Ohio Democratic lawmakers push for focus on economic issues

COLUMBUS (AP) — Bills to increase Ohio’s minimum wage, expand options for paid family leave and promote equal pay for women are among a package of legislation that state Democratic lawmakers are pushing.

Democratic leaders in the Legislature told reporters today at a Statehouse news conference that they’re focused on bolstering Ohio’s economy and its middle class, while suggesting their Republican counterparts are focused on politics.

The GOP has significant majorities in the House and Senate. It’s unclear how many of the Democrats’ priorities could be accomplished in the remaining year of the legislative session.

House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn of Dayton, and Senate Democratic Leader Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, said the minority caucuses still have an obligations to put forth their proposals and try to work across the aisle.