Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Desiree Tims Comments After Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Redistricting Lawsuits

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, a member of the Equal Districts Coalition, released the following statement expressing hope that the Ohio Supreme Court will rule in favor of Ohio voters and fair maps:
 
“Today is a pivotal moment for the future of Ohio. This morning, the Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding rigged district maps that would hand Republicans unearned supermajorities in both Statehouse chambers. 
 
“From the beginning, advocates have pushed for representational fairness as outlined in Ohio’s Constitution.

“A fair map would consist of 55% Republican seats and 45% Democratic seats, based on voting trends over the past decade. It is imperative that the court upholds the will of Ohio voters.
 
“It is also concerning that Justice Pat DeWine did not recuse himself from a case directly involving his father, Governor Mike DeWine. Governor DeWine was one of only seven commissioners who voted on the rigged maps. The governor was even deposed under oath in the case. Despite this clear conflict of interest, the governor’s son refused to recuse. 
 
“As an advocate and Ohio voter, I am hopeful that the majority of Supreme Court of Ohio will deliver justice for voters. Our democracy does not work if politicians get to pick their voters, not the other way around. We look forward to the outcome of this seminal case.”

Desiree Tims Comments on Rittenhouse Verdict

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement after Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all counts related to three shootings and two deaths in Kenosha, WI:

“We are devastated by today’s decision, but not shocked. As the trial progressed, millions of Americans watched a biased judge and a broken system at work.

“As we try to wrap our minds around another murderer acquitted, we must turn our anger into action — working to elect judges and state legislators who will pass and enforce laws that treat all humans with respect.

“Today I’m thinking of the families who will lose sleep and maybe even hope due to this injustice within our legal system.

“But we cannot let this decision dictate our future. We will all pray with our feet until we can taste the justice our hearts desire.”

Ohio Board of Education Members Forced to Resign for Opposing Racism

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement after two State Board of Education members were forced to resign for refusing to repeal an anti-racism resolution:

“Unfortunately, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio’s Republican supermajority are failing Black and brown children in Ohio. They are forcing two members to leave Ohio’s State Board of Education, simply because they stood up against racism.

“Last year, Ohio’s State Board of Education passed a resolution condemning racism and acknowledging that Ohio could do more to address inequities in education. This month, far right radicals on the board repealed that resolution. Now the governor and Republicans are going even further — they’re forcing appointed board members who supported the anti-racist resolution to resign or face expulsion.

“This reeks of Jim Crow era policies that impacted Black and brown communities for generations. It’s clear that Governor DeWine is too weak to stand up to the extremists in his own party. We’ve seen him give in to the anti-mask, anti-vaccine crowd over the past few months. He has repeatedly chosen to place our children’s lives at risk rather than enforce basic safety measures. And now the zealots have convinced him to move to overt racism. 

“This assault on education is just one of many. Extremists are using lies about Critical Race Theory to ban discussions of American history and critical thinking skills in our classrooms. These attacks must be stopped at every level of government. And we must support people regardless of their party affiliation who stand up to racism and hate.

“It is vital that Ohioans are informed about local school board candidates and vote in local elections. We need to support candidates who value honesty in education. We need leaders who will stand up for all of Ohio’s children.”

Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 2nd.

Ohioans can vote early (including this weekend!), or vote on Tuesday.

Don’t stay home this year. Every vote matters, and Ohio’s future depends on it.

Desiree Tims Condemns State Board of Education Vote to Repeal Anti-Racism Resolution

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning Ohio’s State Board of Education for repealing a resolution condemning racism:

“Last year, as Ohioans marched in the streets to protest the murder of George Floyd, our State Board of Education passed a resolution condemning racism.

“Last night, hateful, bigoted board members repealed that resolution.

“I can’t believe I have to say this, but condemning racism should not be controversial. Teaching accurate history should not be controversial. But extremism has come for our state and local governments. 

“Far right radicals are using lies about Critical Race Theory as an excuse to ban honest, accurate, diverse school curriculum.

“And the same type of extremists are running for school boards all across Ohio. 

“It has never been more important to research your local school board candidates, and vote in local school board elections. Rally your friends and neighbors to support candidates who value honesty in education.

