Democratic News

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 1^st, 2020.

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 1^st 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COLUMBUS—State Reps. Gil Blair (D-Weathersfield), Michael O’Brien (D-Warren) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) issued a statement today following the unexpected passing of fellow Mahoning Valley state Rep. Don Manning (R-New Middletown):

“It is with great sadness that we woke this morning to learn of the passing of our colleague and neighbor Don Manning.  We send our deepest condolences to his family during these difficult times." 

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