Rep. Sykes outlines priorities for second term-Lawmaker takes oath to represent Akron's 34th Dis

COLUMBUS— Soon after being sworn in for a second term representing Ohio's 34th House District, state Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) announced her priorities for the new General Assembly. "As we begin the new year, it is clear that Ohio faces real challenges," said Sykes. "A new General Assembly provides a new opportunity to work with others across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation that provides better jobs, access to essential healthcare services and quality educational opportunities for our children." During her first term, Sykes lead the charge to reduce Ohio's high infant mortality rate, sought to extend domestic violence protections to dating partners and fought to protect women's access to comprehensive healthcare. "The legislature can do better by focusing on access to healthcare and educational opportunities as fundamentally economic issues," Sykes said. "Whether people are addicted to heroin, or kids are trapped in a failing for-profit charter school — the results are the same: families will be hurting financially and unable to get ahead." Committee assignments for House members of the 132nd General Assembly are expected to be announced in the coming days. Sykes represents the citizens of parts of the city of Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Bath Township.