Democrats’ agenda geared toward Ohio workers
Saying they will focus on Ohio workers, including the education needed to get them qualified for the jobs that companies are struggling to fill, minority Senate Democrats outlined their general legislative priorities Wednesday.
“We want to make sure our legislation reflects their needs,” said Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, D-richmond Heights. “We’re going to put workers first.”
Workforce development, a $15 minimum wage and protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation are among the ideas Democrats, who are in a 24-9 minority, will press this session.
“We believe the number of jobs that are available that just need a credential or some type of skilled training is something the legislature should be focusing on,” said Sen. Sandra Williams, D-cleveland. “The legislature investing in those programs will not only will help families here, it will help employers and help attract employers to our state.”
Democrats say helping train tomorrow’s workers also means ensuring today’s students are ready to enter school. Sen. Vernon Sykes, D-akron, said more slots for early childhood education and expanded eligibility are keys to better school performance, one day leading to better job performance.
“We see it as a workforce development emphasis,” he said.
And, in what he called a multi-generational approach, Sykes also wants to see more subsidized day care, allowing parents to go to school or get additional training.
For the fifth consecutive session, Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-lakewood, has introduced a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations. Antonio said the bill is backed by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, and has one Republican cosponsor, Sen. Michael Rulli of Salem.
“All Ohioans deserve that equal chance to get ahead,” she said. “Ohio can’t truly be competitive in attracting the best and the brightest if their basic civil rights are not available to all current and future employees.”
Sen. Tina Maharath, D-canal Winchester, said battling the opioid epidemic is going to be one of her top priorities. She sponsored a bill requiring pharmacists who dispense certain controlled substances to also give patients a chemical that can be used in disposing of any unused drugs.
“We must address this issue with both comprehensive solutions and investment into access to drug addiction and mental health services,” she said. That, she said, includes helping local governments pay for those services.
Democrats also plan to continue a push for gun safety measures, including those that majority Republicans refused to pass last session, such as a “red flag” law that allows guns to be temporarily removed from those deemed dangerous, universal background checks and raising the age to buy any gun to 21.