Ohio House Sparring Over Health, Safety Guidelines

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio House Democrats lambasted their Republican counterparts for ignoring health and safety guidelines this week. State Rep. Mike Skindell said Ohio House members were not socially distanced and many Republicans were not wearing masks.

“Masks or cloth facial coverings are recommended by the CDC and other medical professionals and groups to lessen the spread of COVID-19 to others,” Skindell said. “By wearing a mask, you are demonstrating your deep concern for the health and safety of people around you.”

House Speaker Larry Householder said he has done everything possible to create a safe working environment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

However, House Democrats said a seating arrangement change was not communicated to them until hours before a floor session. Democrats said they were given no input on the new arrangement and the arrangement did not protect members.

When many Republican members also failed to wear face coverings during Wednesday's session, Skindell made a motion to immediately require all people in the assembly to wear masks. The motion failed along party lines.

House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes sent a letter to Householder, expressing her disappointment in his "decision to loosen safety protocols."

"Democrats support coming back to work to pass meaningful legislation to benefit everyday Ohioans affected by COVID-19, but returning without commonsense safety measures in place threatens the health and safety of all of us — members, staff, media, and law enforcement," Sykes said in her letter.

"We owe it to everyday Ohioans to take this virus seriously by listening to the science, adhering to best health practices and putting people first. Refusing to do so is irresponsible, dangerous and beneath our moral obligation as elected representatives," Sykes wrote.

This is not the first spat over health and safety guidelines to consume the Ohio House. Twice in recent weeks, Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation that would limit Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton's ability to issue stay-at-home orders and other health guidelines.

Gov. Mike DeWine has vowed to veto any legislation that passed the General Assembly which limits Acton's influence.