Democratic News

YOUNGSTOWN – Today, Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) and Representative Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) joined parents, educators, and local leaders to announce a community-based bill crafted in response to the so-called “Youngstown Plan,” which went into effect on Thursday.

“It is our responsibility to strengthen Youngstown City Schools to let children have the greatest opportunity to succeed,” Rep. Lepore-Hagan said. “With the highest concentration of poverty in the state, Youngstown faces significant challenges that can be addressed through the Community Learning Center model. Unlike the top-down CEO takeover, the CLC model leverages parent, teacher, and community involvement to provide critical wrap-around services such as health and dental care, dentistry and mental health services, and additional tutoring. By working together, we can transform our schools into true the hubs of our community.”

Ed Schultz visits Lorain, Ohio to see what the illegal dumping of steel by the likes of China and South Korea has done to the industry there. Ed speaks with laid off workers who are feeling the effects in their pocketbooks. He is also joined by State Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain).

State Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain) today criticized Gov. Kasich’s ill-timed and poorly targeted SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) restrictions that have forced 128,452 Ohioans off food stamps since October 2013.

The Ohio House today agreed on changes to House Bill 2 (HB 2), a bipartisan education bill to increase transparency and accountability in Ohio’s troubled charter schools. Despite a monthslong process of public debate, a number of Democratic lawmakers objected to a last minute restriction blocking new teachers at charter schools from being a part of the state pension system. The change came as part of negotiations during Tuesday’s conference committee.

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) released the following statement on the introduction of a new bill to create an Address Confidentiality Program for Ohioans impacted by domestic violence. 

“I am very pleased that the Address Confidentiality Program is closer then ever to becoming a reality for the many Ohioans whose lives are impacted by domestic violence and the sometimes paralyzing fear of an abuser. An ACP program will offer a lifeline to these individuals, allowing them to engage in simple acts like voting without fear for their lives or the lives of their children. I have worked on legislation to create such a program for six years. ACP legislation was approved unanimously by the House in 2010, and we should work to pass it in both chambers and send it to the Governor before the end of 2015.”

State Rep. Sean J. O’Brien (D–Bazetta) and U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (D- OH 13) will travel to Cuba this month to meet with Cuban officials and study ways to strengthen Ohio’s economic ties with the island nation. Joining O’Brien and Ryan on the research mission will be Atty. Luis M. Alcalde of Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter and Vista Trade Group, and several northeastern Ohio business leaders.

Ohio House Democratic members hosted a press conference today to speak out against the recent attacks on women’s access to healthcare. Led by State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron), the lawmakers introduced a package of bills aimed at securing and expanding women’s access to comprehensive healthcare services.

“The women and families of our state deserve better and need not apologize for demanding access to comprehensive healthcare,” said Johnson. “We are not damsels in distress tied to the train tracks, waiting to be rescued. We have the fundamental right to make healthcare decisions about our own bodies.”

Ohio House Democratic members hosted a press conference today to speak out against the recent attacks on women’s access to healthcare. Led by State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron), the lawmakers introduced a package of bills aimed at securing and expanding women’s access to comprehensive healthcare services.

WATCH Rep. Johnson deliver her powerful closing above.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President and State Rep. Alicia Reece announced a $300,000 job partnership renewal between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati today during a press conference at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio headquarters. 

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today announced former state legislator and U.S. Congressman John Boccieri was sworn-in to represent citizens of the 59th House district. The return to the statehouse marks a full circle for the Poland lawmaker, who began his political career in the Ohio House in 2001 before quickly ascending to the Ohio Senate and then the U.S. Congress.

“It is an honor to again have the opportunity to serve my community and work alongside the dedicated public servants in the Ohio House,” Boccieri said. “I am committed to working toward practical solutions that expand economic opportunities for families in the Mahoning Valley and across Ohio.”

A screening committee led by Caucus Dean Rep. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire) and including Reps. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Kevin Boyce (D-Columbus), Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) and John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) considered three candidates to fill the vacancy. 

“All three candidates impressed the screening committee with their commitment to public service and dedication to fighting for middle class values,” said Cera. “Ultimately, Rep. Boccieri’s extensive public service experience and the recommendation by local Mahoning County leaders contributed to our decision. I am confident we made the right choice and look forward to working with Rep. Boccieri.”

Former Boardman Township Trustee Robin Gallito and Boardman School Board member John Landers were also considered for the seat.

“John’s experience and perspective will be an immeasurable asset to our caucus,” said Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton). “During his time in Columbus and in our nation’s capital, he built a track record of consistently working to improve the quality of life for Ohio families. We are excited to have Rep. Boccieri on board.”

Boccieri previously served in the Ohio House from 2001-200