Kunze Issues Statement on Passage of Senate Bill 22

COLUMBUS—State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today issued the following statement regarding the Senate's passage of Senate Bill 22: "My job as an elected official is to ensure that the voices of all my constituents are represented in the policy-making decisions for Ohio. I respect the role of the Governor, and I am grateful for the precautions Governor DeWine has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans. With that said, today I voted in support of Senate Bill 22, per an amendment that was included in the legislation. Under the amended version of SB 22, the new Ohio Health Oversight and Advisory Committee may be called upon to review the order, if needed. The committee will report their findings to the General Assembly so all 132 members, not a select 6 member committee, can make an informed, fact-based, science-driven decision on the status of any emergency order. The amended version of Senate Bill 22 is a compromise that provides flexibility to the administration to react quickly to emergency situations, while also providing the legislative body the opportunity to represent the best interests and voices of their constituents from district to district across the state. It is important for the people to have a voice, and for the General Assembly to truly represent their voice. This amended version of Senate Bill 22 will give me as a legislator the opportunity to ensure the people of the 16th Senate District's voices are heard, especially in unprecedented times."