Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Support People over Politicians — Stop Ohio HJR 6

For over 100 years, Ohioans have had the right to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures, place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, and pass it into law. That’s the power of the people.

But now, two Ohio politicians are trying to take this right away.

While you and your family prepare for the holidays, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Rep Brian Stewart are trying to pass HJR 6.

Under HJR 6, Ohioans who gather signatures and place an amendment on the ballot would need to win a supermajority (60%) of statewide votes for their amendment to become law.

That means just 41% of voters could block what the majority of voters want. Ohio would be run by minority rule.

We believe the people of Ohio should have the final say, not lobbyists and politicians. If you agree, take action to help stop this attack on your freedoms.

1.) Testify in-person against HJR 6. Click here for info on how to testify in-person.

2.) Submit written-only testimony against HJR 6. Click here for info on how to submit written-only testimony.

3.) Tell these officials to respect your right to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives. DO NOT LET HJR 6 pass:

  • Email key Ohio legislators
  • Call House Government Oversight Committee Chair Shane Wilkin: 614-466-3506
  • Call House Speaker Bob Cupp: 614-466-9624
  • Call Senate President Matt Huffman: 614-466-7584

Every action you take helps defend Ohioans’ freedoms.

Innovation Ohio Condemns LaRose Effort to Weaken Ohioans’ Right to Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement in vehement opposition to Secretary of State LaRose and Representative Stewart’s proposed change to Ohio’s Constitution, which would destroy majority rule for citizen-led ballot measures and weaken the power of Ohio citizens:

“When a majority of Ohioans speak, politicians and lobbyists should listen. But Frank LaRose, the man who controls Ohio’s elections, has announced his intention to significantly weaken Ohio voters’ power at the ballot box.

“We have a fundamental, constitutional right to majority rule in our elections. Columbus politicians didn’t like it when Ohio voters of all parties used ballot measures to create term limits, prevent gerrymandering, or challenge federal encroachment on our individual healthcare freedoms. 

“Now, instead of a majority of Ohio voters deciding what’s best for our state, this ridiculous proposed alteration to our constitution would allow just 41% of voters to block what the majority wants.

“In Ohio, the people should rule, not lobbyists and politicians.” 

LaRose’s Support for Impeachment of Ohio Chief Justice is Unacceptable

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s commentsindicating he would support a Republican effort to impeach Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor over her redistricting rulings:

“Ohio’s top elections official supports impeaching Ohio’s top Supreme Court justice because he disagrees with her.

“A founding principle of this nation is to function and prosper as three co-equal branches of government. Somewhere, somehow, Republicans are losing sight of that ideal.

“If Republicans impeach the Chief Justice of Ohio’s Supreme Court for ruling against her own political party, it would be the end of checks and balances in Ohio.

“Every respectable Republican politician needs to condemn Frank LaRose’s comments immediately.”

Click here for a list of phone numbers and email addresses for Secretary of State Frank LaRose and his top staff.

Desiree Tims Responds to Governor’s SOTS Address

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released a video statement responding to Governor DeWine’s State of the State address. The full statement is copied below:

“My name is Desiree Tims, and I’m the President & CEO of Innovation Ohio. This afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine gave his ‘State of the State’ address. I want to take a few minutes to talk about the REAL state of our state.

“We have an opportunity to make Ohio a comeback state, but first we need leaders who will advance progressive policies that help working families. Unfortunately, Ohio is controlled by Republican extremists and the governor has caved to his party to our detriment.

“I was disappointed to see how many times the governor took credit for things that Joe Biden and Democrats like Sherrod Brown, Joyce Beatty, and Tim Ryan accomplished for our state.

“There are also several major issues that the governor failed to mention.

“Instead of working for all Ohioans, Governor DeWine and Ohio’s Republican supermajority passed tax giveaways for the rich. This gift resulted in the wealthiest 1% of Ohioans receiving an extra $50,000 per year. 

“All while your electric bills go up, housing remains unaffordable, and healthcare workers have yet to receive hazard pay.

“Governor DeWine also failed to mention his Republican Party’s racist attacks. Right now, his party is trying to rewrite history by banning American history books and arresting peaceful protesters fighting for civil rights.

“They demonstrate Republican extremism at its worst.

“Mike DeWine and his party even defied Ohio law by failing to draw legal maps. Meaning, right now, Ohioans have no idea who they will be voting for or what district they will be voting in. This Republican mess has cost Ohio taxpayers millions of dollars. 

“It’s important for Ohioans to know the REAL state of our state — so we can work together to make things better.

“Ohio workers and families deserve the best. It will take all of us together to move our state forward.

“Sign up at InnovationOhio.org to join the fight.”

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 Honors MLK Jr. Day with Call to Action

Desiree Tims sits outside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Atlanta home.

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a call to action for Ohioans:

“Today, as we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s painful to know we are still fighting the same battles 50 years later.

“Some Republicans are using lies about Critical Race Theory to ban teachers from discussing ‘divisive concepts’ like racism, prejudice, and Dr. King’s teachings.

“Ohio’s Republican supermajority is trying to rig our district maps to drown out the votes of Black, brown, immigrant, and other diverse communities throughout our great state.

“On a national scale, politicians are quoting Dr. King on social media today, while refusing to pass a voting rights bill that would honor his legacy.

“Ohio Senator Rob Portman even marched in Selma with Congressman John Lewis in 2015, but now refuses to support Rep Lewis’ voting rights bill.

“Dr. King’s family has made clear that there can be ‘no celebration without legislation.’ Do not spend today reading MLK quotes posted by the followers of George Wallace’s ghost. Instead, take action to help us win this long standing battle.

We shall overcome.”

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.”

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