Rep. Kelly calls GOP bill to strip power from health director a "dangerous fantasy" that will lead to more deaths, further destabilize economy

Ranking Democrat Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) today issued a statement as the House State and Local Government Committee voted to fast track Senate Bill (SB) 311, which would curb executive authority from the state health director to issue orders during public health emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic.

“Stripping the State Health Director from being able to take action during public health crises will only lead to more deaths and further destabilize our economy. We all want to get through this crisis and reopen our economy, but that can’t happen unless we do it right, and that means listening to the health experts to implement strategies to control the virus, protect workers and restore consumer confidence.

 “Fast tracking dangerous fantasies when we should be prioritizing what we know works isn’t just bad policy, it threatens the lives and livelihoods of thousands of our fellow Ohioans. This bill will only slow our response, cost more lives and force more businesses into financial ruin. We can’t have a healthy economy without healthy Ohioans to power it.”