Democratic News

Today, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) was sworn in by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, followed by the following officers: State Reps. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Erica Crawley (D-Columbus), Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), and State Sens. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), and Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). The change in leadership is also accompanied by the appointment of a new director of the caucus, Tony Bishop. The new leadership team briefly outlined a plan to better engage Black Ohioans and build the necessary coalitions across the state to improve the everyday lives of all Ohioans. The new leadership team issued the statements below following their swearing-in.

COLUMBUS – House Democrats today announced two events that continue the caucus’ People First agenda into 2024. The public events will raise awareness for legislative priorities the people of Ohio overwhelmingly want and deserve.

Following the 133rd General Assembly’s frustrating inability to take meaningful action to repeal House Bill 6, Select Committee on Energy Policy & Oversight Ranking Member David Leland (D-Columbus) is proposing legislation on day one of the 134th General Assembly aimed at breaking the logjam. This legislation combines House Bill 772 from the 133rd General Assembly with a groundbreaking, market-based, consumer-driven Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) program.

COLUMBUS – House Democrats today announce the election of Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) as the new minority assistant whip. Rep. Grim was appointed to the caucus leadership position following the resignation of former Rep. Tavia Galonski.

State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today condemned Governor Mike DeWine’s signing into law of Senate Bill 175, which grants civil immunity to handgun licensees who are responsible for injury, death, or other loss as a result of carrying a handgun. The proposed amendment mimics “stand your ground” laws and permits the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered. Brent says the legislation disproportionately impacts the lives of Black Ohioans and puts the safety of Ohioans at risk.

COLUMBUS – House Democrats today announce the swearing-in of Beryl Piccolantonio (D - Gahanna) to represent Ohio’s 4th House District, after the resignation of State Rep. Mary Lightbody.

COLUMBUS– House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today congratulated former House Assistant Minority Whip Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) on being appointed as the Summit County clerk of courts. Rep. Galonski resigned tonight from the Ohio House of Representatives after serving in House Democratic Leadership as assistant whip since 2021 and as state representative since initially being appointed in May of 2017.

House Democrats today celebrated a historically effective two-year legislative session, which saw them play a critical role in policymaking, passing dozens of bills and long-held caucus priorities, including investments in education, job training, and public transit, as well as tax cuts for working families and expanded health care access to improve maternal health and infant mortality. Dec. 31 marks the official end to the 133rd General Assembly (GA). 

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today introduced The Kidfluencer Protection Act, legislation creating regulation for child influencers - kidfluencers - ensuring proper compensation for their labor.

COLUMBUS – House Democrats today announce the inaugural Gun Violence Prevention Summit aimed at fostering discussions on crucial commonsense policies supported by a bipartisan majority of Ohioans. 

Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued the following statement as Ohio and the nation will reportedly fall far short of the vaccination goal of 20 million doses by the end of the year. Just 2.1 million doses have been administered nationwide to date. The state Controlling Board Wednesday approved $125 million in funds to distribute vaccines.

State Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) today highlighted several key priorities Democrats were able to deliver for Ohio taxpayers in 2020, including securing $4.53 billion in funding to assist local communities, front line workers, first responders, schools, small businesses, and Ohio’s working people and families affected by coronavirus and ongoing economic uncertainty.

COLUMBUS – House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today called Governor Mike DeWine’s decision to veto the discriminatory House Bill (HB) 68 a much needed sign of support for Ohio’s LGBTQ+ children and the community overall, as well as parental rights.

COLUMBUS - The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine respectfully requesting he veto House Bill (HB) 68, the anti-trans youth bill. 

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this morning, making her the first member of the Ohio General Assembly to receive the vaccine.

COLUMBUS - House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today denounces the passage of House Bill (HB) 68, anti-trans legislation, that would ban gender affirming care and ban trans kids from participating in sports. 

Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today urged Gov. Mike DeWine to veto two controversial bills, Shoot First legislation Democrats say endangers Black lives and makes Ohioans less safe, and a new, extremist restriction on abortion access in Ohio. House Republicans cut off debate on the bills last week, denying Democrats the opportunity to speak out against the last-minute flurry of extreme legislation GOP lawmakers are rushing through the legislative process before the end of the 133rd General Assembly at the end of the year.

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today released the following statement after the former PUCO chairman, Sam Randazzo, was indicted on bribery and embezzlement charges related to the House Bill (HB) 6 nuclear bailout scandal.

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) today announced that House Bill (HB) 1, her bipartisan bill to modify intervention in lieu of conviction/sealing requirements, moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.