Kent Smith
@kentsmith.bsky.social
Ohio State Senator, District 21; Senate Dem Whip; In 2022, I defeated the Koch Brothers; Host of the award winning ICYMI Statehouse Edition; Dem. City Leader; Roller Derby Voice; Art and Music Fan; Cat Dad; Pro-Choice; Anti-Fascist; Apple Farmer.
On Halloween the Ohio GOP forced the adoption of an unconstitutional Congressional map. But this is just the first step to change the rules of voting ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump is desperate to hang onto power and the GOP is happy to help. An unfair map is just step one.
November 8, 2025 at 3:12 PM
On Halloween the Ohio GOP forced the adoption of an unconstitutional Congressional map. But this is just the first step to change the rules of voting ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump is desperate to hang onto power and the GOP is happy to help. An unfair map is just step one.
This was the ending of my introduction of Dr. Amy Acton last night at The Happy Dog. Democrats need to win across Ohio and the nation in 2026 to ensure free and fair elections in 2028. In Ohio that begins with electing Amy Acton Governor.
November 7, 2025 at 10:10 PM
This was the ending of my introduction of Dr. Amy Acton last night at The Happy Dog. Democrats need to win across Ohio and the nation in 2026 to ensure free and fair elections in 2028. In Ohio that begins with electing Amy Acton Governor.
As of today, the federal hunger assistance program SNAP, has been delayed due to the govt shutdown. As we explain, that doesn't need to happen. The funds exist in both DC and Columbus to keep feeding our hungry neighbors. Since the GOP controls all branches of govt, its up to them to act. Will they?
November 1, 2025 at 1:28 PM
As of today, the federal hunger assistance program SNAP, has been delayed due to the govt shutdown. As we explain, that doesn't need to happen. The funds exist in both DC and Columbus to keep feeding our hungry neighbors. Since the GOP controls all branches of govt, its up to them to act. Will they?
Wednesday I offered an amendment on the Senate Floor to fully fund SNAP benefits for Ohioans from Ohio's budget surplus fund. The amendment also would have directed the state to seek federal reimbursement after the government reopened so it is possible that it would not have cost the state anything.
October 31, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Wednesday I offered an amendment on the Senate Floor to fully fund SNAP benefits for Ohioans from Ohio's budget surplus fund. The amendment also would have directed the state to seek federal reimbursement after the government reopened so it is possible that it would not have cost the state anything.
There was not a lot of good news last week in DC or Columbus except for three pieces of legislation that would support Ohio's Creative Arts Economy. In this week's ICYMI, I explain the three bills and share how you can help make them law. Get ready to send some emails. Thanks for everyone's support.
October 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
There was not a lot of good news last week in DC or Columbus except for three pieces of legislation that would support Ohio's Creative Arts Economy. In this week's ICYMI, I explain the three bills and share how you can help make them law. Get ready to send some emails. Thanks for everyone's support.
This week the Greater Cleveland United Way came to the Ohio Capitol to make sure the Legislature knew about their ALICE report. In this week's ICYMI, we explain what the ALICE report is, which way the trend lines are going, and what state government should do to help.
October 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This week the Greater Cleveland United Way came to the Ohio Capitol to make sure the Legislature knew about their ALICE report. In this week's ICYMI, we explain what the ALICE report is, which way the trend lines are going, and what state government should do to help.
This week we tell the comeback story of Fluffy the Fish and discuss how gerrymandering and government shutdowns don't help solve problems, they probably make things worse.
October 11, 2025 at 1:02 PM
This week we tell the comeback story of Fluffy the Fish and discuss how gerrymandering and government shutdowns don't help solve problems, they probably make things worse.
Ohio Republicans continue to be negligent in their duties to draw a new Congressional map. This week we point out the three ways they failed Ohioans. Hopefully they will change their approach, but if they don't, we will hold them accountable. You should too.
October 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Ohio Republicans continue to be negligent in their duties to draw a new Congressional map. This week we point out the three ways they failed Ohioans. Hopefully they will change their approach, but if they don't, we will hold them accountable. You should too.