 “Election Day is November 2nd this year. You can vote early, or vote on November 2nd. But don’t skip your local elections this year. 

“Our children’s futures are at stake. We have to stop extremism in its tracks.“

Ohio politicians are trying to ban honesty in education. Help stop them.

Our kids deserve an honest, accurate, diverse education. 

Right now, Republican politicians are using lies about Critical Race Theory to ban schools from teaching an honest history. 

Two Ohio bills (HB 327 and HB 322) would essentially ban teachers from discussing racism, sexism, prejudice, gender studies, and other so-called “divisive concepts.” Even in college.

HB 322 and HB 327 are likely both receiving hearings at the Ohio Statehouse next week. Exact details TBA.

Want to testify against these bills? Or submit written-only testimony? Follow this simple process:

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY (in-person OR written-only):

  • 1. Email Dillon.Barto@Ohiohouse.gov. Ask to be placed on the “House State and Local Government Committee notice list.”
    • You’ll receive emails from the committee. You’ll know first when bill hearings are announced.
  • 3. Fill out a witness slip.
    • Make sure to note on your witness slip whether you are testifying in-person or written-only.
  • 4. When the committee announces the next hearings for these bills, email your testimony and your witness slip to Chair Scott Wiggam’s aide: Dillon.Barto@Ohiohouse.gov
    • Testimony is due 24 hours before the hearing begins.

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified!
(We recommend sharing your testimony on social media so everyone can see it)

If you’re testifying in-person (recommended), see below.

  • 5. Arrive at the Statehouse before the committee is scheduled to begin.
    • Park either in the garage underneath the Statehouse or the Columbus Commons Parking Garage.
    • Note: you’ll need to go through a metal detector when you arrive.
    • You can ask the security guards to direct you to the committee room where your hearing is being held.
  • 6. Bring a printed copy of your testimony with you to read in front of the committee (you do not have to read your testimony word for word).
  • 7. You may also want to bring copies to hand to reporters – You can contact reporters ahead of time to let them know you (and your group) will be testifying!

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE—

Chairman Wiggam, Vice Chair John, Ranking Member Kelly, and members of the House State and Local Government Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House bills HB 322 and HB 327, which would prevent Ohio students from receiving an honest, accurate education.

Today I'm going to speak speaking specifically about [Choose either HB 322 or HB 327].

[Then tell them why the bill is so bad! Make it short and sweet - a few paragraphs is perfect. Tell a personal story. Or explain why your job experience gives you perspective on the bill. Maybe cite statistics or articles from other states to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote NO on this [harmful / dangerous / devastating / etc.] bill. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

[IF TESTIFYING IN PERSON] I will now take any questions you may have.

AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED SPEAKING, legislators may ask you questions.

  • They are more likely to ask questions if you provide data/statistics or present yourself as having professional experience related to the bill.
  • This part of the process can be incredibly persuasive! But be prepared to back up your testimony!

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org

How to Attend an Ohio Redistricting Hearing

For months now, Ohioans have demanded public redistricting hearings. We know our communities best. District maps should be drawn using our input. 

On Friday, the redistricting commission announced dates, times, and locations for 10 public hearings. Click here for more details. 

This is a huge win. Now we need as many Ohioans as possible to attend the hearings and make their voices heard. 

Want help preparing your testimony? Attend a virtual redistricting testimony training with All On The Line — Ohio. 

Want to join the fight for fair maps? Follow the Equal Districts Coalition:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
EqualDistricts.com

We’ll keep fighting hard for an open, transparent, redistricting process. 

Innovation Ohio Welcomes President Joe Biden Back to Ohio

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement welcoming President Joe Biden back to Ohio in advance of tonight’s CNN town hall in Cincinnati:

“Joe Biden has only been in office a few months, but he’s already done so much for Ohio. We’re thrilled to welcome him back again today.

“Cincinnati, where the president will be tonight, has already benefited from $280 million in local COVID relief funds.

“Millions of families throughout Ohio are also receiving monthly payments to help with child care costs. 

“President Biden and Democrats in Congress are sending real, tangible support directly to Ohio families.

