Hello folks,

May is National Military Appreciation Month, and this Monday we honor the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve democracy. We can never say thank you enough for the brave men and women who gave all in service to our nation.

This weekend I'm also thinking of our Gold Star family members. The coronavirus crisis has brought many of us closer to our loved ones, but for our Gold Star mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, they will never again have the chance to stay at home with their loved ones.

Today I talked with a number of Ohio veterans about what Memorial Day means to them and was deeply inspired by their stories.

If you are a veteran or a military family member, we want to hear from you -- reply to this email and we'll connect you with our growing Veterans and Military Families Caucus.

In solidarity,

David

David Pepper
Chair
Ohio Democratic Party

Trump's Broken Promises to Veterans

The Ohio Democratic Party today hosted a virtual roundtable with Ohio veterans to discuss the response to the coronavirus crisis, and how it has impacted our servicemen and women, military families and veterans.

Protecting Ohio Workers

State Rep. David Leland and state Rep. Lisa Sobecki this week announced plans to introduce legislation to protect at-risk workers from being forced to choose between returning to unsafe working conditions or losing unemployment benefits. The proposal is the latest effort from House Dems to improve the safety and security of Ohio workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Workers on the front lines have been exposed to the most serious consequences of this virus -- someone needs to be looking out for them," said Leland. "No person should have to choose between their livelihood and their life."

"Working men and women are faced with an impossible choice: either go back to work and risk the health of their families, or lose access to their unemployment insurance," said Sobecki. "They shouldn't have to make that choice. We should respect the dignity of their individual choice to protect their families during this unprecedented pandemic."

Don't miss this! The Biden campaign is hosting a virtual organizing event with Sen. Sherrod Brown and Chairman David Pepper on Tuesday, May 26 -- click here to RSVP.

Here are more upcoming events:

• Saturday, May 23 -- State Rep. Phil Robinson Virtual Office Hours
• Tuesday, May 26 -- Biden for President Virtual Organizing Event with Sen. Sherrod Brown and Chairman David Pepper
• Tuesday, May 26 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: Judge Jennifer Brunner and Judge John P. O'Donnell
• Tuesday, May 26 -- Virtual Town Hall with State Sen. Sandra Williams
• Wednesday, May 27 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: State Rep. Randi Clites
• Thursday, May 28 -- Mahoning/Trumbull County Democratic Women's Caucus Trivia Contest
• Thursday, May 28 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: Dontavius Jarrells for Ohio House
• Thursday, May 28 -- Virtual Town Hall with State Rep. Phil Robinson
• Friday, May 29 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: Chairman David Pepper
• Saturday, May 30 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: Congressman Tim Ryan
• Sunday, May 31 -- College Democrats of Ohio Behind the Ballot Series: Desiree Tims for Congress
• Tuesday, June 2 -- Virtual Happy Hour with Crystal Lett for Ohio Senate and Councilwoman Elizabeth Brown