Democratic News

State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) today joined Democratic lawmakers, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and business leaders at a Statehouse press conference to outline their blueprint to strengthen Ohio’s minority-owned businesses. The event kicked off Minority Business Day at the Statehouse and highlighted successful business development programs in West’s district he says serve as a model for the state.   

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued a statement on the latest extreme total abortion ban introduced by House Republican lawmakers this week.

“This latest abortion ban from extreme, right-wing lawmakers is the most brazen and absurd attempt yet to deny Ohio women their fundamental freedoms, to interfere with the patient-doctor relationship and disproportionately target communities of color across Ohio.

State Reps. Thomas West (D-Canton) and Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) will joinHouse Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron), Lt. Governor Jon Husted and representatives from JobsOhio on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. in the Statehouse Harding Press Room for a press conference to discuss the state of Ohio’s minority-owned businesses. 

Today, state Reps. Randi Clites (D-Ravenna) and Tim Ginter (R-Salem) held a Statehouse press conference to introduce bipartisan legislation to create the Ohio Rare Disease Advisory Council. The bill would bring together medical researchers, physicians, nurses, patients, lawmakers and state officials to begin addressing many of the issues facing those living with rare diseases. 

State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) today introduced bipartisan legislation to exempt college textbooks from state sales tax.

“Making textbooks tax-exempt is one small step toward breaking down barriers to higher education,” said Rep. Sweeney. “Since colleges often require textbooks at skyrocketing prices to complete basic courses, it is incumbent upon state legislators to act to reduce the financial burden on Ohio students.”

State Reps. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today introduced a bill to protect health providers and patients across Ohio. 

State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today announced the unanimous passage of House Bill (HB) 287, her bipartisan bill alongside Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) that would allow reciprocity for Medicaid home and community-based service (HCBS) waivers for the family members of active-duty military when families move to Ohio for military assignment. These Medicaid waivers are often necessary to provide custodial and nursing care for individuals with significant developmental disabilities. 

State Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) today announced Senate Bill (SB) 26, which includes a provision she sponsored to eliminate Ohio sales taxes on feminine hygiene products, commonly known as the Pink Tax, was signed by Governor DeWine into law. She released the following statement:

“I am appreciative of the Governor for signing this bill making medically necessary products more equitably accessible to women and girls in our state. This is an important step towards ensuring that everyone who has a period is able to lead a healthful life and fully participate in their communities as they choose.”

State Reps. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Louis Blessing (R-Colerain Township) today announced Gov. Mike DeWine’s signing of House Bill (HB) 189 titled “Tyler’s Law,” bipartisan legislation that increases Ohio amusement ride safety and inspection standards, qualifications of inspectors and responsibilities of ride owners.

As Ohioans go to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots, House Democratic Reps. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus) and Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) will be introducing legislation to make Election Day a paid state holiday for Ohio workers.