Leader Sykes: Immediate action needed by General Assembly to benefit families, stabilize economy amid pandemic
COLUMBUS— Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today released a statement following the announcement of the newly-formed OHIO 2020 legislative work group tasked with studying ways to lay the groundwork for economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) will serve as Vice Chair of the OHIO 2020 Task Force. Democratic members Reps. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire), Tavia Galonski (D-Akron), David Leland (D-Columbus), Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon), and Thomas West (D-Canton) were also named to the group.
This announcement follows the March 20th creation of six workgroups led by members of the House Democratic Caucus:
- Education Workgroup
- Working Family Support Workgroup
- Healthcare Workgroup
- Tax and Finance Workgroup
- Voting and Election Workgroup
- Government Functions Workgroup
“From the onset of this crisis, Democrats have been working collaboratively with local officials and listening to constituents and business leaders on short and long-term solutions to provide needed relief to those affected by coronavirus. We welcome dialogue with our colleagues across the aisle and encourage the Speaker and Senate President to not sit idly by while the coronavirus ravages our bodies and economy. Ohioans struggling to get by cannot afford to wait for us to act in this time of crisis.
“The reality is that right now, too many Ohio families are struggling to pay the bills, put food on the table and access the essential services they need—including healthcare—through no fault of their own. The work of the legislature remains unfinished and we continue to fight for our constituents who need us more than ever during this uncertain time.”
House Democrats last week called on legislative leaders in both chambers to reconvene the General Assembly to address outstanding issues Democrats says cannot wait until after the pandemic subsides.
Sykes also urged the OHIO 2020 working group to consider priorities outlined by Democrats in recent weeks in coordination with local officials, healthcare experts, business leaders and everyday Ohioans.
-30-