Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Ohio Leaders Hold ‘Constituents Over Corporations’ Town Hall in Cincinnati

Despite repeated invitations, Congressman Chabot was a no-show to a recess event in his district

CINCINNATI — This week, Innovation Ohio (IO) joined local elected officials and SW Ohio residents for a Constituents Over Corporations town hall at the Woodward Theater in Cincinnati.

At this event, Ohioans celebrated the Democrats’ passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. This historic law will lower Americans’ healthcare and energy costs, lower the deficit, create jobs, and help our nation battle the effects of climate change.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is paid for by making sure billionaires pay their fair share…no one making under $400,000 per year will see their taxes go up. But they will see their costs go down,” said Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio.

Local leaders also named Republican Congress members who voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and several other recent bills, repeatedly choosing corporations over their constituents. Republican Congress members, including Steve Chabot and Brad Wenstrup in Ohio, have been enabling price gouging corporations — from Big Pharma to Big Oil.

“While my constituents are working extra jobs to make ends meet, corporate America is raking in more money than ever before…Republican politicians won’t do anything for working Americans because big corporations are lining their pockets,” said State Representative Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park).

“Our people are hurting. Inflation is hurting them. But you get no answers from Congressional Republicans. They just want to complain. They say, ‘gas prices are too high. Inflation is too high.’ They don’t want to offer you solutions,” said Pavan Parikh, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. “The Inflation Reduction Act offers actual solutions. It reduces medical costs. It actually encourages corporations to invest in their workers and not just line their pockets with stock buybacks.”

Despite multiple invitations, Congressman Steve Chabot refused to attend this town hall. A cardboard cutout of the congressman was therefore used to mark his empty chair during the event.

“It’s pretty unfortunate that Congressman Steve Chabot did not show up today to answer questions and be accountable to constituents. It’s interesting that he did show up to a parade recently to wave his hand at people, but then immediately got in a car and left,” noted State Representative Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati).

Event speakers included:

  • Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio (video)
  • State Senator Cecil Thomas, D-Avondale (video)
  • State Representative Jessica Miranda, D-Forest Park (video)
  • State Representative Sedrick Denson, D-Cincinnati (video)
  • Pavan Parikh, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts (video)
  • Victoria Parks, Cincinnati City Council Member (video)

About Innovation Ohio
Innovation Ohio is a diverse nonprofit organization working to improve everyday life for Ohio workers and families, create opportunities for all Ohioans, and strengthen Ohioan communities from the bottom up. Through polling, messaging campaigns, and coalition building, they are a catalyst for progressive policy and grassroots activity. Click here to support Innovation Ohio’s work.

About Unrig Our Economy
Unrig Our Economy is a national campaign to fix the rules of our economy to make it work for working people. We know that when the middle class does well, all of us do well — which is why we’re fighting on behalf of working Americans and holding corporations, their wealthy executives, and the politicians who enable them accountable. Learn more at UnRigOurEconomy.com or by contacting press@unrigoureconomy.com.

Desiree Tims Speaks Out After Devastating West Virginia v. EPA Supreme Court Decision

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement after the conservative-controlled U.S. Supreme Court chose to gut the EPA’s authority to regulate carbon pollution in a broad-reaching decision:

“Today’s catastrophic U.S. Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. EPA will harm far more than our nation’s ability to battle climate change. It will kill good-paying union jobs, increase your family’s energy costs, and likely hinder basic government functions like ensuring clean drinking water and testing food quality.

“Every American will suffer because of an activist Court packed by MAGA Republicans.

“This Supreme Court decision means the EPA can no longer effectively regulate carbon pollution from power plants, a major source of America’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“This likely means fewer upgrades and repairs made to these plants, which means fewer jobs.

“It also means the air your children breathe will be less safe. And MAGA Republicans are to blame.

“This ruling will cost Americans in more ways than we yet understand. Clean water, food safety, product quality — all of that is made possible by government standards that industries must meet.

“Remove those standards, and we’re left hoping greedy private corporations will decide to do the right thing all on their own.

“We can’t look away. We must hold the extremist minority accountable for the devastation they continue to cause through the illegitimate Court majority they crafted.

“This year’s elections will determine the future of our nation.

“The true majority must reject dangerous, extremist policies with one, unified voice this November.”

Desiree Tims Condemns Supreme Court Decision to End Federal Abortion Protections, Ignore Decades of Precedent

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively ending federal abortion protections:

“Today, the unthinkable occurred. The conservative-controlled U.S. Supreme Court ignored decades of precedent and overturned Roe v. Wade. They ended federal protection for abortion rights.

