LEGISLATIVE MATTERS | Lepore-Hagan co-sponsors resolution declaring racism a public health crisis

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, signed on as a co-sponsor to House Democratic priority legislation to declare racism a public health crisis.

Previously introduced in the 133rd General Assembly as HCR 31, the resolution provides steps to address racial health disparities and systemic racism in Ohio.

"Government must do more in acknowledging and addressing the real experiences of Black Ohioans. These disparities in health, education, income and more will only be fixed when more leaders step up and see the impact of racism for what it is," Lepore-Hagan said in a news release.

The resolution now awaits referral to a House committee.

Bill would require convicted lawmakers to reimburse state

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, and Jeffrey A. Crossman, D-Parma, filed legislation that would require members of the General Assembly to reimburse the state for any and all compensation received between the time they were indicted for a felony involving public corruption and their conviction.

Under the legislation, affected members would be required to repay both their salary and the cost of medical and retirement benefits from the moment of indictment through the date of conviction. A member who is acquitted or convicted of a lesser offense would not be subject to the penalties established in the bill.

This legislation also contains provisions that would prevent a member of the House or Senate from being sworn into office if they are under felony indictment. In that circumstance, the seat would be vacant for a period of three months. If the criminal case involving the member is unresolved at that point, the legislative caucus of the barred member would appoint someone to the seat.

"Lawmakers who don't have the decency to resign after they are indicted on serious criminal charges should be forced to repay the people of Ohio when they are convicted," Lepore-Hagan said in a news release. "Along with being the absolute right thing to do, it may motivate people who don't deserve the honor of sitting in the people's House to leave when they should."

This story was originally published March 17, 2021 at 4:45 AM with the headline "LEGISLATIVE MATTERS | Lepore-Hagan co-sponsors resolution declaring racism a public health crisis."