Democratic News

Ohio Redistricting Commission member and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) Monday sent a letter to House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) and Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) requesting the General Assembly take the necessary steps to be able to consider congressional district maps should the Ohio Redistricting Commission fail to approve maps by their Oct. 31 deadline. 

Today, Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) was named the Ranking Member of the House Finance Committee. She fills the role formerly held by Erica C. Crawley, now a Franklin County Commissioner. Rep. Sweeney becomes likely the youngest-ever Ranking Member on the powerful Finance Committee.

Today, State Representatives Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) filed legislation to strengthen the accountability over charter school operators. This is a re-filed version of the legislation first filed during the 133rd General Assembly as House Bill 549.

House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today outlining the caucus’s next steps to expand on the Opportunity Agenda for Ohio, their legislative framework to restore Ohio’s promise of better lives, brighter futures and economy that works for everyone. They released a short list of key legislative priorities in the coming months, including delivering fair maps, combatting the coronavirus pandemic and reforming the state’s broken unemployment insurance system. 

House Democratic lawmakers from around the state, including Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), Minority Whip Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton), and Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), today called on Republican members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission to release draft congressional districts so the Commission can begin working to reach an agreement on a bipartisan 10-year map. 

Reps. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today called for immediate action on legislation that would reform Ohio’s criminal justice system and expand opportunities for survivors of sexual violence and abuse to seek the justice they deserve. 

Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today urged the swift passage of House Bill (HB) 3, better known as Aisha’s Law, in the wake of the highly publicized Gabby Petito case.  Aisha’s Law would improve how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and provides added protections for those in high-risk situations. 

Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today was officially appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy as state representative to the 26th Ohio House District.

Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today was officially appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy as state representative to the 26th Ohio House District.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) and State Rep. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) today issued statements following a recent interaction where Dayton Police dragged a paraplegic Black man from his car and threw him on the road during a routine traffic stop in Dayton. The Dayton Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident.