Senate Democrats issue response to perceived racist actions on the Senate floor

Thursday, May 25, 2006

PRESS STATEMENT

From Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Amanda Conn/Melissa Fazekas

(614) 466-5899/(614)644-5533

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Senate Democrats issue response to perceived racist actions on the Senate floor

(Columbus)- During tonight's Senate floor debate on HB 393 which recognizes September 22^nd as Emancipation Day in Ohio, Senator Ray Miller (D-Columbus) was gaveled down and ordered to take his seat while responding to the remarks of the previous legislator, Senator Jeff Jacobson (R-Vandalia). Senator Miller was insensitively treated in a manner not comparable with how majority Republican Senators are treated.

The highly offensive actions and comments by Ohio Senate President Bill Harris of Ashland and Senator Jacobson on the Senate floor during the debate of House Bill 393 warranted the following response by the leader of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus C.J. Prentiss of Cleveland:

"The actions initiated by Senator Jacobson in his floor speech directed to State Senator Ray Miller and subsequently followed up by President Harris were acts perceived by each and every member of the Senate Democrats to be racist. While what happened may be debated, we are deeply offended. However, we are hoping through constructive dialogue with the majority party we can come to a well-balanced solution. I am optimistic that a level of respect that is due to each member of the Senate can be achieved."

The exchange which led to this response can be found on the following link:

http://www.ohiochannel.org/index.cfm?action=media.legislative_session_details&program_id=25&session_id=76801&clip_file_name=V05242006S_3&start_time=00:25:11 /

on May 24, 2006 Segment #3 HB 393 start time 7:06.

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