Akron Reporter

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH — On Thursday, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) hosted a Community Conversation titled “Protecting Our Freedoms” in Cuyahoga Falls. Rep. Sykes was joined by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America advocate Rev. Dr. Joyce Penfield for a conversation on reproductive freedom, addressing gun violence in our communities, and the freedom to vote.

“It was a pleasure to connect with residents in Cuyahoga Falls and share updates on how I am fighting for Americans’ fundamental freedoms,” said Rep. Sykes. “Extreme Republicans continue to attack our freedoms by trying to criminalize abortion nationwide, make it easier for dangerous people to buy guns, and restrict access to the ballot box, but these hyper partisan attacks are not what the people of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District sent me to do.  I will always put people over politics to protect the freedoms of Ohioans and focus on the real issues our communities care about, like lowering costs and making our communities safer. Community Conversations like these ensure Northeast Ohioans know I work for them.”

During the Community Conversation, Rep. Sykes highlighted her commitment to defending reproductive freedom, and combatting maternal and infant mortality, noting she recently joined House Democrats in calling for immediate action on the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would ensure national access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, for all women, no matter which state they call home. Rep. Sykes also emphasized her Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act, legislation she introduced to save lives by cracking down on false advertising anti-abortion centers employ to dissuade patients from getting the reproductive care they need. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Rep. Sykes highlighted her work to address the maternal mortality crisis, including being an original co-sponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which addresses the maternal mortality crisis through historic investments that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. 

Moms Demand Action advocate Rev. Dr. Penfield spoke to the importance of Congress addressing gun violence so all people in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District have the freedom to live safely and securely in their communities. Ohio has the 17th highest rate of deaths by gun homicide in the U.S. and the 13th highest rate of injury by firearm in the U.S. Rev. Dr. Penfield applauded Rep. Sykes’ recent actions to demand House Republican leadership bring several commonsense gun safety bills to ban assault weapons, implement universal background checks, and close background check loopholes to keep firearms out of the hands of people who want to do harm.

Rep. Sykes also emphasized the need to strengthen our democracy to protect the freedom to vote in free, fair, and secure elections. Rep. Sykes introduced the End Prison Gerrymandering Act earlier this year, which will ensure incarcerated people are fairly counted in the places they call home, creating a stronger, more representative democracy.

Rep. Sykes concluded the Community Conversation by answering questions from constituents about the issues that are most important to them.

Community Conversations are always free and open to the public. Information about future Community Conversation and other constituent events can be found by visiting https://sykes.house.gov/about/events.

Original source can be found here.