Emilia Strong Sykes News

COLUMBUS— House Democratic lawmakers today announced the state Controlling Board approved more than $248 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to aid the state’s ongoing pandemic response efforts, including funds to bolster testing capacity, purchase needed personal protective equipment for frontline workers, expand hospital capacity, and provide resources for those most impacted by the coronavirus.

COLUMBUS— While Ohio’s stay-at-home order works to reduce the strain on the state’s healthcare system, House Democrats today expressed concerns about the effect the prolonged lockdown is having on domestic violence incidents in Ohio. With the statewide stay-at-home order in effect until at least May 1, Democrats say now is the time to act to protect victims and families.

COLUMBUS— Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today released a statement following the announcement of the newly-formed OHIO 2020 legislative work group tasked with studying ways to lay the groundwork for economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

COLUMBUS— For many, the first day of a new month means rent and bills are due. For those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak, April 1^st could be the most financially devastating day yet as fears of evictions and foreclosures may loom.

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today sent a letter to President Trump on behalf of the Ohio House Democrats urging him to approve Ohio’s Major Disaster Declaration request, which would deploy Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to aid the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. 

COLUMBUS—House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today applauded Gov. Mike DeWine as he signed into law House Bill (HB) 197, which will provide needed supports to working people, families and businesses in Ohio amid the coronavirus outbreak. It passed both legislative chambers unanimously Wednesday.

COLUMBUS—House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) released this statement following news of Summit County’s first COVID-19 death:

House Democratic lawmakers today announced the approval of $15.6M in federal funds for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to support local health departments, increase testing capacity, create public education campaigns, and support other costs associated with the state’s response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

COLUMBUS— State lawmakers returned to the Statehouse today to address the COVID-19 crisis and provide immediate relief to everyday Ohioans. House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) released a statement today following the unanimous passage of an omnibus bill (HB 197) that would prohibit utility shut-offs, waive state testing requirements, freeze EdChoice eligibility, extend voting in the primary election, postpone the state income tax filing deadline among several other measures.

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today detailed her caucus’ priorities as state lawmakers prepare to return to the Statehouse next week to determine the timeline and procedures by which voters will be able to cast their ballots in the Ohio primary, which was scheduled for March 17, but postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.