement on Gov. DeWine’s veto of Senate Bill (SB) 22, controversial legislation that would threaten the health and safety of Ohioans by curbing authority from the governor and health director during public health crises. Rep. Howse voted against the bill and sent the governor a letter urging his veto.