In the News

In this edition:
Obama Celebrates Labor Day in Ohio
OYD Announces Run2009 Candidates
Take the YDA Pledge for Health Insurance Reform
Senator Cafaro Aids Ohio Auto Industry
Ohioans Remember Senator Kennedy

Obama Spends Labor Day in Ohio, Gains Support for Needed Health Care Reforms

President Barack Obama spent Labor Day in Cincinnati, attending an AFL-CIO picnic and refocusing Ohioans on the need for health care reform.

Obama also took time to thank the labor movement for its contributions to America.

“The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, health insurance, paid leave, pensions, Social Security, Medicare-they all bear the union label,” Obama said.

When asked about the need to pass health care reform legislation soon, Obama indicated both his support for the ongoing debate and his resolve to turn talk into action.

“The Congress and the country have now been vigorously debating the issue for many months.  The debate has been good, and that's important because we've got to get this right,” President Obama explained. “But every debate at some point comes to an end.  At some point, it's time to decide.  At some point, it's time to act.  Ohio, it's time to act and get this thing done.”

Ohio Young Democrats Announce Support of Run2009 Candidates

OYD recently announced its support of four young Ohioans seeking to serve their communities through elected office. The four chosen candidates – Wadzi Hoert for Brunswick Board of Education, John Landers for Boardman Board of Education, Dan Langshaw for the North Royalton Board of Education and A.J. Smith for Middletown City Council — were selected through a rigorous endorsement process.

Run2009 is a unique initiative sponsored by the Ohio Young Democrats to encourage and support young Ohioans seeking elected office. OYD provides a mentorship program, financial support and access to a statewide network of passionate, engaged Democrats working to make a difference in Ohio.

To read more about Run2009 and these four Young Dems making a difference, click here. 

YDA Pledge for Health Insurance Reform

We can't afford to wait on health care. The question is what are you doing to make sure Congress hears that young Americans are demanding health insurance reform now? We need to be at the Congressional town hall meetings, writing our legislators, sending letters to our local papers and talking to anyone that will listen about the importance of healthcare. Click here to sign the health care pledge and find seven actions you can take to demand health insurance reform now.

Cafaro Hosts Meeting of Recently Created Auto Impact Committee

Ohio Senate Minority Leader and Young Democrat Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard), a member of the recently created Joint Select Committee on the Impact of the Changing Automobile Industry in Ohio, hosted a meeting of the committee at the Kent State University Trumbull Campus in Warren in late August.

The committee, formed to gather information regarding the auto industry’s statewide impact for manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, will submit a report to Governor Strickland by Sept. 30.

“We heard thoughtful and sometimes emotional testimony from people in the Mahoning Valley who have been directly affected by the challenges facing the auto industry,” said Cafaro of her Warren meeting. “There is no question the members of the committee learned a great deal that can be incorporated into our report to Governor Strickland and the legislative leaders.”

According to the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus, the critical auto industry comprises 20% of all manufacturing activity in Ohio. Additionally, auto manufacturing businesses can be found in 76 of the state’s 88 counties, the OSDC reports.

America lost one of its most distinguished public servants when Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) died of cancer on Aug. 25. Kennedy, the “liberal lion” of the United States Senate, was widely revered as a champion for the working people of America. Kennedy also fought his entire career to ensure broader access to affordable health care. First elected to the United States Senate in 1962, Kennedy made a run at the presidency in 1980, before bowing out to support President Jimmy Carter. Kennedy remained a major player in presidential politics, however, lending his support to then-Senator Barack Obama in his 2008 bid for the White House.

Several of Ohio’s public servants have offered their personal tributes to Sen. Kennedy. Here are a few remarks:

Sen. Sherrod Brown: “Ted Kennedy was more than a colleague – he was my friend and mentor. Our nation has lost one if its most dedicated champions of social and economic justice and opportunity for all.”

Rep. Tim Ryan: “He recognized that politics is to be used as a force for good and an opportunity to level the playing field for those who were hurt by our economic system. His powerful voice for the least among us will be missed.”

Gov. Ted Strickland: “He spent five decades there, tirelessly striving for a more perfect union. Now, he rests with his brothers in a more perfect place, and in our nation's collective memory."