Rep. Brennan Praises Bipartisan, Business-Labor Push to Fund Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Support for First Responders

(COLUMBUS) — State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today voiced strong support for the emerging agreement between business leaders and public safety unions to fund Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) benefits for Ohio’s first responders. 

Under the proposal, $40M in marijuana tax revenue would be used to seed the fund created under House Bill (HB) 308 to provide PTSI coverage outside the traditional workers’ compensation system—an approach that first responders have long sought, and business groups believe offers long-term financial stability.

“I am deeply encouraged to see business organizations and public safety unions working side-by-side to do what is right,” said Rep. Brennan. “Our first responders run toward danger so the rest of us can run away from it. When trauma from that work leaves deep and invisible wounds, Ohio has a responsibility to step up. This proposal honors that responsibility while also protecting job creators and taxpayers.”

Earlier this week, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police sent a joint letter to legislative leaders affirming the momentum behind the collaboration. Their letter expressed confidence that with this seed funding, they can finalize a comprehensive plan that provides meaningful PTSI benefits to first responders while preventing increased costs on Ohio businesses.

Rep. Brennan said their partnership is exactly the kind of problem-solving Ohioans expect.

“Too often, issues involving workers’ compensation and mental health become divisive,” continued Rep. Brennan. “But in this case, labor and business came to the same table, not as adversaries, but as allies. That is something to celebrate-and support. That’s why I also sent a letter to the conferees urging them to adopt this funding and move this forward.”

Rep. Brennan thanked the organizations involved, noting that the plan reflects compassion, responsibility, and fiscal realism.

“This is the best of Ohio,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “We can support our police, firefighters, and other first responders without pitting workers against employers or taxpayers against public servants. I strongly encourage my colleagues in both chambers to seize this moment and deliver.”