Leader Sykes statement on Governor's veto of GOP bill that would slow pandemic response and make Ohioans less safe

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) 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. Democrats voted against the bill and sent the governor a letter urging his veto.

“We’re glad the governor listened to House Democrats and vetoed SB 22. It’s a bad bill. We understand people are frustrated and fatigued with the ongoing pandemic—we are too. However, the answer to getting our economy back on track, kids back in school, and our social lives vibrant relies on our ability to respond quickly to variants and outbreaks. We are so close to turning the corner on the virus, but SB 22 threatens to undo all of that by slowing our response, putting more lives at risk and further destabilizing our economy. House Democrats oppose any effort to override this veto.”