Democratic News

A group of Columbus-area House Democratic lawmakers today sent a letter to Secretary of State Frank LaRose calling on him to break the tie vote at the Franklin County Board of Elections over whether to continue a longstanding public information campaign to provide accurate voting information to Franklin County residents. Republican Board of Elections members oppose providing this information to voters. The Secretary refused to break the tie despite state law requiring it. See the letter below.

State Reps. Allison Russo (D- Upper Arlington) and Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) today announced the introduction of The Safe Drinking Water Act to guarantee safe drinking water in Ohio.  The bill provides for state-level standards for drinking water to limit known toxics and protect residents from harm. 

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D- Akron) and Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon), who serves as the Ranking Member on the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee, issued statements today following the House floor vote of sub-bill Senate Bill (SB) 89. 

State Reps. H. Gilson Blair (D-Weathersfield) and Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) joined House Democratic lawmakers today to urge Ohio’s congressional delegation to support the PRO Act, H.R. 2474, which would protect workers’ right to organize. The vote is pending before the U.S. House.

State Reps. Adam C. Miller (D-Columbus) and Thomas West (D-Canton) today announced the introduction of legislation that would repeal the recently passed Shoot First law that permits the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered anywhere in the state. The law was tucked in as a last minute amendment to Senate Bill (SB) 175 during the lame duck period of the 133rd General Assembly despite passionate opposition from House Democrats. The governor then chose to sign this bill into law, even after professing concerns about gun violence in Ohio.  

The Ohio Legislative Children’s Caucus today announced the selection of the following Co-Chairs and Co-Vice Chairs for the 134th General Assembly:

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement on Wednesday’s inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States, cementing Democratic control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.

State Rep. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) today expressed concern and disdain for the recent appointment of state Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) to serve as committee chair for the Senate Health committee. 

State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) issued a statement on Wednesday’s inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States, cementing Democratic control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.

Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) will sponsor legislation to allow for committees to meet and witnesses to testify virtually amid worsening conditions of the coronavirus pandemic across Ohio. Rep. Kelly introduced similar resolutions in the 133rd General Assembly to allow House committees and Sessions to be conducted virtually.

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus yesterday during their first meeting of the 134th General Assembly elected their leadership team for this session:

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement as the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump. 

State Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) introduced a bill Monday to postpone evictions and foreclosures in Ohio amid the ongoing pandemic. The bill adds additional protections and plugs many of the well-documented gaps in the existing Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) moratorium, which expires on January 31, 2021. The bill also extends the moratorium for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency at the state level since the extension of the CDC's moratorium beyond January is dependent on additional federal action. 

State Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) today announced that House Bill (HB) 308, legislation to allow first responders diagnosed with work-related PTSD in the absence of any physical injury to qualify for BWC compensation and benefits, was signed into law Jan. 9 by the governor. This is something Democrats have prioritized in recent General Assemblies.