By Lauren Cohen

During the government shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits was temporarily paused.

U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes led members of Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation in writing a letter to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, asking why he had not yet taken legal action to protect SNAP benefits for Ohioans.

The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus, including Ohio Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson), wrote to Gov. Mike DeWine on Oct. 30, urging him to take immediate action to protect SNAP benefits.

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus, including Ohio State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) and Ohio State Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron), also wrote to DeWine on Oct. 28, calling on him to move quickly to ensure people have food to eat.

Sims wrote in a press release that DeWine’s executive order, which directed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to give $7 million in funds to Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in funds to Ohioans who were at or below 50% of the federal poverty level, only provided minor relief.

“The Executive Order does a little, but it is far too little,” she said. “The call is to feed the people, all the people … We have the means to do more, and we should do more, to help ensure no impacted Ohioan goes without food to eat.”

Sykes continued to advocate for her Feed Our Families Act, H.R. 2016, which, if passed, would create a three-month reserve of SNAP funding in the case of federal funding lapses. The bill was introduced on March 10, 2025, and currently sits in the House Committee on Appropriations.

“Food is not a bargaining chip,” Sykes said in a press release. “We are here to say loud and clear that we will not allow hunger to be used as leverage in Washington politics.”

Sykes introduced three bills on Oct. 6, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aimed at helping domestic violence survivors.

“Every person deserves to live free from fear and violence,” Sykes said in a press release. “I’m committed to standing with survivors and delivering real solutions that help them rebuild their lives.”

H.R. 5702, the Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, would “amend the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to ensure that healthcare providers can assist survivors of domestic violence, and for other purposes,” according to its page on the Library of Congress website. It currently sits in the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R. 5701, the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, would reduce the 10-year marriage rule requirement for spouses to receive Social Security benefits if a court finds they experienced domestic violence during the marriage. The bill sits in the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R. 5700, the Break Free From Domestic Violence Act, would provide more housing protections for domestic violence survivors. It currently sits in the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sykes also introduced H.R. 5893, the GUARD Act, on Oct. 31, which would ensure that “the Social Security Administration remains fully operational and responsive to the American people during government shutdowns,” according to a press release by Sykes.

The bill was cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., a Republican from Pennsylvania, and currently sits in both the Committee on Appropriations and Committee on Ways and Means.

“Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans, and its services should never be held hostage to partisan gridlock,” Sykes said in the press release. “During this shutdown, my office has been unable to help constituents with their Social Security cases — something no member of Congress should have to tell the people they serve.”

H.R. 5761, the Fair Warning Act of 2025, was reintroduced by Sykes on Oct. 14 alongside cosponsors U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat from Illinois.

It would “update the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act of 1988, hold employers accountable and give workers and communities the notice they need to best prepare for and recover from employer decisions that cost them their jobs,” according to a press release by Sykes.

It currently sits in the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

“Losing a job is tough enough, but it’s made even worse when large corporations ignore the letter of the law and refuse to give hard-working Ohioans and our communities the advance notice they need to prepare for what comes next,” Sykes said in the press release. “People in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District deserve transparency.”

Sims introduced H.B. 526 on Oct. 15, which would require the state to issue orange International Symbol of Access windshield placards to those with invisible disabilities, ensuring others do not assume they are misusing an accessible parking space.

“Not all disabilities are visible, but they are all worthy of helping people to better understand them and the people they impact,” Sims said on social media. “Education builds strong and more compassionate communities.”

The bill is cosponsored by Ohio State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and currently sits in the House Transportation Committee.

Weinstein introduced S.B. 296 on Oct. 21, which would increase the Medicaid personal needs allowance for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

It was introduced alongside Ohio Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) and currently sits in the Senate Finance Committee.

“I’ve heard from Ohioans across the state about how difficult it is for older adults and those living in long-term care to cover these essential expenses,” Weinstein wrote on social media. “This bill will provide Ohio’s most vulnerable residents with the support they need to do just that.”

Ohio State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) introduced H.B. 503 on Oct. 7 alongside Ohio State Rep. Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown). The bill would “require voter approval to modify a municipal income tax reciprocity credit and to allow a voter initiative to authorize, modify or repeal such a credit,” according to its page on the Ohio House of Representatives website.

It currently sits in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Ohio Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) introduced three bills in October. One is S.B. 281, which would authorize a county commissioners board to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system. It currently sits in the Senate Local Government Committee.

