Democratic News

COLUMBUS- State Reps. Dr. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville) today introduced House Bill (HB) 580 to guarantee that health providers receive equivalent re-imbursement for covered services, regardless of whether they are conducted in person or remotely, during times of crisis. HB 580 will ensure that people get the care they need, while still maintaining safety for both the patient and the provider.

COLUMBUS- Several Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. John Patterson (D- Jefferson), Phil Robinson (D-Solon), Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville), today introduced a legislative package to mitigate the negative impacts schools are facing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The package would provide resources and allow already overburdened school districts to take the necessary steps to recover from the repercussions of this ongoing public health crisis.

COLUMBUS—State Reps. Gil Blair (D-Weathersfield), Michael O’Brien (D-Warren) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) issued a statement today following the unexpected passing of fellow Mahoning Valley state Rep. Don Manning (R-New Middletown):

“It is with great sadness that we woke this morning to learn of the passing of our colleague and neighbor Don Manning.  We send our deepest condolences to his family during these difficult times." 

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COLUMBUS – The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus today issued a statement in response to Attorney General Dave Yost’s directive that all surgical abortions in Ohio halt believing that this would be in accordance with the State Health Director’s order for people to cancel all elective surgeries.  

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today detailed her caucus’ priorities as state lawmakers prepare to return to the Statehouse next week to determine the timeline and procedures by which voters will be able to cast their ballots in the Ohio primary, which was scheduled for March 17, but postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

COLUMBUS—House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today following a call with Governor Mike DeWine and the entire House Democratic Caucus. During that call, Democratic members of the House expressed their thoughts on legislative remedies to the current public health and economic crises as well as shared concerns they are hearing from local leaders and constituents in their districts.

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) today announced that House Bill (HB) 12, his bipartisan legislation with state Rep. Don Manning (R-New Middletown) to create the Children’s Behavioral Health Prevention Network Stakeholder Group, officially takes effect after being signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine 90 days ago.

COLUMBUS—House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today criticizing the state’s chief election officer, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, for sharing inaccurate information during a time of chaos when Ohioans are turning to him for truth and guidance.   

COLUMBUS—House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today about the confusion and spread of misinformation related to the State Health Director ordering the polls to be closed and in-person voting to not take place today:

COLUMBUS—House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement tonight about the confusion caused by the governor’s Monday afternoon recommendation that Election Day be moved to June 2 which was then denied in court and caused chaos and confusion in the late evening hours. Ohio’s Health Director has since ordered polling locations to be closed over coronavirus concerns.

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) released a statement today aboutthe decision made by Gov. Mike DeWine to postpone the primary election originally scheduled for tomorrow, March 17 to June 2: