Brown to Attend State of the Union as Portman’s Guest

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman has invited Mayor Jamael Tito Brown to attend the State of the Union address Tuesday night.

“I’m proud of the work Mayor Brown has done for the community of Youngstown and continue to be impressed with his leadership that is moving this city forward,” said Portman, R-Ohio, in a statement.

The senator noted the federal Build grant awarded in January to the city and its partners. The $10.8 million award from the Department of Transportation will fund the renovation of the Fifth Avenue corridor, as well as roads downtown and install shuttles connecting St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital to the central business district.

In September, Portman wrote a letter of support for Youngstown’s application to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao before meeting with her in November. Meanwhile, the senator hosted community leaders in December to discuss the project.

“Sen. Portman and I have developed a great working relationship since I’ve been elected Mayor of the city of Youngstown,” Brown said. “I am honored and look forward to representing Youngstown and its citizens at the President’s State of the Union address.”

Among the other locals making an appearance at the State of the Union address are UAW Local 1112 President Dave Green as the guest of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and East Liverpool police officer Chris Green as the guest of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson.

Pictured: Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, center, and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, right, talk with Flying High Inc. Executive Director Jeff Magada in May 2018.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.