Democratic News

House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today outlining the caucus’s next steps to expand on the Opportunity Agenda for Ohio, their legislative framework to restore Ohio’s promise of better lives, brighter futures and economy that works for everyone. They released a short list of key legislative priorities in the coming months, including delivering fair maps, combatting the coronavirus pandemic and reforming the state’s broken unemployment insurance system. 

House Democratic lawmakers from around the state, including Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), Minority Whip Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton), and Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), today called on Republican members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission to release draft congressional districts so the Commission can begin working to reach an agreement on a bipartisan 10-year map. 

Reps. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today called for immediate action on legislation that would reform Ohio’s criminal justice system and expand opportunities for survivors of sexual violence and abuse to seek the justice they deserve. 

Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today urged the swift passage of House Bill (HB) 3, better known as Aisha’s Law, in the wake of the highly publicized Gabby Petito case.  Aisha’s Law would improve how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and provides added protections for those in high-risk situations. 

Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today was officially appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy as state representative to the 26th Ohio House District.

Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today was officially appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy as state representative to the 26th Ohio House District.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) and State Rep. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) today issued statements following a recent interaction where Dayton Police dragged a paraplegic Black man from his car and threw him on the road during a routine traffic stop in Dayton. The Dayton Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident. 

State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Ranking Democrat on the House Commerce and Labor Committee, issued a statement today after an informal hearing on House Bill (HB) 435, anti-vaccine legislation that would broadly expand exemptions for those required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. HB 435 would also grant corporations partial legal immunity from COVID-19 related lawsuits. 

State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Ranking Member on the House Commerce and Labor Committee, issued a statement today after an informal hearing on House Bill (HB) 435, anti-vaccine legislation that would broadly expand exemptions for students and public or private employees required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. HB 435 would also grant corporations partial legal immunity from COVID-19 related lawsuits. 

Following the recommendation of a screening panel chaired by Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick), House Democrats today voted to appoint Latyna Humphrey to represent Ohio’s 26th House District, a seat currently vacant after former Rep. Erica Crawley stepped down to begin her role as Franklin County Commissioner. 

State Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) called for action on  House Bill (HB) 199, their legislation to prevent victims of rape or assault from being denied full compensation of their damages awarded by a jury, after a federal judge Wednesday dismissed all outstanding Strauss abuse cases against Ohio State University, citing the expired statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.