Congressmen Bringing Guests to State of the Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson and Tim Ryan are bringing special guests to the State of the Union on Tuesday, both of whom represent pressing issues in each representative’s district.
Johnson, R-6, will be joined by K-9 Officer Chris Green of the East Liverpool Police Department who, in 2017, suffered an accidental overdose of fentanyl during a drug arrest. The powder was on his shirt after he finished searching the vehicle of two suspects. He brushed it off with his bare hand, leading to an overdose soon after that required four doses of Narcan to revive him.
“His experience is a shocking reminder about the hazards our law enforcement officers and first responders face every day,” Johnson said. “It also highlights the dangers of opioids and other drugs on our streets. Inviting Officer Green is one small way I can say ‘thank you’ to him and all those committed to making our communities safer. I look forward to meeting with Chris in Washington next week, and hearing from him directly about his experiences and his ideas to help combat the opioid epidemic.”
According to a press release from Johnson, one of the suspects was sentenced last year to six-and-a-half years in prison.
Ryan, D-13, is bringing UAW Local 1112 President Dave Green, who has served as president of the local since May 2018. The local represents workers at the General Motors Lordstown Complex, which was one of five North American plants GM announced it was closing, affecting some 1,500 hourly workers at the plant. The Lordstown plant is set to close March 1.
“I’m honored to bring Dave Green as my guest to the State of the Union this year,” Ryan said. “Since GM’s announcement to close the Lordstown plant, he’s been working around-the-clock to support GM workers and advocate for a new product at the facility. Dave will be representing the hundreds of laid off GM Lordstown workers who deserve to be seen and heard. I thank him for his leadership, and I can’t imagine a better partner in this fight to save GM Lordstown.”
“I’m proud to represent the hundreds of dedicated workers at GM Lordstown who have been affected by the announcement to place this plant on unallocated status,” Green said. “I look forward to attending the State of the Union and representing the values of our hard-working men and women. Our voices deserve to be heard.”
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
