July 21, 2020
Ohio first responders always rush to the scene when someone is in trouble, but certain Ohio Senators refuse to return the favor. These state senators are making countless Ohio first responders wait months before allowing a vote on PTSD coverage for them under the state’s workers’ compensation system.
On February 12, 2020, the Ohio House passed a bill permitting PTSD coverage for first responders under the state’s workers’ compensation system. This will protect our police, firefighters, and EMS workers who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder get the help they need and continue their careers. But, the Ohio Senate has been exercising delay tactics.
The Ohio Senate received the bill on February 14, 2020, and assigned it to the General Government and Agency Review Committee. The committee’s Chairman, Senator Kirk Schuring, has scheduled three hearings, but no vote. Nearly five months have passed without an up or down vote in the committee and the bill has stalled. It has already passed the House and the Governor has voiced his support. Senator Schuring is acting as a roadblock to the passage of this necessary bill.
If you support our brave Ohio first responders, hold your Ohio Senators responsible. Call your Ohio senator and Chairman Schuring and demand they schedule a vote on House Bill 308, the First Responder PTSD Bill.
You can identify your state senator is by clicking on the following link and entering your home address here.