Democratic News

In a speech to the Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday, newly elected Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) inspired her colleagues to look past themselves, politics and the walls of the Statehouse to work together for the people of Ohio. Sykes commended the Republican majority for meeting Democratic calls for bipartisan cooperation and reaffirmed her caucus’ commitment to working people and families in Ohio.

State Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) held a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse today to announce Aisha’s Law, a bill to change how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases. The bill is named for Aisha Fraser, a former Shaker Heights sixth-grade teacher who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband, former state Rep. Lance Mason, in Nov. 2018 following years of domestic abuse. 

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced that Ohioans looking to get driving privileges restored may be able to do so at a reduced cost under the Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Initiative, a six-month program that began Jan 31. Sykes supported the law change in the Ohio House last year.

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) and state Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) today joined Gov. Mike DeWine for his latest executive order signing, which strengthens protections for domestic violence victims by including intimate partner violence, or dating violence, in state agency directives and guidelines.

“Dating violence is domestic violence, and anything we can do to protect victims from their abusers will save lives,” said Sykes. “I’m encouraged by Governor DeWine’s executive order today to make protecting victims of dating violence a priority in our state.”

State Reps. Thomas West (D-Canton) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today introduced a bill to address infant mortality through increased sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening for expectant mothers. The legislation would require healthcare professionals to test pregnant women for HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea at different points of the pregnancy in order to connect mother and baby to appropriate treatment and counseling. 

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today announced its leadership team for the 133^rd General Assembly. In an all-caucus vote, Dems elected current Democratic Whip and state Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) as the next Democratic leader.

“Ohioans want leaders who put people first, who know how to work together to get things done,” said Sykes. “I am humbled by the support of this caucus and look forward to working with this leadership team, members, staff and my Republican colleagues over the next two years to improve the lives of Ohio’s children, families and workers.”

Dr. King talked about the danger of staying silent on the things that matter—a sentiment as true today as it was in his time. For too many people, times may have changed, but the story stays the same...

Following today’s announcement of the state’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award winners, State Rep. Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon) congratulated the four Lucas County award recipients, two of which are from the 46^th House District which is represented by Sheehy in the legislature.

“I was thrilled, but certainly not surprised to see our communities recognized statewide for their bold, pioneering work towards a culture of justice,” said Sheehy, “I extend hearty congratulations and deep gratitude to my neighbors, and look forward to working with them to build bridges between all Ohioans.”

State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron), a vocal proponent of devoting more resources to fighting Ohio’s infant mortality crisis, today responded to Gov. Mike DeWine’s creation of an advisory panel to potentially expand home-visitation programs, which have been shown to increase infant life expectancy and maternal health.

“After years of fighting for opportunities that let families and children have brighter futures, we are glad to see this Governor is making kids a priority,” said Sykes. “We look forward to working with him to push for funding in the budget that makes the lives of Ohio's children and families better.”

State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today released the following statement applauding Gov. Mike DeWine’s tone and work ethic as he begins his first day of service to Ohioans as the state’s 70^th governor:

“By embracing new ideas, building bridges and surrounding himself with a majority-woman cabinet and people that know the meaning of hard work, Governor DeWine has sent a message that today is a new day in the State of Ohio.