Sykes To Serve On Ohio House Legislative Panels/Will work with colleagues to help shape public polic
COLUMBUS— State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the committees on which she will serve to help shape and refine public policy during the 132nd General Assembly: "I am honored to serve as a ranking member on the Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services," said Sykes. "I am committed to addressing Ohio's serious health challenges —including our unacceptably high infant mortality rate and the statewide opioid epidemic — and will advocate for equal access to quality healthcare for all Ohio families." Sykes will serve on the following committees: -Finance Committee -Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services -Civil Justice -Rules and Reference -Ways and Means The House of Representatives has 21 standing committees now after House Republicans slightly altered the committee structure for the 13?' General Assembly. The Judiciary Committee was split into two separate Criminal and Civil Justice Committees, committees on state and local government were consolidated, and several new committees — including Aging & Long-Term Care and Federalism & Interstate Relations were established, among other changes. Committees are held any time before or after House floor sessions and are open to the public. House Finance Committee is generally broadcast live on the internet. The Ohio Senate recently it announced they would begin to livestream additional standing committees, but the House has not yet indicated whether it will follow suit. Sykes was elected to her second term in November and sworn in last month. As state representative, she has advocated for local hiring policies that create jobs for Akron workers. as well as for expanding opportunities for middle and working class families through leadership and mentorship programs.
The Akron lawmaker has also collaborated with colleagues and healthcare professionals to improve public health provisions, increase access to care, and reduce Ohio's high infant mortality rate.
