Say bill will improve safety, security for workers during global pandemic
COLUMBUS—Ohio House Democratic lawmakers, led by Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo), today introduced legislation to protect at-risk workers from being forced to choose between returning to unsafe working conditions or losing unemployment benefits.
Call for creation of task force, expansion of early release efforts for low-level, non-violent offenders, and halt on new inmates
COLUMBUS—State Reps. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) and Jeff Crossman (D-Parma) today sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine calling for further action to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio’s overcrowded jails and prisons.
Say bill will improve safety, security for workers during global pandemic
Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) today announced plans to introduce legislation to protect at-risk workers from being forced to choose between returning to unsafe working conditions or losing unemployment benefits. The proposal is the latest effort from House Dems to improve the safety and security of Ohio workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Says governor's inaction has led to preventable COVID-19 infection and death among black and brown Ohioans
COLUMBUS—House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today voiced her frustration following Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement related to the Minority Health Strike Force. Today’s statement follows multiple written and verbal conversations where Sykes urgently pressed DeWine to take action to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio’s minority communities, which have been hit the hardest by the worst global pandemic in more than a century. Though black Ohioans are just 13 percent of the population, they account for 26 percent of confirmed cases and 17 percent of deaths from coronavirus in Ohio.
COLUMBUS— Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today issued a statement following Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement today regarding next steps with the Minority Health Strike Force.
Passage comes as domestic violence on the rise amid COVID-19 lockdown
House Democrats today applauded the unanimous passage of Aisha’s Law, Democratic priority legislation sponsored by Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) that would change how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and provide added protections for those in high-risk situations. Democrats say the bill’s passage comes at a critical time as prolonged isolation during the state’s stay-at-home order has led to a spike in domestic violence cases.
Action follows virtual lunch and learn on domestic violence resources during COVID-19
COLUMBUS- State Representative Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) today announced that House Bill (HB) 3, ‘Aisha’s Law’, her bipartisan priority legislation with Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) to change how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and create a continuum of protections for victims of domestic violence that are in extreme risk and lethal situations, passed out of the House Criminal Justice (12-0) and House Finance Committees (31-1). The bill is named for Aisha Fraser, a former Shaker Heights sixth-grade teacher who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband, former state Rep. Lance Mason, in Nov. 2018 following years of domestic abuse. The bill now awaits an expected House floor vote tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20.
Remain determined despite GOP rejecting proposal to require CDC-recommended masks, distancing at Statehouse
Ohio House Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) today sent a letter to House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) continuing Democratic calls urging him to enact CDC workplace safety recommendations, like requiring facemasks and physical distancing, to protect lawmakers, staff and the general public
COLUMBUS—Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today releases the following statement following the death of Ohio treasure, Annie Glenn :
Working Group calls for Mailing a Ballot to All Registered Voters, Safeguards for In-Person Voting, and Expanded Voter Registration
COLUMBUS— House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron), House Minority Whip Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), and State Representatives Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) released their proposal for holding a safe and accessible presidential election this November as the global pandemic continues.
Say GOP's disregard for health similar to dangers Ohio workers are facing daily
COLUMBUS—House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today penned a letter to Speaker of the House Larry Householder (R-Glenford) following a House floor session where all members were not socially distanced as the health experts recommend and where only a few of the Republican members were wearing masks.
