richard brown
Ohio House lawmakers raise doubts about Senate’s DATA Act
An election data overhaul named the DATA Act continued its march through the Ohio House this week. But misgivings about how the measure would operate seem to be resonating with representatives. The DATA Act’s stated goal is to establish consistency in the content and cadence of information county boards share. But board officials argue some provisions […]
GOP plan to advance 60% amendment in August looking wobbly after second hearing cancelled
Hints of uncertainty are creeping into the Ohio House ahead of an effort toward a constitutional showdown. For the second time in as many days, the House Government Oversight committee canceled its hearing instead of voting on an August special elections measure. That legislation is crucial to a Republican ballot effort asking voters to make […]
DeWine hints at possible veto after tobacco measure picks up local preemption language
Among the flurry of legislation in the Ohio General Assembly’s marathon final session was a measure restricting local governments’ ability to regulate tobacco. The move comes days after Columbus approved an ordinance banning flavored tobacco. Gov. Mike DeWine has signaled he has reservations with the bill. The initial bill, offered by Reps. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, […]
In early morning vote, Ohio House agrees to send voter ID restrictions to the governor
After a protracted day at the Ohio Statehouse, lawmakers approved sweeping new voting restrictions including photo ID requirements early Thursday morning. That proposal now heads to the governor. The House gaveled in for session early Wednesday afternoon, and after half an hour of ceremonial proceedings broke for recess. Rep. Tim Ginter, R-Salem, described the break […]
Ohio House committee advances amendment supermajority provision and elections bill
An Ohio House committee advanced two controversial voting measures Monday without additional debate, one to raise the threshold for constitutional amendments to 60% and the other for various election administration provisions. The 7-5 Republican-to-Democratic party line votes put both proposals on track for a full House vote later this week. In previous hearings, numerous speakers […]
In official count, Democrat wins last undecided Ohio House race, now headed for automatic recount
In official election results from the Franklin County Board of Election, Ohio House Democratic incumbent Richard D. Brown looks to have won the only remaining undecided race, meaning that Republicans will control the House 67-32 instead of 68-31. The official results for Ohio House District 5 show Brown received 17,429 votes, or 50.21%, compared to […]
Ohio House Dems submit congressional redistricting maps
House Democrats have thrown their congressional redistricting maps in the ring, completing the partisan caucus proposals. State Reps. Richard Brown, D-Canal Winchester, and Tavia Galonski, D-Akron, submitted the maps on Friday as what they call “a more realistic vision for Ohio compared to the widely criticized House and Senate Republican maps.” “Democrats are offering a […]
Lawmakers propose $1,000 bonuses to Ohio National Guard members
A pair of state lawmakers want to give a financial bonus to all members of the Ohio National Guard as thanks for their service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Each member deserves $1,000 as a “small way to show our appreciation for their valiant efforts,” state Reps. Richard Brown of Canal Winchester and Bride Rose Sweeney […]
Helium, honey and hair products: A look into Ohio pols’ odd campaign expenses
A few years ago, during the lull before the Nelsonville Parade of the Hills, a young campaign volunteer made their way down a busy sidewalk. Most of the families had come prepared with empty shopping bags, awaiting an onslaught of candy, but some children did not have one. They might have been forced to collect […]