House Democratic lawmakers today held a press conference detailing the next steps of their Ohio Promise legislative campaign. Democrats said safety and security issues, including commonsense gun safety, are top priorities as the state legislature returns for its fall session dates.

“When we talk about security, we are not only talking about being safe from violence, but also economic security when exposed to the burden of high healthcare costs for Ohio’s senior population, especially those on a fixed income,” said Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake). “Our legislative efforts reflect our ongoing commitment of working together to ensure Ohio’s promise of safety and security throughout one’s lifetime.”

State Reps. Kent Smith (D-Euclid), John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake), Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Mike Sheehy (D-Oregon) toured the critical Brandon Road Lock and Dam complex in Joliet, Illinois, on Friday with 25 other members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus. Brandon Road Lock and Dam is a critical choke point to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

State Reps. Jamie Callender (R—Concord Township) and John Rogers (D—Mentor-On-The-Lake) today announced the release of over $400,000 in state funding for Lakeland Community College to expand the college’s welding program to meet industry needs.

This investment in a state of the art welding lab will create a pathway to the completion of a wide range of American Welding Society certifications and other Associate Degree programs. The release of funds will help purchase new welding equipment, including 16 fully outfitted advanced module-welding machines, welding booths with tables and a fume extraction system. With these additional tools, Lakeland Community College will be able to offer welding classes on a regular basis, in order to better prepare students for gainful employment opportunities post-graduation.

State Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) today announced his appointment by Governor Mike DeWine to the “Expo 2050” Task Force, which seeks to develop and recommend a long-term vision for the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected by Governor DeWine to serve on his new task force,” said Rep. Rogers. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we consider the educational and entertainment impact that these various state owned properties offer, and how to best move forward while keeping Ohio’s families, the state’s culture and our history in mind. It is a tremendous personal opportunity and work that should be both challenging and fun.”