Democratic News

Ohio House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) today released a letter* sent to Governor-elect Mike DeWine that applauds the incoming governor’s commitment to unifying the state and working with Democrats and Republicans to bring about meaningful change to benefits all Ohioans.

“I am compelled by your uniting words to find common ground on common sense policies that grow our economy, better our educational outcomes, and protect healthcare,” Strahorn wrote in the letter.

The House leader sees the final weeks of legislative session as an opportunity to give the incoming administration a head start on important issues like strengthening Ohio manufacturing, taking on the opioid crisis, and giving Ohio students the opportunity they need to succeed in the workforce.

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today recognized the month of November as National Family Caregivers Month. The Family Caregiver Alliance defines a family caregiver as “any relative, partner, friend or neighbor who has a significant personal relationship with, and provides a broad range of assistance for, an older person or an adult with a chronic or disabling condition.” This year’s theme is “Supercharge Your Caregiving” to highlight how family members can utilize support tools to improve the quality of life for their loved one and make their job easier as a caregiver.

“It can be challenging caring for a relative while completing daily tasks. Luckily, with the advent of new technology to check vital signs, access online patient records, and connect with support groups, these challenges can be decreased.” said Sykes. “In the General Assembly, it is important we recognize the work of family givers and provide support to services such as respite care.”

State Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain) last Thursday called on state leaders to follow the longstanding Ohio law that recognizes Election Day from noon to 5:30 p.m. as a legal state holiday in the Buckeye State. The legal holiday designation for Election Day was reaffirmed in 1953, but has been state law for 128 years, dating back to Gov. James Edwin Campbell’s signature of Senate Bill 174 in the 69^th Ohio General Assembly.

“The fact is that part of Election Day has been a legal holiday in Ohio for 128 years.  We simply have not been following the law,” wrote Ramos in a letter to Gov. John Kasich and Republican legislative leaders.* “I am requesting that you use the power of your office to follow Chapter 5.20 of the General Provisions of the Ohio Revised Code to close state offices not related to elections on Election Day at noon.”