Democratic News

State Reps. Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) and Mike Foley (D-Cleveland) were joined by the Ohio AFL-CIO on Thursday to highlight a proposal that would make Ohio companies more responsible to their employees and accountable to taxpayers.

Thursday, State Rep. Matt Lundy (D-Elyria) responded to the release of the State Auditor’s report on JobsOhio. The report found noncompliance with certain statutory requirements dealing with ethics statements and employee compensation. The report did little to examine the breadth or depth of alleged conflicts of interest at the controversial entity.

“This report shows why JobsOhio continues to be fertile ground for corruption,” said Rep. Lundy. “Sadly, Governor Kasich remains silent as Ohio trails the majority of the nation in job creation and JobsOhio staffers lavishly spend money and skirt around ethics. At some point, the organizational structure seems to be more about personal perks than creating jobs. “

Rep. Lundy sponsored The JobsOhio Accountability Act-- House Bill 189 --with State Rep. John Patrick Carney (D-Columbus) in June of this year to address the lack of transparency and accountability at JobsOhio.

In a press conference on Thursday, State Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) and Mike Curtin (D- Marble Cliff) called for an end to the hyper-partisan voter ID proposals circulating in the Ohio General Assembly.

State Rep. John Rogers (D- Mentor-on-the-Lake) was appointed to the Local Government Innovation Council last week.  The council awards grants and loans to local government economic development projects that prioritize collaboration and shared services.

Brave servicewomen and men have met the challenges our country faces time and again to uphold the sacred freedoms and inalienable rights that make our nation great. Our veterans’ unwavering and selfless service is a daily reminder that we cannot take our liberty for granted.

Our state’s commitment to supporting our troops off the battlefield must reflect the realities veterans are often faced with when returning home. We must display the same determination and steadfast service to our veterans that they have shown our state and country. Our resolve to improve our state, nation and world must meet the same dedication our veterans have put forth in standing against injustice and oppression. 

We are sincerely thankful to those who have given so much. 

Ohio House Democratic Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus) released the following statement in recognition of Ohioans’ defeat of the GOP’s dangerous attack on middle class families, Senate Bill 5. Two years ago Friday, the citizen referendum of Senate Bill 5—Issue 2 at the ballot—successfully defended the rights of middle class workers to collectively bargain for fair wages and safe work conditions. 

On Friday, State Rep. and Air Force Veteran Connie Pillich (D-Montgomery) welcomed and introduced participants of the Celebrating Women Veterans healthcare event at the Marriott Kingsgate in Cincinnati.

On Wednesday, State Representative Denise Driehaus (D-Clifton) attempted to create a Tax Expenditure Review Board, which would make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor about the value of awarding tax credits to entities that receive money from the legislature.  Rep. Driehaus introduced an amendment to Substitute House Bill 107 that mirrors legislation (HB 81) she introduced at the beginning of the current General Assembly. 

Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) and Mike Foley (D- Cleveland) are calling on Gov. Kasich to delay signing Senate Bill 193 until next week-- a move that would ensure Senate Bill 193 does not apply to the 2014 gubernatorial election.

“By delaying the effective date of this bill, Gov. Kasich can show the public that this isn’t a hasty, self-interested attempt to limit his third party competition for the 2014 election,” Rep. Foley said. “I think the Governor should do the right thing and rise above the cynical perception this bill has created.”

SB 193 would make it harder for third party candidates to qualify for the 2014 ballot if it is signed into law by Gov. Kasich within the next two days. The legislation has become known by many as the John Kasich Re-election Protection Act, as it seems to be an attempt to disqualify Libertarian candidate Charlie Earl from the 2014 gubernatorial race.