Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Innovation Ohio Celebrates Third Ohio Supreme Court Rejection of Rigged Statehouse Maps

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement applauding a bipartisan majority of Ohio Supreme Court justices for rejecting gerrymandered Statehouse district maps a third time:

“Another map. Another rejection. There is nothing new here. The court continues to enforce the Constitution, while Republicans continue to try to cheat Ohioans.

“We look forward to the Republican Commissioners finally following the Supreme Court’s order for a public and transparent process.  Ohioans deserve that.”

Innovation Ohio urges every Ohioan to join the Equal Districts Coalition to help redraw Ohio’s maps: EqualDistricts.com.

Desiree Tims Applauds Ohio Supreme Court Rejection of Rigged Congressional Maps

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement celebrating the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to reject Ohio’s Republican-drawn congressional district maps as unconstitutional:

“The Ohio Supreme Court just delivered a victory for democracy. This isn’t about red vs. blue or Democrat vs. Republican, but instead about having a representative democracy. This is about ensuring that people who stand in line for hours to cast their ballot matter.

“This ruling strengthens constituent services and communication between elected officials and constituents. A representative democracy is etched into the spirit of the American Dream. Thanks to the Supreme Court, voters in Ohio can take part in that dream too.”

Innovation Ohio Celebrates Ohio Supreme Court Rejection of Rigged Statehouse Maps

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement applauding the Ohio Supreme Court’s rejection of gerrymandered Statehouse district maps:

“Today’s victory is a win for democracy in Ohio and nationwide.

“Around the country, extremist Republicans are trying to steal control of state governments by rigging district maps. In Ohio, we’re saying NO.

“Last year, Governor DeWine and Ohio’s Republican supermajority rigged our districts to give their party unfair, unearned supermajorities in state government.

“We are absolutely thrilled at this second opportunity to draw fair maps — now with the backing of the Ohio Supreme Court. I’m looking forward to both parties coming together to right this wrong.

“We have just ten days to push the Ohio Redistricting Commission to create maps that reflect how Ohioans actually vote.

“We urge every Ohioan to join the Equal Districts Coalition to help redraw Ohio’s maps: EqualDistricts.com.“

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 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.“

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
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EqualDistricts.com

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

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.

Equal Districts Coalition Condemns Move to Let ONLY Republicans Intervene in Lawsuits

COLUMBUS — Today, the Equal Districts Coalition — a unified group of several prominent Ohio advocacy organizations engaged in the 2021 redistricting fight — condemned a last-minute budget amendment from Senate President Matt Huffman that would allow only Republicans to intervene in cases challenging newly-drawn maps. 

“This is a partisan power grab, plain and simple. Rather than spending time right now to set up and prepare for our redistricting process — including convening the Commission and passing required public engagement legislation — the Republican supermajority is instead focused on legislating how best to tilt the scales of our process to favor one party over the other,” said Katy Shanahan, Ohio State Director for All On The Line Ohio.

President Huffman’s amendment would let Republican legislative leadership intervene on behalf of both the legislature and the Redistricting Commission. It would also allow them to hire private legal counsel — on the public dime -— to represent them in court. The amendment does not allow Democratic caucus leaders, Democratic members of the Commission, or any other individual or group of legislative members to do the same.

“In 2015 and 2018, Ohio voters overwhelmingly supported reforms to ensure that both Republicans and Democrats have a say in how district lines are drawn. Instead of respecting voters’ wishes, the Senate Republican supermajority is actively trying to cheat the new system,” said Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio.

This change comes as a last-minute addition to Ohio’s massive operating budget bill, which is thousands of pages long and months into its legislative process. The bill has already passed the House and is scheduled to pass the Senate today, leaving no time whatsoever for public testimony. 

“No matter our differences, we Ohioans deserve to have our voices heard. The Republican supermajority’s amendment would let them use tax dollars to do the exact opposite of what the people told them to do. They want to use our money to silence Black, brown, and other marginalized communities who are not fairly represented in the map-making process. Without fair representation, our issues are not prioritized. It’s shameful and unacceptable,” said Prentiss Haney, Co-Executive Director of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

The Equal Districts Coalition urges Ohioans to contact Statehouse leaders to demand this provision be removed from the budget during Conference Committee:

The Equal Districts Coalition includes the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP, Ohio Organizing Collaborative, the Ohio Environmental Council, Innovation Ohio, Ohio Council of Churches, the Ohio Student Association, ProgressOhio, All On the Line-Ohio, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio Education Association, CAIR-Ohio, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, URGE – Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, LEAD Ohio, the Ohio Women’s Alliance, and more.

