Democratic News

State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) this week introduced new legislation, House Bill (HB) 315, to require federally licensed firearms dealers to provide information about suicide prevention in hopes of decreasing the alarming statistics associated with gun-related fatalities.

“Over 50 percent of gun deaths in Ohio are the result of firearm assisted suicide,” said Rep. Liston. “I want to ensure that all gun owners are aware of the risks associated with firearms and are able to make informed decisions that are best suited for themselves and their families.”

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon), with joint sponsor Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus), yesterday introduced House Bill (HB) 317, titled the “Protect Law Enforcement Act,” or PLEA—legislation that would require all firearms transactions to be processed by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), closing the current loopholes in law that allow many guns sales to occur without a background check.

Just days after the tragic shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, members of American State Legislators for Gun Violence Prevention (ASLGVP) — a non-partisan coalition of legislators from across the country — joined legislative leaders from Ohio to call for enactment of common sense state laws to stop gun violence. Altogether, nearly 70 legislators from 23 states and the District of Columbia were present.

Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement today following Governor Mike DeWine’s proposals in the wake of this weekend’s mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio.

Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today issued statements on the legislature’s duty to work together to address senseless gun violence and keep all Ohioans safe in the wake of a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio. 

State Reps. H. Gilson Blair (D-Weathersfield) and Michael O’Brien (D-Warren) renewed their request to meet with representatives of the Trump administration today as the President prepares for a campaign rally in Cincinnati.

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) was joined by Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron), Sen. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron), Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) and Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) on Tuesday evening to kick off the Ohio Promise Town Hall Tour, a statewide legislative town hall series hosted by House and Senate Democratic members. The purpose of the tour is to hear from constituents in their districts about their most pressing concerns, answer questions, and discuss the state budget, bipartisan priorities and a number of recent Democratic-led, legislative wins for working people and families.

State Reps. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights), Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland), and Jeff Crossman (D-Parma) today applauded the recently announced expansion of services to Cleveland-area nonprofits through the release of $1.1 million dollar grant provided by UnitedHealthcare, Inc.

“As a legislator with a background in nonprofit advocacy, I know that the work nonprofits provide across communities is invaluable. Whether serving youth, seniors or families, addressing barriers to healthy development, preventative care, education, work training and job placement, housing or any other basic need or social determinant, nonprofits are a vital part of our collective humanity and success. I'm pleased to announce this funding awards $1.1 million for these nonprofits, and I trust that this funding will enhance and expand the work already in progress.”—said Rep. Janine Boyd.

House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) tonight will kick off the Ohio Promise Town Hall Tour, a statewide series of legislative town halls hosted by House Democrats to discuss the state budget, bipartisan priorities and a number of recent Democratic-led wins for working people and families across the Buckeye State.

State Reps. H. Gilson Blair (D-Weathersfield) and Michael O’Brien (D-Warren) today requested a meeting with President Donald Trump or Vice President Michael Pence during their planned visits to Lancaster, Ohio, on July 30, or Cincinnati on August 1.

State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) today sent a letter to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose urging him to reconsider and cancel the Sept. 6 voter purge which threatens the registration of some 235,610 Ohio voters—many of whom remain eligible to vote.

“For years, we’ve had Automated Voter Purging but not Automated Voter Registration,” wrote Sweeney. “I ask that you reconsider and cancel this voter purge so that my constituents – those who vote and those who don’t – are not struck from the rolls. Let’s get back on track with Automated Voter Registration and leave Automated Voter Purging in the past.”