Democratic News

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) this week provided sponsor testimony on House Bill 732, legislation creating the “Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass” Program, before the House Arts, Athletics, and Tourism Committee. The committee also heard proponent testimony on the legislation this week.

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) Monday was named to the Governor’s Minority Health Strike Force, which will bring together state and local officials, public health advocates and community leaders to address health disparities among Ohio minority communities that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) and House Democrats today sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost about the need to increase resources to domestic violence shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) provided sponsor testimony for three pieces of legislation this week – House Bills 162, 486, and 613.

House Democratic lawmakers today announced the state Controlling Board met today to approve $90 million in federal funds to support the Ohio Department of Health’s ongoing pandemic response efforts as well as funds to aid rural transportation systems across the state. 

State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) provided sponsor testimony before the House Judiciary Committee for House Bill 693 – the Affirming Families First Act – which aims to clarify parental rights and limit gender-identity screening in Ohio’s child welfare system. 

COLUMBUS— State Representatives Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), and Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) responded to a letter from over 60 advocacy groups containing election policy recommendations for best practices, particularly in emergency situations like the country is now facing. The three representatives make up the House Democratic Caucus’ Elections Working Group which has been monitoring election challenges and crafting policy proposals to ensure elections remain safe and accessible. The coalition’s letter focused on expanding mail voting and providing adequate in-person voting opportunities, two top priorities of the House Democratic Caucus and its Elections Working Group. 

State Representatives Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) provided sponsor testimony yesterday before the Senate Judiciary Committee for House Bill 132 – Phillip Wigal’s Law - legislation strengthening Ohio’s Move Over Law and promoting public safety.

COLUMBUS— Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), vice chair of the OHIO 2020 Task Force, voiced frustration following yet another meeting where none of the presenters were minorities or women and the primary concern of all of the presenters seemed to be re-opening the state as soon as possible.

State Reps. Thomas West (D-Canton) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today joined State Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) in writing a letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton outlining steps to combat racial disparities in health outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint letter is part of an effort by the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) to address racial and ethnic disparities in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Representatives Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) provided sponsor testimony yesterday before the Senate Judiciary Committee for House Bill 132 – Phillip Wigal’s Law - legislation strengthening Ohio’s Move Over Law and promoting public safety.

State Reps. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) and Jeff Crossman (D-Parma) today issued statements following approval of early release for some 141 state prisoners serving sentences for low-level, non-violent offenses. The Democratic lawmakers called for further action to address health and safety concerns in Ohio prisons, which have already seen deaths from COVID-19.

State Representatives Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) provided sponsor testimony yesterday before the Senate Judiciary Committee for House Bill 132 – Phillip Wigal’s Law - legislation strengthening Ohio’s Move Over Law and promoting public safety.

COLUMBUS— House Democratic lawmakers today announced the state Controlling Board approved more than $248 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to aid the state’s ongoing pandemic response efforts, including funds to bolster testing capacity, purchase needed personal protective equipment for frontline workers, expand hospital capacity, and provide resources for those most impacted by the coronavirus.

COLUMBUS, OH — State Representative Tim Barhorst (R–Fort Loramie) this week sent a letter to the Ohio State University Board of Trustees encouraging them to give full and fair consideration to Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel as they select the next president of The Ohio State University.

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Black Maternal Caucus (OBMHC) today recognized the start of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), which promotes awareness and seeks to advance and improve Black maternal health outcomes across the country. 

Columbus, OH — State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) this week provided sponsor testimony in the Senate Education Committee on the Baby Olivia Act, legislation that enhances science education in Ohio public schools by requiring the inclusion of a medically accurate video about early human development in school curriculum.

COLUMBUS— While Ohio’s stay-at-home order works to reduce the strain on the state’s healthcare system, House Democrats today expressed concerns about the effect the prolonged lockdown is having on domestic violence incidents in Ohio. With the statewide stay-at-home order in effect until at least May 1, Democrats say now is the time to act to protect victims and families.

State Representative Diane Mullins (R-Hamilton) today applauded the recent announcement by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development that the city of Hamilton in Butler County will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the creation of workforce housing through the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) is pleased to announce that the House Natural Resources Committee began hearings on the Trails to Tails Act.