Statewide town hall tour focuses on Dem efforts to invest in working people and families
HUDSON, Ohio— State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) held a community town hall in Hudson on Monday, August 19 as part of the Ohio Promise Town Hall Tour, a statewide legislative town hall series hosted by House Democratic members. The purpose of the tour is to hear from constituents in their districts about their most pressing concerns, answer questions, and discuss the state budget, bipartisan priorities and a number of recent Democratic-led, legislative wins for working people and families.
Rep. Weinstein kicked off the event with a legislative update, discussing his bills to grant licensing reciprocity for military families and ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing children have access to medically necessary hearing aids. The event included an open forum to allow constituents to ask questions and identify community concerns that can be addressed through state government. Audience members in Hudson wanted to know about what measures were being taken to enact gun safety legislation in the wake of the tragedy in Dayton.
“In Dayton, we had good guys with guns. The Dayton Police were on the scene and responded rapidly and effectively within a minute. Yet the shooter was still able to kill nine and wound dozens more,” said Rep. Weinstein. “Red flag legislation and expanded background checks are important first steps to reduce the number of mass shootings, but we have to do more. That’s why I’m working on a bill that would ban high-capacity magazines like those used in Dayton. Weapons of war have no place in our streets.”
The recently passed state budget was also a major topic of conversation as Weinstein detailed the process itself as well as the number of state budget provisions House Democrats fought for that seek to strengthen local communities and put people first.
Some notable Democratic budget wins include:
— Putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking Ohioans by passing a tax cut for working people and middle class families.
— Investing more than $650 million in wraparound services, which include innovative and collaborative ways to support our children and give them the tools they need to succeed.
— Raising the minimum wage for direct service employees, strengthening Ohio’s promise that if you work hard, you can get ahead.
— $600,000 for the “Finding my Childhood Again” program and an additional $100,000 for the Market Street Kitchen at the Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina counties.
Rep. Weinstein represents Ohio’s 37th House district, which includes northeast Summit County.
