Says work remains unfinished, Dems ready to collaborate on short and long-term solutions
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.
Says repeal will save Ohioans nearly $4 million each year on menstrual hygiene products
COLUMBUS- State Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) announced the provision she sponsored in Senate Bill (SB) 26 to eliminate the Ohio sales taxes on menstrual hygiene products, commonly known as the Pink Tax, took effect on April 1st, 2020.
Say first day of April could be most financially devastating day yet for many Ohioans
COLUMBUS— For many, the first day of a new month means rent and bills are due. For those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak, April 1st could be the most financially devastating day yet as fears of evictions and foreclosures may loom.
Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today sent a letter to President Trump on behalf of the Ohio House Democrats urging him to approve Ohio’s Major Disaster Declaration request, which would deploy Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to aid the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Says changes will benefit workers, families and businesses affected by pandemic
COLUMBUS—House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today applauded Gov. Mike DeWine as he signed into law House Bill (HB) 197, which will provide needed supports to working people, families and businesses in Ohio amid the coronavirus outbreak. It passed both legislative chambers unanimously Wednesday.
COLUMBUS – State Reps. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today sent a letter to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Kimberly Hall highlighting additional measures the agency could take to limit COVID-19 exposure and help individuals file for unemployment.
Say funds will help local health departments, increase testing capacity amid public health crisis
House Democratic lawmakers today announced the approval of $15.6M in federal funds for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to support local health departments, increase testing capacity, create public education campaigns, and support other costs associated with the state’s response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
Omnibus bill would protect the health and financial security of everyday Ohioans and their families
COLUMBUS— State lawmakers returned to the Statehouse today to address the COVID-19 crisis and provide immediate relief to everyday Ohioans. House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) released a statement today following the unanimous passage of an omnibus bill (HB 197) that would prohibit utility shut-offs, waive state testing requirements, freeze EdChoice eligibility, extend voting in the primary election, postpone the state income tax filing deadline among several other measures.
House Bill 580 ensures Ohioans safely receive the care they need
COLUMBUS- State Reps. Dr. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville) today introduced House Bill (HB) 580 to guarantee that health providers receive equivalent re-imbursement for covered services, regardless of whether they are conducted in person or remotely, during times of crisis. HB 580 will ensure that people get the care they need, while still maintaining safety for both the patient and the provider.
Say package addresses inadequate funding, burdensome regulations, and state takeovers
COLUMBUS- Several Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. John Patterson (D- Jefferson), Phil Robinson (D-Solon), Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville), today introduced a legislative package to mitigate the negative impacts schools are facing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The package would provide resources and allow already overburdened school districts to take the necessary steps to recover from the repercussions of this ongoing public health crisis.
