COLUMBUS- Today, State Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) sent Attorney General Dave Yost a letter questioning why Ohio did not sign on to a States Attorney Generals’ letter to George Ervin Perdue III, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging Secretary Perdue to immediately suspend the rulemaking process for the Proposed Rule entitled, Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Announcement follows Democratic calls to address health disparities among black Ohioans
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.
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.
Working group highlights Democratic efforts to make elections safe and accessible
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.
Vice Chair of economic recovery task force voices frustration with lack of diversity in testimony, censure of Democratic voices
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.
Statement follows CIIC approval of early release for 141 at-risk prisoners
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.
Urge continued action at state, federal level to respond to crisis
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.
Launches virtual campaign to raise awareness of maternal health disparities
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.
