Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement following more than two-dozen budget bill vetoes by Gov. Mike DeWine.
“While he didn’t address all of our concerns, the governor did veto some problematic tax language Democrats opposed that would have made it harder for Ohio communities to deliver essential services and adequately fund their local school districts to give teachers and students the tools they need to succeed.
Vote split as compromise fails to build on House-passed wins for working people
Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement following the passage of the state budget, House Bill 166. The vote follows more than two weeks of Republican dysfunction and gridlock, which forced lawmakers to pass a short-term funding extension before finally compromising on a long-term deal late Tuesday. Sykes also sent a letter* to Governor DeWine on behalf of House Democrats urging him to veto several provisions in the bill they believe are not in the best interest of everyday Ohioans.
Tour to focus on Dem efforts to invest in working people and families
House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the launch of the Ohio Promise Tour, a statewide legislative town hall series hosted by House Democratic members to discuss the state budget, bipartisan priorities and a number of recent Democratic-led wins for working people and families.
Legislative delays with state budget forces University to delay tuition notice
State Rep. Randi Clites (D-Ravenna) and students at Kent State University today responded to a notification the university released Thursday informing students of a delay in issuing tuition bills due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the passage of the Ohio state budget.
“As legislators, it is our constitutional duty to pass a long-term budget by June 30. Interim budgets bring uncertainty and break the promise we made to taxpayers to do so. The delay in billing at Kent State shows the detrimental effects of missing the budget deadline has had on all Ohioans, including students who rely on financial aid and student loans,” said Rep. Clites. “In a state with one-party rule, we should not be putting Ohio students and families in such an uncertain position. I am committed to working together to get this done and I call on Statehouse Republicans to do the same.”
Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement as Republicans passed a partisan, four-year congressional district map that unduly favors Republican candidates 13-2. Leader Sykes and House Democrats sent a letter to the governor urging his veto of the gerrymandered map.
House Leader Emilia Sykes says GOP funding cuts hurt children and communities
House Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today called on state lawmakers to recover funds lost by Ohio libraries during the ongoing 17-day temporary budget extension. Ohio’s public library systems have lost thousands of dollars under the bill, and stand to lose more if Republican lawmakers cannot reach a long-term deal by July 17.
Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the selection of Amber Epling as Communications Director for the House Democratic Caucus.
Bill would ban public, private entities from requiring vaccination
COLUMBUS — State Reps. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin) today voted in opposition to House Bill (HB) 218, Republican-backed legislation that contains last-minute changes to prohibit schools, universities and employers from requiring students or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It would also bar public and private entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for any reason.
House Democratic lawmakers from across Ohio today sent a letter to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose seeking information from his office about the impact of moving the 2020 presidential primary from March 10 to March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. See the letter below.
Say focus should be on commonsense safety solutions for Ohio families
COLUMBUS—Ohio House Democrats today condemned the Ohio House passage of House Bill (HB) 227, GOP-backed legislation that would gut public safety laws that currently require permits for people who carry hidden, loaded handguns in public.
Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued the following statement in response to Governor DeWine’s call to abandon fair tax reform in order to break ongoing Republican gridlock and quickly pass a budget – regardless of its fiscal impact on the state’s bottom line.
Say Republicans failed to act in good faith and refused to negotiate
Democratic members of the Government Oversight Committee today voted in opposition to the Republican-backed congressional district map, which unduly favors GOP candidates 13-2. No public testimony was allowed on the partisan map, and when pressed by Democrats Wednesday, Speaker Cupp indicated Republicans had no intention of negotiating on fair maps with Democrats. After passing the Government Oversight Committee, the bill heads to the House floor for consideration.
Says HB 99 will make our schools and communities less safe
COLUMBUS—State Rep. David Leland (D-Columbus) issued a statement today following the House passage of House Bill (HB) 99, legislation that would allow teachers and staff to be armed in schools. House Democrats voted against the extreme proposal.
Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement on the revised Republican congressional district map proposal. The deadline to pass a congressional map is Nov. 30.
Says bill expands on Ohio House Democratic wins secured in state budget
Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued the following statement as President Biden signed into law historic investments in the nation’s infrastructure, from repairing roads and bridges and replacing lead pipes to expanding broadband internet access and supporting public transit. The bill is the largest investment in national infrastructure in decades and will deliver $11 billion to Ohio.
State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) issued a statement following Friday’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting. The committee is required to hold two public hearings on proposed congressional maps before the legislature can pass a map.
Say compromise map is fair, compact and keep communities together
Today, Reps. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) testified on their compromise congressional district map, House Bill 483, before the House Government Oversight Committee. The Democratic lawmakers said their compromise proposal is a more realistic vision for Ohio compared to the widely criticized House and Senate Republican maps, both of which unduly favor Republican candidates 13-2.
Says HB 99 will make our schools and communities less safe
COLUMBUS—State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) issued a statement today following the House Criminal Justice committee passage of House Bill (HB) 99, Republican legislation that would allow teachers and staff to be armed in schools. All Democratic committee members voted against the extreme proposal.
