Leader Sykes says governor right to veto bill that would have slowed state's coronavirus response

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement following Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of Senate Bill (SB) 311, legislation Democrats say will slow the state’s coronavirus response, ultimately leading to more deaths and further destabilizing Ohio’s economy.

Statehouse Republicans fast tracked SB 311 in late Nov., voting along party lines to pass the controversial bill that would strip executive power from the state’s Health Director during public health crises. Sykes sent a letter to the governor Nov. 24 urging him to veto SB 311.

“In moments of crisis, swift action saves lives. The governor is right to veto SB 311, which would have slowed our ability to protect the health and safety of Ohioans during crises like the coronavirus pandemic. Any attempt to override this veto threatens the lives and livelihoods of our fellow Ohioans and should be tabled immediately. The truth is that we’re still a state and nation in crisis, and we, as lawmakers, should act swiftly to listen to the experts so that we can control the virus, protect workers and restore consumer confidence.”