Democratic News

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.

Today, State Rep. Jeff Crossman (D-Parma) & State Rep. Randi Clites (D-Ravenna), along with several Republican cosponsors, filed their bill to protect patients with pre-existing conditions on the day open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begins.

Today, State Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) and state Rep. Dr. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) announced a package of bills to address insulin pricing and increase awareness of diabetes prevention tools.

“Families are struggling with the cost of insulin and young people are dying. Medically, we can prevent this,” said Liston. “We need policies that make it possible.”

The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus (ODWLC) today called for hearings on several anti-domestic violence bills they say will protect victims and ensure safer homes for thousands of children and families across Ohio.

“Part of the Ohio Promise is to make sure that all Ohioans are able to live safely and securely.  In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Women’s Caucus is uniting to fight for our sisters and put an end to domestic violence,” said ODWLC Chair Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron).

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today following the announcement of nearly $105 million in funds for public transportation agencies across the state to improve operations and mobility throughout Ohio. 

The Ohio House Transportation Committee today recommended the passage of Ohio House Bill 106, which would provide more training and experience to all young drivers in the state.

The committee’s Ranking Member, Representative Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon), and Representative Gary Scherer (R-Circleville) sponsored the bipartisan bill.

The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus (ODWLC) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 30, at 9:30 a.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Ladies Gallery to urge action on anti-domestic violence legislation, which they say is being held up in the Republican-controlled, male-dominated state legislature. The ODWLC call to action comes amid Domestic Violence Awareness Month.