Democratic News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus yesterday during their first meeting of the 134th General Assembly elected their leadership team for this session:

State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the Ohio Senate’s unanimous passage of House Bill 94, marking its last legislative stop before Gov. John Kasich’s anticipated signature into law. Jointly sponsored by Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek), the bipartisan legislation establishes February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Ohio in an effort to raise awareness around teen dating violence in hopes of preventing abuse and helping victims find safety.

“By designating February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are giving light to something that is tragically effecting our youth at high rates,” said Sykes. “Increasing public awareness and raising the profile of this problem in schools, communities and throughout our state will help more people get the help they need to stop the cycle of violence.”

The Office of Criminal Justice Services Family Violence Prevention Center defines dating abuse as a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against his or her girlfriend or boyfriend. Abuse can cause injury or even death, but does not have to be physical. One in five children between the ages of 11-14 say their friends are victims of dating violence. Teens who are victims of dating violence are more likely to be depressed and do poorly in school. 

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement as the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Trump. 

State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) released a statement today responding to the Barberton shooting that took place Tuesday, Oct. 3 near Barber Road:

“In the wake of the unthinkable horror in Las Vegas, it is absolutely devastating to be faced with an active shooter here at home, in our community. I am immensely grateful to the Barberton, Norton, and Copley first responders who ran toward danger to keep us safe. Because of their swift and brave response, the suspect was taken into custody and another potential tragedy has been avoided.”

Galonski represents Ohio’s 35^th district, which is comprised of parts of Akron and Barberton.  

State Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) introduced a bill Monday to postpone evictions and foreclosures in Ohio amid the ongoing pandemic. The bill adds additional protections and plugs many of the well-documented gaps in the existing Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) moratorium, which expires on January 31, 2021. The bill also extends the moratorium for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency at the state level since the extension of the CDC's moratorium beyond January is dependent on additional federal action.