COLUMBUS - The following statement can be attributed in part or in whole to Representative Barbara Sears (R- Sylvania ), on the subject of the House Democrat Caucus' refusal to pass Senate Bill 57, which would permit sixteen-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent:
"Currently a measure that would help save lives, at no cost to the state, is being held up by the House Democrats by what appears to be a shameful act of partisan politics.
Senate Bill 57 would increase the supply of blood here in Ohio potentially helping the lives of tens of thousands of Ohioans. The bill passed the Senate, and then the House State Government Committee unanimously. However, the measure has since been used as a political pawn by House Democrats who have stopped the bill from being passed into law seven times.
Today when asked why the measure was being held, House Democrat leadership responded that they had passed a similar bill sponsored by one of the members of the House Democrat Caucus and they are waiting on the Senate to pass their version of the bill.
The language of the two bills is the same; the only difference is who is given credit. It is astounding that the House Democrats would hold hostage a proposal that could save lives for their own recognition. The bill should be passed because it is good policy and will help the people of Ohio. This purposeful inaction is inexcusable and I stand with my caucus in urging the passage of Senate Bill 57 as soon as possible."
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Representative Barbara Sears represents the 46th House District which includes portions of Lucas County. She is the ranking member of the House Health Access and Affordability Committee.
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