Senate Democrats Set Goals for 135th General Assembly
Today, members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus held an informal brown bag lunch discussion with news media to discuss their top issues and goals for the 135th Ohio General Assembly.
Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), Senate Minority Leader:
“Looking ahead to the new General Assembly, our key legislative priorities look to create a state that puts our children and seniors first, builds an economy that works for everyone and welcomes all families to Ohio. My specific legislative priorities include abolishing the death penalty through a bipartisan effort with Senator Steve Huffman, a re-introduction of the LGBTQ+ Fairness Act and ending the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to make Ohio a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus), Assistant Senate Minority Leader:
“My priority has always been to lift people up out of poverty by building ladders of opportunity to improve the lives of all Ohioans, particularly those of the 15th District who are most vulnerable and in need. This General Assembly, I will continue this work by focusing on issues related to housing, healthcare, education, workforce development, and criminal justice reform.”
Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid), Senate Minority Whip:
“Ohio has much work to do to increase Ohio's median household income, grow our new energy economy and keep and attract young people to call Ohio home. I believe there are a multitude of ways to improve our state and I look forward to working with my fellow Democratic legislators and Republican colleagues to make strides in all of these areas because Ohio can do better. We must take steps to strengthen our state for the good of the people we serve.”
Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Assistant Senate Minority Whip:
“During the 135th General Assembly, I intend to introduce a variety of bills aimed at improving quality of life for Ohioans. Maternal health has always been a priority of mine, and it is critical that the legislature assists pregnant Ohioans by providing Medicaid coverage of doula services. Additionally, I plan to introduce a bill supporting urban agriculture in Ohio and will continue to push for ways to improve and protect Ohio’s waterways, especially Lake Erie. It is my hope that these pieces of legislation will receive the bipartisan approval they deserve.”
Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron):
“In the 135th General Assembly, I’m looking forward to fighting for opportunity and resources for Ohio’s small businesses and minority business owners, investing in early childhood education, and advocating for Ohioan’s needs through the budget process.”
Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati):
“As a legislator, I am always concerned about education and plan to introduce a variety of bills to ensure the accessibility and quality of education for all Ohioans. Furthermore, I plan to address how we can ensure that housing in Ohio is affordable and accessible for all. While we may be moving into a new General Assembly, we still must consider ongoing issues that continue to impact the freedoms of Ohioans such as redistricting, reproductive justice, and the right to vote.”
Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus):
“My main legislative priority is to fight to protect Ohioan’s constitutional rights. I am deeply disturbed by recent Republican efforts to undermine these rights. First, Republicans infringed upon the rights of women who were seeking the basic healthcare option of choice. Now, they are undermining Ohioan’s ability to freely and easily vote. I have been working for decades to help get people elected that would fight for the rights of their constituents, and now that I hold office, it is my turn to do the same.”