Dontavius L. Jarrells News

COLUMBUS – Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State. Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) Wednesday delivered sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Health Committee on House Bill (HB) 32 that would designate July as Celebrating Disabilities Month in Ohio. The bill aims to align Ohio with the national observance of Disability Pride Month, which commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) each year in July and honors the contributions and experiences of Ohioans with disabilities while raising awareness of the barriers many still face.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) Wednesday is proud to announce that Columbus State Community College will receive $315,406 in new capital funding as part of the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program. The investment, approved this week by the Ohio Controlling Board, is part of an $8M statewide allocation aimed at strengthening workforce training and modernizing equipment across Ohio's public colleges and universities

COLUMBUS – Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced that he has introduced the Levy Phase-In Act in response to the overwhelming concerns of Ohioans burdened by sudden and often unexpected property tax increases. The bill aims to help families, seniors, and small businesses better prepare for tax hikes tied to property levies.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) last week helped pass the bipartisan Ohio Transportation Budget (House Bill 54) through the Ohio House of Representatives. This $11.5 billion investment strengthens Ohio's roads, bridges, and transit systems while creating new jobs and connecting communities to economic opportunities.

COLUMBUS — Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President State Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) and fellow members of the OLBC Wednesday held a news conference addressing the caucus’ legislative priorities for the 136th General Assembly. 

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) have reintroduced House Bill (HB) 35, bipartisan legislation to designate a portion of State Route 125 in Scioto County as "Al Oliver Highway," honoring the legacy of Portsmouth native and Major League Baseball icon Al Oliver. 

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Representative Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) have reintroduced legislation to gradually increase Ohio’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2030, ensuring that working Ohioans can keep up with rising costs and economic demands.

COLUMBUS— Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) have introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Certificate of Need program to enhance oversight, expand access to quality recovery housing, and ensure that individuals battling addiction have safe and effective housing options.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced that the Ohio Department of Development has awarded $375,353 in state funding to two Ohio businesses through the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board, reinforcing the state’s commitment to empowering minority and women-owned businesses and driving economic growth.

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) Tuesday introduced the Celebrating Disabilities Month Act, legislation that would officially designate July as "Celebrating Disabilities Month" in Ohio. This bill honors the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Ohioans with disabilities while reaffirming the state’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.