Democratic News

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The historic 5-4 decision overturns a 6^th Circuit Court case brought by Ohio native Jim Obergefell and invalidates bans on same-sex marriage across the country, including the one in Ohio. Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) issued this statement following the court’s historic ruling:

“Today is a big step forward on our nation’s path to equality,” said Phillips. “I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to couples in our community whose love and commitment finally have equal standing under the law. Love wins.”

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The historic 5-4 decision overturns a 6^th Circuit Court case brought by Ohio native Jim Obergefell and invalidates bans on same-sex marriage across the country, including the one in Ohio. Rep. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) issued this statement following the court’s historic ruling:

“After decades of struggle, the Supreme Court today affirmed what many of us already knew: that LGBT people should have the right to marry the person they love. I commend the many people who have worked over the years to make this day possible, including Cincinnati's own Jim Obergefell.

“In Cincinnati, in Ohio, and in this country, there have been an army of people who have made this day possible with their tireless advocacy. Many of them did not live to see this day, including Jim's late husband, John Arthur, but this is their victory, too. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who took up this fight long before it was popular or mainstream.

“I hope that Cincinnati and Ohio can continue to be at the forefront of the fight for justice. I am proud to have stood alongside the LGBT Community throughout this struggle and hope to continue working with them to make Ohio a more inclusive, welcoming place for everyone.

“Today and this weekend, I hope we can all celebrate this amazing success. And in the days, months, and years to come, I hope we will continue to fight for a more equitable and just society for all.”

On Friday, State Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and Ohio House Democratic Caucus members stood in opposition to House Bill 64, the state’s two-year budget bill. Democratic legislators voted against the measure, which they say lacks a comprehensive vision and offers little for hardworking Ohioans to get ahead. Instead, Democrats argue the bill advances policies that rig the tax system to help the richest one-percent and special interests, such as charter schools, big utility companies and oil and gas companies, in addition to partisan attacks on working Ohioans.

State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) and Ohio House Democratic Caucus members stood in opposition to House Bill 64, the state’s two-year budget bill. Democratic legislators voted against the measure, which they say lacks a comprehensive vision and offers little for hardworking Ohioans to get ahead. Instead, Democrats argue the bill advances policies that rig the tax system to help the richest one-percent and special interests, such as charter schools, big utility companies and oil and gas companies, in addition to partisan attacks on working Ohioans and women’s reproductive rights.

House Democrats expressed disappointment in the latest iteration of an untargeted tax package that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest few Ohioans. Despite a number of tax cuts since 2005, Ohio remains one of the last states yet to recover jobs lost during the Great Recession.

Without any accountability or transparency measures, an historic amount of tax dollars, to the tune of $1 billion, will flow to the state’s charter schools, many of which continue to underperform compared to their chronically underfunded public school counterparts. Online charter schools also receive an extra $25 per student for building costs, even though online schools lack brick and mortar facilities.

“This budget does not reflect the governor’s promise to address the woeful shortcomings of Ohio’s failing charter schools. Instead these schools are receiving funds that could be used to strengthen the hardworking families in this state that are struggling to get by under the current administration,” said Johnson.

Rep. Christie Kuhns (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today on approval of House Bill 64, the state’s two-year operating budget bill:

“How we spend money as a state defines our values, and I am disappointed that today’s state spending plan highlights disconnected and shortsighted values. This budget lacks equitable funding for public schools and continues attacks on women's access to healthcare and workers' rights. It includes tax breaks for the wealthy and increased taxes on middle-class and working Ohioans. The budget failed to address the lack of opportunity for average citizens to get ahead and the uncertain economic future too many families face. I am hopeful we can pass legislation later in this General Assembly to move Ohio forward, instead of falling back on old, failed policies of the past.”

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The historic 5-4 decision overturns a 6^th Circuit Court case brought by Ohio native Jim Obergefell and invalidates bans on same-sex marriage across the country, including the one in Ohio. Rep. Kuhns issued this statement following the court’s historic ruling:

“My own marriage wasn’t legal until 1967 so today’s decision is very personal to me, I am beyond grateful that every American will have an opportunity to experience the joy I felt when I exchanged my vows.” 

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The historic 5-4 decision overturns a 6^th Circuit Court case brought by Ohio native Jim Obergefell and invalidates bans on same-sex marriage across the country, including the one in Ohio. Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) issued this statement following the court’s historic ruling:

“Today is a great day for equality in America and in Ohio. The Supreme Court reaffirmed what we knew all along: Love is love. Families with same-sex parents are families all the same. This has been true within the household and now becomes true in the eyes of the law. I am thankful for all of the people who have played a role in this fight for equality but now that progress has been made, we must not stop. We must continue to fight for anti-discrimination laws until all the promise and opportunity of equality is fully realized.”

On Friday, State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) and Ohio House Democratic Caucus members stood in opposition to House Bill 64, the state’s two-year budget bill. Democratic legislators voted against the measure, which they say lacks a comprehensive vision and offers little for hardworking Ohioans to get ahead. Instead, Democrats argue the bill advances policies that rig the tax system to help the richest one-percent and special interests, such as charter schools, big utility companies and oil and gas companies, in addition to partisan attacks on working Ohioans.

On Friday, State Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Ohio House Democratic Caucus members stood in opposition to House Bill 64, the state’s two-year budget bill. Democratic legislators voted against the measure, which they say lacks a comprehensive vision and offers little for hardworking Ohioans to get ahead. Instead, Democrats argue the bill advances policies that rig the tax system to help the richest one-percent and special interests, such as charter schools, big utility companies and oil and gas companies, in addition to partisan attacks on working Ohioans.

Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain) issued the following statement today on House Bill 64, the state’s two-year operating budget bill:

“Our incredible nation was founded by a group of dreamers on an idea that no one could conceive at the time: a more perfect union dedicated to the ideal that all persons are created equal, free to pursue happiness.  This historic decision, allowing marriage equality throughout our land, brings us so much closer to that dream that we must all continue to strive toward.  It is, quite simply, a great day in America.”