Leader Sykes statement on Governor's budget vetoes

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement Thursday following 14 budget bill vetoes by Gov. Mike DeWine, which included several provisions Democrats opposed that would threaten quality, accessible healthcare for low-income Ohioans as well as a partisan provision that would undermine the redistricting reforms Ohioans passed in 2015 and 2018.

“Democrats expressed serious concerns about this budget, urging the governor on multiple occasions to use his veto power to make this bill better, and with it the lives of everyday Ohioans. Instead, he caved to pressure within his party, leaving intact dozens of misguided, partisan provisions that threaten access to quality health coverage and childcare, prioritize giveaways to the wealthy over investing in Ohio’s future, and undermine our elections. 

“The governor’s inaction means this budget continues to fall short of the opportunity for our future Ohioans wanted to see. As we head into the second half of the year, Democrats are committed to working toward that vision. We have more work to do, especially as we begin to emerge from this pandemic.”