Roegner also introduced S.B. 300 on Oct. 21, which would amend laws relating to functions and responsibilities of the state treasurer’s office. It currently sits in the Senate Finance Committee.

She introduced S.B. 312 on Oct. 29, which would establish a new process for dealing with federal mineral royalty payments in the state. It currently sits in the State Energy Committee.

Ohio State Rep. Jack K. Daniels (R-New Franklin) and Hall were not the primary sponsors of any bills in October.

Daniels, Hall, Sims and Roemer all voted on seven bills in October. (These bills may have progressed or been voted on again since the end of October.)

Daniels, Hall and Roemer voted yes on H.B. 186, which would establish a cap on property tax revenue growth for homeowners. It passed in the House. Sims voted no.

Daniels, Hall and Roemer also all voted yes on H.B. 335, while Sims voted no. This bill would establish caps on increases to the first 10 mills of property tax. It passed in the House.

“House Bills 186 and 335 represent the most significant modernization of Ohio’s property tax system in decades,” Roemer, who is co-chair of the Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform, said in a press release. “We’re delivering on the number one issue we hear about from Ohioans — creating a system that’s fairer, more transparent and easier to understand while preventing the unvoted spikes in property taxes.”

All four representatives voted yes on S.B. 56, H.B. 129, H.B. 170 and H.B. 309.

S.B. 56 would amend cannabis regulations and prohibit smoking in public. It passed in the House.

H.B. 129 would limit the ability to reallocate certain school property tax millage, and it passed in the House.

H.B. 170 would create a process to regulate carbon capture and storage technologies. It passed in the House.

H.B. 309 would amend the tax code regarding laws governing county budget commissions and property taxation. It passed in the House.

All four representatives, as well as Roegner and Weinstein, voted on H.B. 57, which allows K-12 schools to store and use opioid reversal drugs. It also amends limits on student attendance in released time courses in religious instruction.

All voted yes except for Sims. The bill passed and was signed by DeWine on Oct. 20. It goes into effect Jan. 19, 2026.

Roegner and Weinstein voted on three other bills in October.

Weinstein voted no while Roegner voted yes on S.B. 156, which would require teaching the success sequence curriculum to students, a framework that includes graduating high school, getting a job and getting married before having a baby. The bill passed in the Senate 24-9.

Weinstein voted no while Roegner voted yes on H.B. 96, which appropriated funding for the fiscal year 2026-2027 state budget. It passed 21-11 in the Senate and was signed by the governor.

Both senators voted yes on H.B. 144, which expands the communication disability database to include any person with a disability. It passed unanimously in the Senate, was signed by DeWine on Oct. 20 and goes into effect Jan. 19, 2026.

Weinstein voted yes on S.B. 55, while Roegner did not vote. This bill would establish a stricter standard of prosecution for cases regarding driving under the influence of marijuana. It passed in the Senate unanimously.

Weinstein also voted yes on S.B. 137, which would require hospitals to provide overdose reversal drugs under certain circumstances. Roegner did not vote. It passed unanimously in the Senate.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously passed a congressional map on Oct. 31. It gave Republicans the advantage in Ohio, 12-3.

Sykes’ district will lean Democratic, 52% to 48% Republican, according to Ohio Capital Journal.

Sims posted about the redistricting on Instagram on Oct. 31, saying, “We must continue to fight for an independent commission that takes politics out and puts the people in first and foremost.  To ensure constitutionally fair maps where politicians aren't picking their people but the people are picking their politicians.”

Megan’s Way Out, a bill that would require new or remodeled drive-thrus to have a minimum 10-foot bypass lane, passed in Cuyahoga Falls on Oct. 27, marking the second city to enact the bill.

Hall introduced H.R. 262, which the House adopted on Oct. 21, and honors Tallmadge Church on its bicentennial.

“The Tallmadge Church is a symbol of education and community, and we must continue to learn about our history and celebrate accomplishments like these,” Hall said in a press release.

Hall announced on Oct. 20 that two items were approved under the Department of Development’s Ohio Housing Trust Fund, awarding a combined $22 million to fight against homelessness in Ohio.

“This is a crucial step towards more secure and affordable housing in Ohio,” Hall said in a press release. “While there is still much work to be done, I believe that supporting our most vulnerable community members with these programs should be a priority.”

House Republicans blocked a vote on Sykes’ Pay Our Military Act bill, H.R. 2017, on Oct. 10. This bill would have ensured military members continue receiving pay during the government shutdown.

