Emilia Strong Sykes News

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) and House Finance Committee Ranking Member Rep. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) today issued statements on the House passage of House Bill 110, the state’s two-year budget. House Democrats largely opposed the bill, saying it was a missed opportunity to invest in everyday Ohioans still struggling amid the health and economic crisis. 

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement on the verdict reached in the Derek Chauvin trial for the killing of George Floyd.

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items this week, including the establishment of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which will allow Ohio to accept an estimated $5.5 billion under the recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid the state’s economic recovery once appropriated. 

House Democratic lawmakers today unveiled a package of commonsense gun safety measures they say will work to curb gun violence and save lives in Ohio. The call comes amid a spike in gun violence and Ohio’s new no duty to retreat bill taking effect earlier this month.

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) and House Finance Committee Ranking Member Rep. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) today applauded the House passage of a $2 billion package of coronavirus relief bills to deliver direct aid for rent and utility assistance, childcare providers, bars, restaurants, lodging and schools, among other industries facing economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic lawmakers also expressed concern over the months-long delay in the release of the funding, which they say slowed the state’s recovery.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. 

The federal and state tax filing due date for the 2020 tax year has been extended to May 17, 2021. The Internal Revenue Service encourages individuals to file as soon as possible, especially if receiving a tax refund. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive refunds, as well as any remaining stimulus payments. 

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued the below statement as the Food and Drug Administration (FD) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine following extremely rare reactions of six vaccine recipients among the nearly 7 million Americans who have already received the vaccine.

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) signed on as a co-sponsor to a resolution that the Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus (OBMHC) is introducing to recognize Black Maternal Health Week in Ohio. Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) is an annual event that promotes awareness and seeks to advance and improve Black maternal health outcomes across the country.