Kalitha Williams, Senior Project Director of Policy Matters Ohio spoke with America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on June 11 about the Minority Health Strike Force and racial disparities.

Williams first spoke about how black Ohioans make up 14.3 percent of the state population and represent about 20 percent of COVID-19 cases in the state. She then said black Ohioans represent about five percent of those tested. Williams then spoke about Ohio Governor Mike DeWine creating the Minority Health Strike Force, tasked with developing recommendations for addressing racial disparities identified as the COVID-19 pandemic began. She continued by saying the strike force works to get proper testing and medical supplies sent to Ohio’s black and brown communities.

Desiree Hoffman, Legislative Representative for the United Auto Workers spoke about the HEROES Act. She said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-AL) tried to kill the legislation, but has become more understanding of the need for it. Hoffman also spoke about keeping frontline workers safe and secure. Employers should be providing employees with enough personal protective equipment to ensure their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as enforce the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Lastly, she spoke about an AFL-CIO caravan and the essential elements of COVID-19.

AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about the jobless numbers reported in early June.