Richard D. Brown News

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today announced that House Bill (HB) 167, COVID-19 relief legislation that will deliver $465 million in direct aid for rent and utility assistance, was signed into law. House Democrats have called for rent and utility relief since the onset of the pandemic, introducing bills that would have created a program for immediate rental assistance, postponed evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevented utility shutoffs during an emergency.

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today issued the following statement on the House passage of House Bill 110, the state’s two-year budget. House Democrats largely opposed the bill, saying it was a missed opportunity to invest in everyday Ohioans still struggling amid the health and economic crisis.

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items this week, including the establishment of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which will allow Ohio to accept an estimated $5.5 billion under the recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid the state’s economic recovery once appropriated. 

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) applauded the House passage of a $2 billion package of coronavirus relief bills yesterday to deliver direct aid for rent and utility assistance, childcare providers, bars, restaurants, lodging and schools, among other industries facing economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic lawmakers also expressed concern over the months-long delay in the release of the funding, which they say slowed the state’s recovery.

Assistant Minority Whip Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today urged constituents to proceed with caution after Franklin County was upgraded to Level Four or “Purple” on Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System.  Purple is the highest-level rating on the advisory system and indicates severe exposure and spread of COVID-19 in the county. 

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today called on Statehouse leaders to repeal Ohio’s new no duty to retreat law, which passed in December 2020. Democratic-sponsored legislation, House Bill (HB) 38, would repeal the new shoot first law that took effect Tuesday, April 6. 

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester), issued a statement Thursday on the passage of House Bill (HB) 128, legislation to repeal parts of HB 6 from the 133rd General Assembly (GA). 

Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) 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. 

COLUMBUS— Today, State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) announced that he has signed on as a co-sponsor to the Ohio Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that would protect LGBTQ+ Ohioans from discrimination in employment, housing and accommodations. A previous version of the Ohio Fairness Act (The Equal Housing and Employment Act) passed the Ohio House of Representatives on Sept. 15, 2009, with bipartisan support. Last General Assembly, the Ohio Fairness Act had 3 hearings but did not receive a committee vote.

Today, Assistant Minority Whip Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) applauded the House passage of legislation that would allow more health professionals to administer the coronavirus vaccine, extend professional licenses and help low-income Ohioans pay for utilities amid the coronavirus pandemic.