#NOW: the Ohio House takes up SB22 to allow legislative overturn on @GovMikeDeWine’s health orders/emergencies. Sponsor Rep. @Scott_Wiggam (R-Wooster): “Over the years, this body has given a lot, a lot of power to the executive branch; this bill will restore checks and balances.” 
Rep. Wiggam, describing a bill that allows legislative overturn of health orders/emergencies: “This bill just brings us to the table... allows all Ohioans to see how decisions are made...it just gives us, the legislative body, the ability to review...and oversight, if necessary.”
Rep. Wiggam: “The legislation is viral so we can avoid becoming like New York State...where the Emmy-award winning Governor forced COVID patients into nursing homes.”
Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) objects: “This bill would grant to the GA the ability to override executive orders by resolution...in direct conflict with the state constitution.” Says legislators must only “rule by bill” — a process which would take longer, of course.
Rep. Brown: “This type of oversight is not vital — it’s unconstitutional...will assuredly be stricken down as unconstitutional, if not first vetoed by the Governor.”
Rep. @JamieCallender (R-Concord): “Opposition to this (is) abdicating our responsibility as legislators, to step up and represent voters.”
On a bill about checks/balances, Callender says he supports a severability clause that keeps judicial branch from overturning entire bill.
On a bill about checks/balances, Callender says he supports a severability clause that keeps judicial branch from overturning entire bill.
Rep. Beth @Liston4Ohio (D-Dublin), opposing SB22: “I would not get on a plane designed by someone whose aerospace knowledge was based on reading Google...the same should apply to public health.”
Rep. Liston, noting she works as an doctor with MD & other degrees (see account @BethWListon): “I would still not trust my interpretation of the data to override the opinion of the entire international (health community.”
This appears to be the T-shirt Rep. Liston is wearing under her sweater on the House floor today
Rep. Allison @Russo4Ohio (D-Columbus), opposing SB22: “Many of these health orders have been critical to allowing our hospitals to respond to this pandemic,” RE: staffing, moving patients/wards to different parts of building, etc.
Unsure what occurred, but Rep. Russo stopped her comments, put her hand on her hip and said: “The level of disrespect in this chamber is so disappointing!”
Then as she’s seated, light applause from D colleagues; they are urged by @SpeakerCupp to respect the decorum of the House.
Then as she’s seated, light applause from D colleagues; they are urged by @SpeakerCupp to respect the decorum of the House.
FYI: Democrats are proposing various amendments to SB22, all of which are being summarily shot down by the @OHRGOPCaucus majority.
Dems’ comments are coming during their explanation of the proposed amendments.
Dems’ comments are coming during their explanation of the proposed amendments.
Rep. @brigidekelly (D-Cincinnati) is next: “On this vey bill, we literally passed a bill in subcommittee and voted on it — we didn’t even give the public a chance to weigh in! ....that’s no way to govern,” referring to last night’s 5:30PM passage of an amended sub bill SB22.
It appears at least some of the Democrat women in the Ohio House agreed to wear T-shirts with a COVID-specific message today. Rep. Kelly’s says, “SPREAD LOVE NOT COVID.”
Rep. Russo was also wearing one but I couldn’t read most of it, blocked by her blazer.
Rep. Russo was also wearing one but I couldn’t read most of it, blocked by her blazer.
Rep. Kelly, noting SB22 allows lawsuit against just about any elected executive in Ohio over orders/declarations: “If there is one bright spot, it’s this: it’s that Democratic lawyers will also be able to sue over these orders and THAT is a big deal.”
Rep. @JamieCallender (R-Concord) seems to have drawn duty of speaking against Democrat amendments. He reiterates that legislators want input: “Even though (health orders) were issued with our legislative authority that we relegated to them — we weren’t asked for our input.”
Rep. Bill @CincySeitz (R-Cincinnati), noting a number of states restrict length of emergency declarations, or allow legislative overturn of health orders: “The idea that what we’re pursuing here in Ohio is some novel idea, is malarkey...pure and simple.” (sorry for blurry photo)
#NOW: the vote on SB22...
#BREAKING: Ohio House PASSES SB22 to allow legislative oversight/overturn of health orders and states of emergency in Ohio. Final tally 57-37 on GOP lines.
Bill will be sent to the Ohio Senate for “concurrence” before moving on to @GovMikeDeWine’s desk.
Bill will be sent to the Ohio Senate for “concurrence” before moving on to @GovMikeDeWine’s desk.
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