LEGISLATIVE MATTERS: Lepore-Hagan cosponsors resolution to recognize Black Maternal Health Week

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, signed on as a cosponsor to a resolution that the Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus is introducing to recognize Black Maternal Health Week in Ohio.

Black Maternal Health Week — April 11-17 — is an annual event that promotes awareness and seeks to advance and improve Black maternal health outcomes across the country.

“Many birth-related deaths are preventable. We cannot ignore the health disparities between white and black mothers in Ohio,” Lepore-Hagan said in a news release. “Raising awareness, support and resources is critical to saving lives.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan will join with Ohio leaders and Protect Our Care Ohio for a virtual press conference at noon today to discuss how the American Rescue Plan strengthens Medicaid, including enhancements to postpartum care for Ohio women enrolled in Medicaid. They also will highlight state and federal legislation, including the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021, which would build on the American Rescue Plan and was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lepore-Hagan provides sponsor testimony on rail worker safety bill

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, along with Rep. Michael Sheehy, D-Oregon, provided testimony on legislation requiring freight train operating crews to consist of at least two people.

The testimony was provided Tuesday during a House Transportation and Public Safety Committee hearing on House Bill 194.

“As the wife of a 50-year locomotive engineer, I worry constantly about him coming home safely. This is a dangerous job,” Lepore-Hagan said in a news release. “Maintaining two-person crews on all freight trains will cut down on accidents caused by mental fatigue and can save lives. We need to support this legislation so crew members, their loved ones and the community at large can breathe a little easier knowing everyone is safer.”

The two-person crew legislation has been introduced in several General Assemblies, receiving several committee hearings but never making it to the governor’s desk. It was first introduced in the 131st General Assembly in response to several train accidents involving one-person crews, including the Lac-Megantic tragedy.

HB 194 awaits further hearings in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee.

This story was originally published April 15, 2021 at 4:52 AM with the headline "LEGISLATIVE MATTERS: Lepore-Hagan cosponsors resolution to recognize Black Maternal Health Week."