The first Friday in June is Gun Violence Awareness Day. On average, 46,686 people die by guns each year in the United States. Join the Ohio Senate Democrats in #wearingorange to honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors. Learn more at everystat.org.

Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. is back with another video in our State Agency Series to tell you about the Department of Behavioral Health. For more information, visit dbh.ohio.gov.

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio testified at the first hearing of a US House Oversight Committee task force investigating Ohio’s Medicaid waiver program. "If there is fraud in Medicaid, it has happened on the Republican majority's watch."

Senator Blackshear is officially at the halfway point in his 72-mile walk for mental health awareness!

At mile 10 of his walk, Senator Blackshear connected with members of The Castle in Montgomery County to highlight the important role community plays in mental health and wellness. To learn more about The Castle, visit friendsatthecastle.com.

Senator Blackshear has officially begun his 72-mile walk from Dayton to the Ohio Statehouse for mental health awareness. Follow the journey via @ohiosenatedems.bsky.social! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Millions of Ohioans struggle with their mental health each year, but many don’t have access to the mental healthcare they need. Almost 5 million Ohioans live in a community facing a mental healthcare shortage. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

In April, Ohio Senate Dems were busy here at the Statehouse. Take a look at a few ways… ➡️

Today is May Day, also known as International Workers' Day. From fair wages to safer working conditions, the fight for workers’ rights continues today and every day.

This week, the Supreme Court of the U.S. decided in Louisiana v. Callais that states can, ”without legal consequence, systematically dilute minority citizens' voting power." Leader Antonio released the following statement in response to the continued dismantling of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

April is National Counseling Awareness Month. Senator Blackshear shares the importance of counseling services and highlights Senate Bill 121, which would create the state designation of April as Counseling Awareness Month. If you or a loved one are looking for help, visit findtreatment.gov.

Do you know how to contact your legislators? Senator Blackshear walks you through how to find your state and federal legislators so you can hold the people that represent you accountable. Visit legislature.ohio.gov and congress.gov for more information.

Next up in Senator Blackshear's State Agency Series is the Ohio Department of Aging, which administers programs and services to meet the needs of older Ohioans. Learn more about their work at aging.ohio.gov!

State Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. reminds you this Wednesday, April 15 is Tax Day. Visit tax.ohio.gov for more resources and tax filing tips.

Today is the first day for early in-person voting for Ohio’s May primary election! Visit voteohio.gov to find your early voting location and view a sample ballot.

Monday, April 6 is the last day to register or update your voter registration for the May 5 primary election! For more information, visit voteohio.gov.

Ohioans, you have until Monday, April 6, to make sure you're registered to vote in the primary election on May 5. Senator Blackshear explains what you need and where you can register to vote. 👇 Visit VoteOhio.gov for more info!

Ohio Senate Dems have been busy working for you across the state and here at the Statehouse. Here are a few ways… ➡️

Did you know you can watch the Ohio Legislature live? Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. shares how you can stay engaged with what's going on at the Statehouse via The Ohio Channel!

Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson and Catherine Ingram invite the public to join the Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus on Tuesday, April 14, for their 2nd Annual Summit at the Ohio Statehouse!

Today, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus hosted a press conference to celebrate Black History Month and discuss their work to build a stronger and more equitable Ohio.

Today, we honor the life of civil rights icon and politician Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. As a trailblazer who brought people together in the fight for equality, his legacy inspires our continued fight for a more inclusive and just state and nation.

Ohio is home to nearly 200 data centers, with more planned. The vast energy and water required to power them are causing Ohioans' utility bills to skyrocket.

To our fellow Ohioans who are outraged about the recent attacks on our neighbors and invasions into our communities, we share your anger. As we soon expect a surge in ICE activity in Ohio, we encourage you to look out for your neighbors and know your rights.

Senator @willisblackshearjr.bsky.social kicks off our State Agency Series today by talking about the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's work is vital to ensuring every Ohioan has access to clean air, water, and land. Learn more about their work and mission at epa.ohio.gov!

This week, Leader @nickieantonio.bsky.social sent letters to Ohio’s U.S. Senators Husted and Moreno, urging them to vote against increasing federal funding of ICE through the appropriations bill being considered by Congress. Tell your U.S. senators to vote NO on funding for ICE’s deadly operations.

