Rep. Kent Smith highlights key 2020 victories, says work to expand opportunity, better lives of everyday Ohioans must continue in new year

State Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) today highlighted several key priorities Democrats were able to deliver for Ohio taxpayers in 2020, including securing $4.53 billion in funding to assist local communities, front line workers, first responders, schools, small businesses, and Ohio’s working people and families affected by coronavirus and ongoing economic uncertainty.

This year also saw the end of the two-year 133rd General Assembly where Democrats passed 55 bills, a 60.3 percent increase in the total share of bills passed by the House that were sponsored by House Democrats compared to the 132nd GA.

Beyond those Ohio House Democratic victories, Rep. Kent Smith cosponsored the Fair School Funding Act (HB 305), which passed out of the Ohio House. This bill would have fixed the broken school funding formula so every child can go to school in a modern classroom with dedicated teachers. Additionally, he was the lead sponsor of HB 202 (establishes an electric vehicle infrastructure study committee), which passed out of Transportation committee with strong bipartisan support. He also helped host two free COVID-19 pop-up testing locations in House District 8, fought for a mask mandate in the Ohio Statehouse, and voted against tabling a bill to ban confederate flags from Ohio county fairs.

In addition, Democrats stood with working people and families, fighting for proposals to enact commonsense gun safety, protect workers on the job, dismantle systemic racism, invest in Ohio’s future and renew the promise of opportunity for all Ohioans, something Rep. Smith said needs to continue when the 134th General Assembly begins in January 2021.

“2020 demanded strong actions, quick thinking and fighting for the priorities of hard working Ohio families every single day,” said Rep. Smith. 

During the 133rd General Assembly, there were 421 votes taken on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives and Rep. Smith was present for every single one.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the residents of Ohio’s 8th House District during 2021 and 2022—the 134th General Assembly. As always, please feel free to contact my office by email at rep08@ohiohouse.gov and by phone at 614-466-5441 if we can be of any service,” added Rep. Smith. 

The 134th General Assembly begins January 4, 2021.