Reps. Denson, Ingram, Kelly, Miranda held Ohio Promise Town Hall

State Reps. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) and Jessica E. Miranda (D-Forest Park) held a community town hall last Thursday as part of the Ohio Promise Town Hall Tour, a statewide legislative town hall series hosted by House Democratic members. The purpose of the tour is to hear from constituents in their districts about their most pressing concerns, answer questions, and discuss the state budget, bipartisan priorities and a number of recent Democratic-led, legislative wins for working people and families.

“I really appreciate People Working Cooperatively allowing us to use their beautiful space,” said Rep. Denson. “I enjoyed hearing the thoughts and concerns of those in attendance, and can’t wait to incorporate that into what I’m doing in Columbus at the Statehouse.”

“One of our ways to keep our promise is to continue to remind our constituents that we work for them,” said Rep. Ingram.

“I want to thank all the constituents from the Great 28 who came to our Ohio Promise Town Hall,” said Rep. Miranda. “It is important for the people of Hamilton County to know that we work for them. This town hall was an excellent opportunity for our delegation to put that on display.”

“This was a really important evening for the community to come together,” said Rep. Kelly. “I’m grateful for those who shared their concerns with us and for the opportunity to discuss issues that matter most to you and your family.”

The Representatives kicked off the event with a legislative update, discussing important budget wins and some of the priority bills being worked on at the Statehouse. The event included an open forum to allow constituents to ask questions and identify community concerns that can be addressed through state government. State Sen. Cecil Thomas also joined the evening and provided an update from the Ohio Senate.

The recently passed state budget was also a major topic of conversation as the Representatives detailed the process itself as well as the number of state budget provisions House Democrats fought for that seek to strengthen local communities and put people first.

Some notable Democratic budget wins include:

—     Putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking Ohioans by passing a tax cut for working people and middle class families.

—     Investing more than $650 million in wraparound services, which include innovative and collaborative ways to support our children and give them the tools they need to succeed.

—     Raising the minimum wage for direct service employees, strengthening Ohio’s promise that if you work hard, you can get ahead.

—     Investment in Produce Perks Midwest, providing SNAP recipients with an avenue towards a healthy diet.

—     $250,000 to the University of Cincinnati for a financial literacy program.

—     Increased funding for the Cincinnati & Hamilton Co. Public Libraries.

—     $300,000 to the Cincinnati Zoo to support educational programming and scholarships for disadvantaged students.

—     Local Government Fund increase, directing millions more dollars to cities like Cincinnati.

Conversation also centered on the call for the passage of gun safety legislation and the protection of reproductive rights in Ohio.