Democratic News

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President and State Rep. Alicia Reece announced a $300,000 job partnership renewal between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati today during a press conference at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio headquarters. 

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today announced former state legislator and U.S. Congressman John Boccieri was sworn-in to represent citizens of the 59th House district. The return to the statehouse marks a full circle for the Poland lawmaker, who began his political career in the Ohio House in 2001 before quickly ascending to the Ohio Senate and then the U.S. Congress.

“It is an honor to again have the opportunity to serve my community and work alongside the dedicated public servants in the Ohio House,” Boccieri said. “I am committed to working toward practical solutions that expand economic opportunities for families in the Mahoning Valley and across Ohio.”

A screening committee led by Caucus Dean Rep. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire) and including Reps. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Kevin Boyce (D-Columbus), Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) and John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) considered three candidates to fill the vacancy. 

“All three candidates impressed the screening committee with their commitment to public service and dedication to fighting for middle class values,” said Cera. “Ultimately, Rep. Boccieri’s extensive public service experience and the recommendation by local Mahoning County leaders contributed to our decision. I am confident we made the right choice and look forward to working with Rep. Boccieri.”

Former Boardman Township Trustee Robin Gallito and Boardman School Board member John Landers were also considered for the seat.

“John’s experience and perspective will be an immeasurable asset to our caucus,” said Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton). “During his time in Columbus and in our nation’s capital, he built a track record of consistently working to improve the quality of life for Ohio families. We are excited to have Rep. Boccieri on board.”

Boccieri previously served in the Ohio House from 2001-200

The following statement may be attributed in full or in part to Representative Michael Stinziano (D-Columbus), a member of the Energy Mandates Study Committee (EMSC), on the report issued today by the committee. 

House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) issued the following statement in response to the announcement of Wright State University as the location for the first U.S. presidential debate:

“It is only fitting that Ohio, the quintessential swing state, will host the first presidential debate of 2016. I thank the Commission on Presidential Debates for choosing Ohio, and I have no doubt Wright State University is the right choice to represent the values of the Buckeye State and the hardworking folks who call her home.”

State Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) and Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today announced the introduction of House Bill 330, the Ohio Equal Pay Act. The legislation aims to address the persistent problem of unequal pay between women and men. 

State Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) and Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today announced the introduction of House Bill 330, the Ohio Equal Pay Act. The legislation aims to address the persistent problem of unequal pay between women and men. 

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) today introduced House Bill 337 to create “Ohio Voter Registration Day” on the fourth Tuesday of every September. The bill will make Ohio an active participant in the National Voter Registration Day, which is being celebrated today with registration events around the country. 

Ballot Board members State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) and former Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) released the following statement today in response to the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to overturn unlawful ballot language for Issue 3.

Rep. Clyde’s statement:

“I am pleased the Ohio Supreme Court has ordered the Ballot Board to meet again and follow the law this time. I voted against the original language because of its clearly misleading content and omissions. We have a duty to provide fair, unbiased language to the voters. In addition, county election officials are squeezed by an impossible timeline that requires them to print and mail ballots within 24 hours. This is a terrible way to run elections.”

Sen. Turner’s statement:

“The Ohio Supreme Court has rightly sent us back to the drawing board. Now it’s a race against the clock to get new language to the county boards of elections so that they can print their ballots in time to send them to military and overseas voters. It is my hope that we will approve language that clearly and accurately explains the issue to the voters and creates minimal disruptions to election officials who are working hard to serve Ohio’s voters. This last-minute change could have been avoided if the Board had done its duty correctly the first time.”

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) released the following statement in advance of Vice President Joe Biden’s visit* to Ohio State University (OSU) to advocate for changes in the way sexual assault is prevented and handled on college campuses: 

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain) announced today that he and Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) have introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month in Ohio. The designated month will fall from September 15 to October 15, 2015. 

“Throughout the decades, Americans of Hispanic descent have proudly defended our country in wars and enriched the lives of all Ohioans through contributions to such fields as business, technology, science, education, religion, entertainment, politics, and the arts,” said Ramos, who is of Puerto-Rican descent. “In light of these various contributions to our society, I am proud to formally recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month here in Ohio.”