Democratic News

Every Ohioan depends on clean, safe water. Water is easy to take for granted. Turn on the faucet, and it is available.

Ohio is a water-rich state, bounded by Lake Erie on the north and the Ohio River on the south, with many streams and rivers within its borders.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the role Ohio’s agriculture community plays in protecting our environment, specifically as it relates to water quality. The good news is – through the passage of comprehensive legislation and detailed environmental regulations, Ohio has in place a robust infrastructure that can and does efficiently and effectively preserve our land, air and water.

The Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus (OHDWC) today is hosting nationally renowned American feminist, activist and journalist Gloria Steinem for a series of events at the Ohio Statehouse. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Gloria Steinem was a key figure during the women’s rights movement of the late 1960’s and has received numerous bestselling book awards for her novels on women’s issues on personal, national and global levels. 

“Gloria Steinem is an inspiring hero and role-model for women in Ohio and across the nation,” said Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), chair of the OHDWC. “From the gender wage gap, to restrictions on women’s access to healthcare, to outdated and incomplete laws against rape, many of the challenges women in Ohio face today are the same issues Gloria has been fighting against and raising awareness of for decades. The challenges we face in Ohio are certainly real, but they are not insurmountable if we come together, speak with one voice and make a stand.” 

State Rep. David Leland (D-Columbus) issued the following statement today in response to Gov. John Kasich’s proposed gun safety framework in Ohio:

“By putting partisan divides behind us, we will be closer to the day when our children don’t have to live in fear of gun violence .Keeping those we love safe and protected from senseless, random acts of violence should be our highest priority. The framework proposed by the governor today brings us closer to that point. Ultimately, I believe we also need to have a serious conversation about prohibiting firearm and ammunition sales to people under the age of 21 in Ohio.”

State Reps. John Boccieri (D-Poland) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) today applauded the House passage of House Bill 415, legislation that would send half of any state surplus revenue to a new Local Government Road Improvement Fund to fix potholes and fund local road improvements. 

“There is absolutely no reason Ohio needs to add more to the $2.5 billion dollars in the Rainy Day Fund with the condition of our roads,” said Boccieri. “Finally, the legislature is listening to our citizens."

Excess state revenues can develop every two years, at the end of the state’s fiscal year, if the state budgeted for more than was spent. In recent years, surplus revenue has gone to fund the state’s emergency fund, the Rainy Day Fund.

“This bill is a common-sense measure to fix our roads and bridges. It helps local communities and helps create jobs,” said Lepore-Hagan.

Under the legislation, the Office of Budget and Management would tally the length of center lane miles in each county, calculating a dollar amount to be shared by local communities in all 88 counties. The funding is then distributed through counties to townships and municipalities for road repairs.

The bill passed by a vote of 73-13 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron), the lead Democratic member on the Health and Human Services House budget panel, today joined House Democratic lawmakers to file a formal protest with the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), opposing proposed restrictions and additional barriers to healthcare for working poor Ohioans. 

State Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain) and State Sen. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) today introduced companion legislation in their respective chambers to urge the U.S. Senate to consider the nomination of Appeals Court Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court. The president nominated Garland on March 16, but the U.S. Senate has so far refused to hold hearings to consider his nomination.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President and State Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) today applauded the selection of Harriet Tubman as the new face of the U.S. $20 bill.

State Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) today announced legislation that would allow local residents to request for increased roadway safety standards. House Bill (HB) 436 would allow residents or a recognized neighborhood association to petition for a stop sign or lower speed limits on their street.

“Local communities are in the perfect position to know if a stop sign or lower speed limit is in the best interests of their residents,” said Leland. “This bill cuts bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary expenses, and gives Ohioans the flexibility they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”