State Representative Holds Town Hall In Solon

SOLON, OH — State Representative Phil Robinson held a town hall meeting in Solon last week. Democrats across Ohio are holding open forums as part of the Ohio Promise Town Hall Tour. State Democrats want to hear which issues are most pressing for their constituents.

“It’s important as an elected official I make myself available for questions and comments to the constituents of the district,” said Robinson. “We had great turnout at this first town hall, and I look forward to the next three this month.”

Robinson's first town hall was held at the Solon Community Center on August 13. More than 50 residents were in attendance.

Mayor Eddie Kraus kicked off the event with an introduction of Robinson. State Representative Emilia Sykes, the minority leader in the Ohio House, then explained the purpose of the Ohio Promise tour.

Robinson discussed the state's operating budget and his priorities for education, workforce development and gun safety reform. He then opened the event up to questions from residents.

Solon citizens wanted to hear about the FirstEnergy bailout under House Bill 6, what steps were being taken following the mass shooting in Dayton, state taxes, school funding and other issues. Residents also wanted to know about the state budget and how it would impact Solon.

Robinson pointed out that his district benefited from several measures in the budget, including an increase to the local government fund of $5 million. That money is available to communities with populations under 50,000, which qualifies all cities in Robinson's district.

There was also a 4.8-percent increase in funding for public school districts, a raise for teachers with bachelor's degrees, funding for Ohio's College Opportunity Grants for low-income students, and a tax cut for middle class families, Robinson said.

Robinson has additional town hall meetings planned throughout his district, including a meeting at the Brecksville Community Center on August 22. He held other town halls in Chagrin Falls and Lyndhurst.