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Rep. Hicks-Hudson Calls GOP Veto Override Vote Dangerous for
Ohioans
Says GOP action puts
politics over people
Rep. Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) joined House Democrats last
week to vote opposition to a motion to override the
governor's veto of Senate Bill (SB) 22, controversial
Republican legislation that would threaten the health and
safety of Ohioans by curbing authority from the governor and
health director during public health crises.
"As a lawyer and public official I take my oath of office
seriously. I will vote for lawful bills that improve the
lives of Ohioans. I will not vote for unconstitutional bills
that harm my constituents" said Rep. Hicks-Hudson.
Democrats voted in unison against SB 22 earlier this month
and sent the governor a letter urging his veto. A number of
Democratic lawmakers issued statements Tuesday applauding
the governor's veto.
Proponents of SB 22 made a number of false, inaccurate and
misleading claims about the virus and the state's response.
Similarly, YouTube pulled down a recording of testimony from
a Feb. 17 House committee hearing on House Bill (HB) 90,
legislation that mirrors many of the same provisions of SB
22, for violating the site's terms of service for spreading
COVID-19 misinformation.
Opponents of both SB 22 and HB 90 include top state public
health officials, who said the effort to roll back health
orders would slow the state's response to the coronavirus
pandemic. Statehouse researchers also called into question
the constitutionality of the effort to strip executive
authority from the governor.
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Rep. Hicks-Hudson Says Transportation Budget Moves State in
Right Direction
Dems fought to secure more
than $221M for public transit
Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson
(D-Toledo) issued a statement following the final passage of
House Bill (HB) 74, the state's two-year transportation
budget. Democrats fought against the governor's proposed
cuts to public transit funding in the bill, securing more
than $221 million over the next two years, more than
doubling the governor's proposed investment.
"I am especially pleased that
this bill contained the amendment giving Toledo Area Transit
Authority the ability to restructure its membership and
funding mechanism," said Rep. Hicks-Hudson. "This amendment
was two General Assemblies in the making, and it is a game
changer for our region. I am pleased that all aspects of
our community came together to help us advocate for our
citizens."
Other key Democratic wins in
the transportation budget include:
* Ensuring fairness and
transparency of taxpayer dollars by requiring more highway
construction and maintenance projects are subject to
competitive bidding; * Removing the governor's proposed
hikes in vehicle registration and other fees to save Ohioans
money; * Securing funds for public transit vouchers for
victims of domestic violence who need help getting to court,
medical appointments and school.
The transportation budget now
moves to the governor to be signed into law.
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