Democratic News

State Representative and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) discussed Ohioans’ battle with voter suppression and disenfranchisement during her testimony before the Presidential Commission on Election Administration today.

“Ohioans have had to fight to have their provisional ballots counted and have faced voter suppression tactics, including attempts to shorten early voting periods and implement stricter voter ID laws,” said Rep. Reece. “We expect leadership from our statewide elected officials, especially from those tasked with overseeing the fundamental American right to vote. Unfortunately, the actions of Ohio’s elected officials are clearly aimed at restricting voter participation.”

State Representative Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) announced today that he will be introducing legislation to require that lobbyists report their annual salaries. The effort would render a more complete picture of the financial influence of special interests at our state’s capitol. The legislative proposal follows Common Cause Ohio’s recent “Troublesome Gap in Transparency” report that detailed oil and gas industry donations of two millions dollars to Ohio politicians in the past two years

“Two million dollars is a pretty effective means to making some new friends, but it doesn’t represent the millions more that the industry is likely spending,” said Rep. Hagan. “I just want to make sure that the public has a full understanding of the vast resources being spent to promote a specific agenda.”  

State Reps. Mike Foley (D-Cleveland) and Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) plan to it introduce a joint resolution that would call for a constitutional convention to discuss adding a balanced trade amendment to the United States Constitution. 

“With a global economy becoming more and more important, it’s crucial that we recognize the importance of labor and trade practices-- not just in the products we make --but also in those coming to the country,” Rep. Foley said. “It’s important to remember the significant role fair labor and trade practices plays in the strengthening of countries, especially as we celebrate our own working class on Labor Day.”

The lawmakers cited other statehouse conversations regarding amending the U.S. Constitution as the motivation to offer their own suggestion. This amendment would call for fair trade, labor, and environmental standards for imports. If adopted, it would create a tariff for any imported product that has not followed fair labor, environmental and trade practices.

As Labor Day approaches, I find it encouraging to take a moment to reflect on the true significance of this holiday. While many of us know it as a day to hold cookouts, attend parades or a baseball game, there is an enriching history behind the holiday that is often neglected.

Labor Day is a creation of union members who worked hard to push for better working conditions, fair wages, reasonable hours, vacation time and much more. Today, all Ohio workers and Americans—union and non-union alike—benefit from the gains achieved through collective bargaining. 

Labor Day is a day designed to pay tribute to ourselves for the work each of us has contributed to the benefit of society. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, caregiver, server, bus driver or volunteer, we all can reflect on the contributions working Ohioans have made to our state.

Even as radical attacks on our labor force seem ever-present from conservative interests and lawmakers across the country, I vow to never stop fighting for creating equitable working conditions and a living wage for all Ohioans.

In Solidarity,

Tracy Maxwell Heard

State Representative Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) today sent a letter* to the Kasich Administration demanding a full account of the events that led to the removal of George Elmaraghy, the Chief of the Division of Surface Water, at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rep. Phillips specifically requested that correspondence between the Gov. Kasich’s office, the Ohio EPA and coal industry officials regarding Mr. Elmaraghy be made available under Ohio’s public records law.

Elmaraghy asserts that Gov. Kasich and EPA Director Nally forced him to resign early last week due to growing pressure from coal companies seeking special permits-- permits that could violate state and federal laws. Elmaraghy’s official email account was disabled late last week, even though the long-time regulator wouldn’t be off the payroll until Sept. 13^th.

“Governor Kasich and his administration need to make decisions based on what’s best for the people of Ohio, rather than paying back campaign donors,” said Rep. Phillips. “It seems pretty clear that Mr. Elmaraghy is the latest casualty of the Kasich Administration’s culture of political favoritism.”

State Representative and Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) released the following statement today in commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington:

“As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March On Washington, President Obama's speech confirmed that there is still much work to be done for equality, race relations, voting rights, and economics to ensure that everyone has a chance at the American Dream. It is time to work with a sense of urgency to make Dr. King's dream real.”

State Representative Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) will be speaking at the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, tomorrow, August 24^th at 10 a.m. in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The event is being organized by Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and will focus on issues such as economic injustice and racial inequality.

During her speech, Rep. Alicia Reece will call for a Voter Bill of Rights state constitutional amendment to be launched in Ohio and across the nation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.  Her initiative aims to provide concrete rights to voters that would extend access to polls, protect voters against voter intimidation and disenfranchisement, and ensure citizens’ right to vote.

Ohio State Rep. Reece has been a strong advocate for voting rights since her days at Grambling State University.  She has fought against voter intimidation and suppression in Ohio and she has championed numerous voting rights bills.  Rep. Reece is a national board member of the National Action Network, and has been asked to participate as a speaker at the March on Washington at the Mall on Saturday, August 24th.You can learn more about Rep. Reece’s work on voting rights here. A high resolution photo of the Cincinnati lawmaker is attached.