Democratic News

After withdrawing from the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission in this year’s transportation budget, the Kasich administration has again underlined their unwavering opposition to non-auto transportation by not settling an account in arrears with the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.

Tuesday, the Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus hosted a Women’s Lobby Day to discuss issues of concern to women and working families across our state. The event featured legislative briefings, an expert “How to Lobby” training from former Rep. Nancy Garland, and keynote speaker, Kathy Groob, a former elected official and author of Pink Politics. This thirdWomen’s Lobby Day brought together over 60 women from all across Ohio to get involved with their state government and to meet their representatives.

State Rep. Matt Lundy (D- Elyria) sent a letter to Gov. Kasich today and President and CEO of JobsOhio John Minor calling on them to voluntarily release the list of the five anonymous donors that provided $6.9 million used to run JobsOhio in its first year. The anonymous donations raise serious concerns about ethics at the organization and the potential for misusing funds. It is also important for Ohioans to know whether those who made the donations received any loan or grant from JobsOhio.

Tuesday, the Ohio House Democratic Caucus selected State Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus) as the new Democratic Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Today, House Democratic Whip and State Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus) introduced House Bill 167 with her joint sponsor, House Republican Whip and State Rep. Cheryl L. Grossman (R-Grove City). The bill comes after months of deliberation by the Columbus Education Commission on how to best address the issue of improving education in the Columbus City School district.

State Representative Debbie Phillips will hold a series of Community Roundtable meetings in the district on May 20^th and May 23^rd. These meetings provide a chance to speak directly with area residents and leaders about their issues and concerns, and to provide an update on legislative matters at the Statehouse.

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Matt Lundy (D- Elyria) sent a letter to Gov. Kasich today calling on him to voluntarily release the staff salaries for JobsOhio employees, and to clearly identify what criteria was used to set salary levels for staff.  Recent news stories raising questions about the number of former state employees hired by JobsOhio, their large raises, and questionable statements made about JobsOhio not being “restrained by ethics laws” have only fueled controversy and questions surrounding the quasi public-private agency.