“Cincinnati is also home to the crumbling, congested Brent Spence bridge — a perfect example of the need to pass Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan.

“Ohioans need safe, reliable roads and bridges in order to get to work. We need broadband internet to do our jobs and help our kids with homework. We need the president’s infrastructure plan to pass.

“And, as Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown reminds us, infrastructure is about much more than roads and bridges. Infrastructure also includes child care, paid leave, and programs that help us build strong communities. 

“We’re hopeful that Congress will stand with Sherrod Brown, Joe Biden, and the majority of Americans and pass these human infrastructure programs quickly.

“We’re grateful to President Biden and to Ohio’s Democratic elected officials who voted for the American Rescue Plan. And we urge Congress to take the next step to pass a strong infrastructure package that will literally lay the groundwork for Ohio’s future.”

Innovation Ohio Continues to Expand with New Digital Department

COLUMBUS — Today, Innovation Ohio (IO), Ohio’s leading progressive politics and policy advocacy organization, continued to expand its capacity by announcing the hiring of two additional staff members who will operate IO’s digital department.

Tanya Salyers will serve as Digital Communications and Engagement Manager for the organization. Mimi Solomon joins IO as Digital Associate.

“We’re thrilled that Tanya and Mimi have joined our growing team at such a pivotal moment for the future of Ohio,” said Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio.

“The district lines drawn this year will shape Ohio’s policies for at least the next decade. We must also fight back as Ohio’s Republican supermajority repeatedly attacks our freedoms. IO’s new digital team will ensure our message reaches every Ohioan.”

Tanya Salyers most recently managed communications for The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. She also serves as a Board Member for New Leaders Council Columbus, and for Zora’s House — a safe space for women of color to thrive. A proud Korean-Appalachian, Tanya is a transplant from Portsmouth, Ohio, who has made Columbus home for the last 15 years. She is a graduate of Shawnee State University.

“This is a crucial moment for progressives in Ohio as we fight for fair districts and fair representation. Mobilizing Ohioans to action will be key to holding our lawmakers accountable and building the future we deserve. It is critical that we meet people where they are in the digital space,” said Salyers.

Mimi Solomon holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and strategic communications from The Ohio State University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio Dominican University. Mimi has a visual merchandising background in corporate retail. She previously created digital and social media content as a Marketing Specialist in the medical field.

“During this critical time in our state, we are bringing more awareness and accountability as we work for equal districts. I am happy to be a part of the movement, create change, and organize digitally with Innovation Ohio,” said Solomon.

Read more about Innovation Ohio’s growing team here.

Innovation Ohio Urges Gov. DeWine to Veto Dangerous Budget Items

Today, Innovation Ohio, Ohio’s leading progressive politics and policy advocacy organization, urged Governor Mike DeWine to line item veto the most harmful lines still remaining in Ohio’s operating budget bill.

“We’re grateful that minority party members were able to negotiate some deeply troubling items out of the budget, but the Republican supermajority refused to remove additional provisions from the bill that will weaken our democracy here in Ohio,” said Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio. 

“Ohioans need Governor DeWine to veto the most extreme budget bill provisions.”

Innovation Ohio is asking Governor DeWine to veto several of the budget bill’s most damaging provisions, including:

  • A provision prohibiting election officials from working with or accepting grants from nongovernmental entities (likely including barbershops, bars, church groups, sports programs such as the Cavs, even the League of Women Voters) on voting or voter education
  • A provision allowing ONLY Republicans to intervene in lawsuits — specifically redistricting lawsuits
  • A provision abolishing the Citizen’s Education Fund, which uses donations for voter education, registration programs, & improving election facilities
  • A provision allowing medical professionals to refuse to treat anyone if it violates their “moral or religious” beliefs
  • And several additional items of concern to Ohioans

“Without Governor DeWine’s vetoes, this budget bill will devastate our ability to register and educate voters in all future elections. It will let doctors refuse to treat essentially any patient they don’t like. It could close several of our few remaining abortion providers. And it will take vital resources from our children by expanding charter schools and vouchers,” continued Tims.

TAKE ACTION: Innovation Ohio urges Ohioans to contact Governor DeWine today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday) to urge him to veto these troubling budget items.

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