Democrat News

Following the 133rd General Assembly’s frustrating inability to take meaningful action to repeal House Bill 6, Select Committee on Energy Policy & Oversight Ranking Member David Leland (D-Columbus) is proposing legislation on day one of the 134th General Assembly aimed at breaking the logjam. This legislation combines House Bill 772 from the 133rd General Assembly with a groundbreaking, market-based, consumer-driven Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) program.

State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today condemned Governor Mike DeWine’s signing into law of Senate Bill 175, which grants civil immunity to handgun licensees who are responsible for injury, death, or other loss as a result of carrying a handgun. The proposed amendment mimics “stand your ground” laws and permits the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered. Brent says the legislation disproportionately impacts the lives of Black Ohioans and puts the safety of Ohioans at risk.

House Democrats today celebrated a historically effective two-year legislative session, which saw them play a critical role in policymaking, passing dozens of bills and long-held caucus priorities, including investments in education, job training, and public transit, as well as tax cuts for working families and expanded health care access to improve maternal health and infant mortality. Dec. 31 marks the official end to the 133rd General Assembly (GA). 

Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued the following statement as Ohio and the nation will reportedly fall far short of the vaccination goal of 20 million doses by the end of the year. Just 2.1 million doses have been administered nationwide to date. The state Controlling Board Wednesday approved $125 million in funds to distribute vaccines.

State Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) today highlighted several key priorities Democrats were able to deliver for Ohio taxpayers in 2020, including securing $4.53 billion in funding to assist local communities, front line workers, first responders, schools, small businesses, and Ohio’s working people and families affected by coronavirus and ongoing economic uncertainty.

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this morning, making her the first member of the Ohio General Assembly to receive the vaccine.

Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today urged Gov. Mike DeWine to veto two controversial bills, Shoot First legislation Democrats say endangers Black lives and makes Ohioans less safe, and a new, extremist restriction on abortion access in Ohio. House Republicans cut off debate on the bills last week, denying Democrats the opportunity to speak out against the last-minute flurry of extreme legislation GOP lawmakers are rushing through the legislative process before the end of the 133rd General Assembly at the end of the year.

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) today announced that House Bill (HB) 1, her bipartisan bill to modify intervention in lieu of conviction/sealing requirements, moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) today announced that House Bill (HB) 442, his bipartisan bill with Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) to enact Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure reform, has cleared the legislature after the House concurred Senate amendments. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

COLUMBUS- State Reps. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) today stood in opposition to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 260, the latest Republican attack on access to safe, legal abortion care that would ban abortion services via telehealth. The bill passed the Ohio House early Friday morning after House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) refused to allow floor debate on the legislation. It now heads to the governor’s desk.