More information — from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission:

New Citizens’ Redistricting Commission Launches in Ohio to Spotlight Community Needs

COLUMBUS, OH — Today, a new multiracial commission of top Ohio leaders announced the launch of the Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission (OCRC). This nonpartisan and highly diverse commission will hold public hearings in a wide range of communities to provide robust public input throughout Ohio’s map-drawing process. 

“This past week, we witnessed an attempt by Statehouse leadership to shorten the redistricting process and decrease opportunities for public input. This new citizens’ commission will help hold the map drawers accountable to ensure no one can silence Ohioans during the redistricting process,“  said former State Representative Kathleen Clyde.

The OCRC aims to: 1.) Model a thorough and robust public engagement process for Ohio’s official redistricting commission, 2.) Develop and demonstrate citizen-derived principles of redistricting, and 3.) Draw unity maps based on community input and feedback. OCRC’s work will culminate in mapmaking recommendations and a report that includes model unity maps, which will be submitted as public testimony in the official redistricting process. 

The project is co-sponsored by the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), Ohio State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) of Ohio. The Commission will partner with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University and MGGG Redistricting Lab at Tufts University for data collection, analysis and community mapping.

“Whether you’re in Akron, Toledo, or Cincinnati, gerrymandering harms all of our communities. The Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission will ensure the people’s voices are heard during this critical redistricting process,” said Ohio Organizing Collaborative Policy and Advocacy Director, Jeniece Brock. “This commission will engage the most marginalized communities to make sure they provide their input. All Ohioans deserve a say in how their districts are drawn and who gets to represent them.”

The OCRC is composed of academics, political party officials, community representatives, and others from across the state. It will be chaired by former State Rep. Kathleen Clyde and Greg Moore of the Promise of Democracy Foundation. The Ohio Organizing Collaborative’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Jeniece Brock, will serve as the commission’s secretary. 

Commission members will include:

  • Barbara Sykes, Former state representative, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OBLC) Foundation President & CEO
  • Tom Roberts, Former state senator, President of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP
  • Andre Washington, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Ohio Chapter
  • Katy Shanahan, All On The Line Ohio State Director 
  • Kathleen Clyde, Former state representative
  • Greg Moore, Promise of Democracy Foundation  
  • Jeniece Brock, Health Scientist, Policy & Advocacy Director for the Ohio Organizing Collaborative 
  • Sam Gresham, Chair of Common Cause Ohio
  • Akii Butler, Ohio Student Association
  • Dr. Richard Gunther, Retired professor
  • Chris Tavenor, Ohio Environmental Council
  • Dr. Lis Regula, Professor and LGBTQ activist
  • Jeremy Blake, Newark City Council member, Equality Ohio board member
  • Dr. Ellen Greene Bush, Clinical Psychologist
  • Alan Bannister, Ohio political professional, former Ohio statewide political director for Joe Biden
  • Amina Barhumi, Council on American-Islamic Relations CAIR-Ohio

Additional members may be added to the commission in the coming days.

“The OCRC is made up of a broad, diverse cross section of Ohioans from across the state who support a fair redistricting process. We are looking forward to giving the citizens who voted to reform the redistricting process in Ohio the opportunity to finally have their voice heard,” said Greg Moore, OCRC co-chairperson.  

The OCRC’s activities will include hosting public hearings for community input, collecting publicly available data for mapmaking, and supporting public education on redistricting. 

The Commission will hold public hearings on the redistricting process on every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:00 pm EDT from May 2021 through September 2021.

The public and the press will be encouraged to attend these hearings — which will be virtual — to ensure widespread public awareness of and attention to Ohio’s redistricting process. For more information, please visit www.mapohio.org. 

Follow the Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission on social media:

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The Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission (OCRC) is an independent, non-partisan commission made up of volunteer members. Commission members will include academics, political party officials, community representatives, and others from across the state. The Commission’s activities include: hosting public hearings for community input, collecting publicly available data for mapmaking, and supporting public education on redistricting. The work of the commission will be culminated into a report including recommendations and a unity map(s), which will be submitted as public testimony in the official redistricting process.

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