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Rep. Brown, House Democrats reject an amendment to strip ODH of power during a pandemic

Says GOP-led attack on state health director is a disgraceful abuse of power
May 7, 2020
Richard D. Brown News

COLUMBUS—Ohio House Assistant Minority Whip State Representative Richard Brown (D- Canal Winchester) today released a statement following the dangerous and partisan attack on Dr. Amy Acton by House Republicans:  

“Although the vast majority of Ohioans approve of Governor DeWine’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and Dr. Acton’s medical and public health decisions and guidance, yesterday the Republican House majority rammed through SB 1 with a mean-spirited amendment which would effectively strip the statutorily-based powers of Ohio’s Health Director,” Rep. Brown said.

“Instead of considering legislation to help families keep the lights on, keep food on the table, address child-care concerns, protect workers in the work place, or get much-needed unemployment benefits during this emergency, the Republican majority played partisan politics with the pandemic.  I stand with a united Democratic caucus in opposition to this irresponsible and unnecessary power-grab.”

The amendment was attached to Senate Bill 1 in Wednesday’s State and Local Government Committee meeting without advance notice or any public testimony and was discharged from committee on a party-line vote, with all Democratic members voting against it.

The amended bill now goes to the Senate for a vote.

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