North Columbus News

Rep. Joyce Beatty, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Ohio’s 3rd district since 2013, has recently posted a series of statements on her official social media account addressing ongoing political issues and honoring a local journalist.

On October 4, 2025, Beatty criticized Republican lawmakers for their absence during a government shutdown and its potential impact on health insurance premiums. She stated, "Republicans are away while your health insurance premiums skyrocket. They fled the scene instead of ending their shutdown & protecting health care tax credits families and small businesses need NOW before Nov 1 ACA health insurance enrollment. Democrats are ready to meet NOW to".

Continuing this theme two days later, on October 6, she addressed the timing of negotiations around healthcare tax credits as open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage approaches. Beatty wrote, "Republicans can’t defend their shutdown or skipping negotiations. They won’t admit why Democrats refuse to wait on health care tax credits: ACA coverage enrollment opens Nov. 1. Families choosing insurance must know now if they’ll lose credits & be forced to choose between".

Also on October 6, Beatty honored Ann B. Walker, a pioneering Columbus journalist who broke barriers as both the first woman and African American to cover Columbus City Hall and the State of Ohio. In her tribute, she said, "Today, I honor the legacy of my dear friend, Ann B. Walker, a trailblazing Columbus journalist. Ann was the first woman and African American to cover Columbus City Hall and the State of Ohio, paving the way for Black journalists. She spoke truth to power, in every way. May she".

Joyce Beatty has been an active figure in Ohio politics for decades; prior to her tenure in Congress that began in 2013 when she succeeded Mike Turner, she served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999 to 2008 ([source](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001281)). Born in Dayton in 1950 and currently residing in Columbus at age 73, Beatty is also an alumna of Central State University where she earned her BA degree in 1972.