As ICE agents continue to increase their presence in Ohio and across the country, it is essential that you and your loved ones know your rights. Additional resources are available here: www.ohiosenate.gov/news/the-dem...

The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine urging him to veto Senate Bill 293, which makes sweeping changes that threaten voter access, strain election administration, and expose Ohio to significant legal and constitutional risks. ⬇️

You've probably been hearing a lot about property taxes lately...but have you ever wondered how your property taxes are calculated or what they pay for? 👇

Today, the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a congressional map. Read Senate Democratic Leader @nickieantonio.bsky.social's statement on the vote:

Today, Ohio Senate Democrats sent a letter to Governor DeWine urging him to take immediate action to ensure that the over 1.4 million Ohioans who depend on SNAP will not go hungry should federal funding for the program lapse on Saturday, Nov. 1. Read the full letter. ⬇️

At today's Ohio Redistricting Commission meeting, Dems again presented our fair, constitutional map that would ensure Ohioans are represented in Congress. With 10 days left before the constitutional deadline to pass a bipartisan map, Republicans continue to run out the clock.

Ohio Senate Dems have been busy working for you across the state and here at the Statehouse. Here are a few ways… 👇

After Republican lawmakers ignored the constitutionally set deadline for proposing congressional district maps, Senate Democratic Leader @nickieantonio.bsky.social and House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn have asked Governor DeWine to immediately reconstitute the Ohio Redistricting Commission.

HAPPENING NOW: The Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting is meeting for the second time. Watch live via @TheOhioChannel ohiochannel.org/live/ohio-jo...

Yesterday, state Senator Bill DeMora and state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. testified at the first public hearing of the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting in favor of Senate Bill 259, the fair and constitutional congressional map introduced by Democrats earlier this month.

"This isn't about gaming the system; it's about creating districts that mirror the political reality of our state," said Senator Bill DeMora/ "Our Democratic proposal demonstrates that such an approach is not only possible, but practical and beneficial for all Ohioans."

"This hearing about the future of our state is occurring during the middle of the work day, so it's a real testament to democracy to see so many folks here," said Senator Blackshear.

HAPPENING NOW: The first meeting of the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting is underway. Watch live as the fight for fair maps continues: www.ohiochannel.org/live/ohio-jo...

📢 The Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting will meet for the first time on Monday, and Senator Blackshear is committed to fighting for fair maps that truly represent the people of Ohio. 📆 The legislature has until September 30 to pass a bipartisan plan.

📢 Come share your thoughts on Ohio's congressional maps! The first public hearing on redistricting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, to hear testimony on any proposed congressional plan. Submit your testimony at least 24 hours in advance at redistricting.legislature.ohio.gov!

Today, Senate Democratic Leader @nickieantonio.bsky.social joined Senate President Rob McColley, House Speaker Matt Hufman, and House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn in a bipartisan statement condemning political violence.

#ICYMI - Last week, Ohio Democrats introduced a fair, constitutional map that reflects how Ohioans actually vote (roughly 55% Republican and 45% Democrat). There are only 2 weeks left until the September 30 deadline for the legislature to pass a bipartisan congressional map.

Today is the first day of Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the contributions, strength, and perseverance of the Hispanic and Latine communities here in Ohio and across the nation.

Ohio’s Constitution requires a bipartisan congressional map to be passed by the end of the month. 🗓️ That’s why Leader @nickieantonio.bsky.social and Ohio Dems have introduced a fair, constitutional map. 📞 Call your Republican state senators/representatives and ask them to do the same.

Today, we honor and remember the heroes and lives lost on September 11, 2001. We will #NeverForget.

Today, Ohio Democrats proposed a fair, constitutional congressional map that reflects how Ohioans actually vote. Join us in demanding that Ohio Republicans take action before the September 30 bipartisan deadline.

Have you ever wondered how a bill becomes a law in Ohio? Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr breaks down the process. 👇

📢 Ohioans can now weigh in on the congressional redistricting process by submitting their own district plans. "Fair, constitutional maps must begin with public participation," said Leader Nickie Antonio. A public portal is now available at redistricting.legislature.ohio.gov

📢 Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday starts TONIGHT at midnight! 💵 For the next two weeks, Ohioans can make qualifying purchases in-store or online without paying sales tax. Visit tax.ohio.gov for more info.