“It is unacceptable that House Republicans choose to play political games rather than ensuring the men and women who serve our country receive their paychecks,” Sykes said in a press release.

Shelter Care Inc. received $350,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families to help children and families struggling with homelessness, domestic violence and mental health issues in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

The International Chemical Workers Union Council in Akron received $594,222 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration to support instruction for about 300 HAZMAT employees.

Sims posted a reel on Oct. 1 calling the government shutdown unbelievable.

“Don’t they know that there are real consequences — that real people will be harmed?” she asked.

Sykes hosted a “Call with Your Congresswoman” and joined a virtual town hall in October with the Ohio Democratic Delegation to answer constituent questions about the government shutdown and talk about its connection to affordable healthcare.

Sykes also visited the Akron-Canton Airport during the shutdown and brought them coffee and doughnuts to express her gratitude for their work, according to a press release.

“Our federal workers are the backbone of so many essential services, and they deserve our respect, gratitude and fair compensation,” Sykes said.

Sims posted a reel on Oct. 29, during the government shutdown and right before SNAP benefits paused on Nov. 1, saying, “The people need to eat. Wrongly blaming Democrats for a government shutdown where Republicans control every branch of government is not a food for thought that the people can stomach.”

She then called upon her viewers to call DeWine and tell him to “feed the people.”

Both Weinstein and Craig gave sponsor testimony on S.B. 98, which they introduced on Feb. 10. The bill would prevent people convicted of first-degree misdemeanors for domestic violence from owning a firearm.

“[S.B. 98] provides a critical safeguard for individuals at serious risk from those with a known history of violence, especially during moments of crisis, at a time when these tragic incidents are becoming far too common,” Weinstein said in a press release.

During Roegner’s run for state treasurer, she worked to build momentum with voters throughout October.

She attended a pro-life rally in Columbus and a GOP dinner in Geauga County.

“Ohio is beautiful,” Roegner wrote on social media.

In October, Weinstein endorsed both Samantha D’Eramo and his wife, Amanda Weinstein, for Hudson City Council. Both were elected.

He also endorsed Allison Russo for secretary of state alongside Sims and Hall.

“She is a champion for democracy, liberty and justice,” Weinstein said in his endorsement.

Hall endorsed Kim Young, Kyle Herman and Cyle Feldman for Stow City Council, saying in a social media post that they each bring a unique set of talents that would benefit the community. All three won a seat.

Roegner received an endorsement for state treasurer from a former Ohio state Representative, Jim Buchy.

In his endorsement, he wrote, “Her unwavering commitment to conservative principles and common-sense leadership makes her a trusted ally for state treasurer.”

Daniels was interviewed on the Ohio House GOP Caucus YouTube channel alongside Ohio Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) about their bill, H.B. 457, which would strengthen penalties for politically motivated crimes. It currently sits in the House Judiciary Committee.

Weinstein was appointed as a Senate member of the Ohio Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, and he said in a social media post that he will advocate for military families who move to Ohio and address educational transition issues and more.

Weinstein visited the Ohio School for the Deaf on Oct. 21 and posted on social media that he spoke with their leadership team and students.

“Working with and in support of this community has been one of the true highlights of my time in the legislature … Coming soon: Our AAC bill to give more tools to help Ohio kids communicate. Stay tuned…,” he wrote.

Hall was appointed a ranking member of the House Insurance Committee.

“We need to have serious discussion on how we fund healthcare for all Ohioans,” he said in a social media post.

He also attended the Stow-Munroe Falls Community Foundation Craft Brew Fest and the Habitat for Humanity annual fundraiser, both charities whose efforts he supports.

Roegner attended state Rep. Bob Peterson’s (R-Sabina) annual fall fundraiser, calling him a dear friend. She also attended the Washington County Republican Party’s Annual Reagan Dinner alongside 700 other people.

Roemer attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new Avid Architects headquarters in Summit County, which has been in business for over 50 years.

“Their investment in Summit County not only strengthens the local economy but also demonstrates the vital role that local businesses play in driving innovation and opportunity across our state and country,” Roemer said in a press release.

Sims attended the No Kings protest in Akron. She was also interviewed on Forum 360° by Leia’ Love. On Oct. 3, she attended the Inaugural State of the Court of Common Pleas with members of the Black Elected Officials of Summit County.