Ohio Democrats Respond to State of the State

COLUMBUS - Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), State Representative and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), and State Representative and Chairwoman of the Ohio Democratic Women's Legislation Caucus Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) today released the following statements following their press conference in response to Governor DeWine's State of the State address.

"While we are pleased to see the governor highlight the importance of supporting children and families, many Ohioans are living in crisis mode," said Leader Antonio. "As Ohioans are struggling to find affordable child care or put a roof over their heads, the Republican-led legislature has shown time and time again how out of touch they are with everyday Ohioans and what they truly need. We hope that in the final year of the Governor's time in office, he will join us in our efforts to support hardworking families across Ohio so that next year, all Ohioans can say that they are indeed better off than last year."

"Governor DeWine said the state of Ohio is strong. It is strong, but only for those who are already doing very well. For everyone else, they have been falling further behind, forced to figure out how to get by with less while politicians in charge have prioritized the wealthiest few. Families are facing skyrocketing housing costs, childcare they cannot afford, rising utility bills, and stagnant wages. Schools are underfunded, public services are stretched thin, and access to healthcare continues to decline in many communities. Ohioans deserve leaders who will start making different choices and put the people of this state first," said Leader Isaacsohn.

Rep. Upchurch is the president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

"The governor said the state of Ohio is strong, but working families know a very different reality. Schools are closing, costs keep rising, and wages are not keeping up. Families are struggling to make ends meet while the policies coming out of this Statehouse continue to favor the wealthiest. That is not strength. It is a set of priorities that is leaving working Ohioans behind," said Rep. Upchurch.

Rep. Munira is the chairwoman of the Ohio Democratic Women's Legislative Caucus.

"Across Ohio, women are holding together families, workplaces, and entire communities. They are teachers, nurses, childcare providers, and small business owners who keep our state running every day. Yet the policies coming out of this Statehouse are making their lives harder instead of easier. Ohio families deserve leaders who will prioritize affordability and opportunity," said Rep. Munira.

Ohio Democrats hosted a press conference responding to the State of the State, which can be viewed here.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A picture of the members at the press conference is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.