“Dozens of states — including Ohio — will likely now ban all abortion without any exemptions, including rape or incest.

“Ohio’s Republican supermajority will have the power to force its residents to give birth when they become pregnant.

“It’s hard to fathom the devastating impacts of this decision. That’s why this cannot be the end of our fight — it must be the beginning of a movement. We can and will right this deadly wrong together.

“For the time being, abortion remains LEGAL in Ohio. Most Americans and Ohioans support the basic human right to decide what happens to our own bodies.

“It’s time for the majority to speak with one voice that cannot be ignored. We must not allow an illegitimate minority to take away our personal freedoms.

“This catastrophic decision also highlights another truth: local and state elected officials hold our lives in their hands. Down ballot races have never been more important.

“We must vote in every single election, especially for state Supreme Court candidates. Ohio’s Supreme Court will likely now decide the future of abortion rights in our communities.

“Mark this year’s election date in your calendar: November 8, 2022. We will defend our rights from the ground up.

“I know many Ohioans are feeling fear and even defeat right now, but I want you to know there are people fighting with and for you. Democrats at all levels of government continue to fight for our rights, and we are deeply grateful for their work.

“We are angrier and more determined than we’ve ever been. We will never give up. Ohioans and Americans will stand together in the ongoing fight for our freedoms.”

Ohioans Call Out Marathon, Other Corporations for Price Gouging Families

CINCINNATI — Today, Innovation Ohio gathered elected officials, partners, and community members in Cincinnati’s Summit Park to hold corporations like Marathon Petroleum accountable for price gouging Ohioans under the guise of inflation.

Watch the full press conference here.

“The issue of corporate greed is actually quite simple to understand. Gas prices have reached their highest levels since 2014. And while everyday Americans are paying the price, the billionaires who run the gas companies are lining their pockets with hundreds of millions of our hard earned dollars,” said State Representative Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park).

Marathon Petroleum has a history of putting profits before people, going all the way back to when it jacked up gas prices in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Now, Marathon is using the aftermath of another tragedy to pad its pockets, posting more than double their expected profits last year and adding $5 billion in stock buybacks. Meanwhile, gas prices in Ohio have hit record highs multiple times in the past month, with some Ohioans paying over $5 per gallon.|

“We talk about inflation, and how high it is now, and whose fault it is. But the reality is that lots of money is going into the pockets of the same people who have created laws for years that only benefit them and not the hardworking people here in Ohio….follow the money,” said State Representative Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati).

On Unrig Our Economy’s National Corporate Greed Day of Action, Americans at events nationwide called out wealthy corporations that have made inflation worse by jacking up prices while lavishing executives with outsized compensation and rewarding their shareholders with buybacks and dividends. These events also shed light on the actions and votes that Republicans in Congress have taken that favor corporations over their constituents. 

“It’s time for Republicans to cross the aisle and work with Democrats to lower costs for Ohio families and Americans nationwide,” said Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio. “Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress have been battling high costs from every angle. House Democrats even passed a bill to punish corporate price gouging, but Senate Republicans are likely to block it. Who are those Republican politicians really working for? It certainly isn’t their constituents.”

Today’s demonstration featured a 12-foot inflatable ‘corporate fat cat’ protecting his money the way Marathon has hoarded profits at the expense of working people.

“I’m a suburban mom, and you know what we moms are really good at? Multi-tasking and getting stuff done…We solve the problem. This is the exact opposite of what we are seeing from Republicans right now. They are not offering solutions. Instead, they’re spending their time trying to confuse and scare us with disinformation and lies,” said Julie Womack, Cincinnati resident and Chief Organizing Officer for Red Wine and Blue.

Similar actions and events also took place in Bakersfield, CA; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Minneapolis, MN; Omaha, NE; Phoenix, AZ; Staten Island, NY; and Waterloo, IA.

Learn more about the National Corporate Greed Day of Action at UnRigOurEconomy.com or by contacting press@unrigoureconomy.com.

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About Innovation Ohio
Innovation Ohio is a diverse nonprofit organization working to improve everyday life for Ohio workers and families, create opportunities for all Ohioans, and strengthen Ohioan communities from the bottom up. Through polling, messaging campaigns, and coalition building, they are a catalyst for progressive policy and grassroots activity.

About Unrig Our Economy
Unrig Our Economy is a national campaign to fix the rules of our economy to make it work for working people. We know that when the middle class does well, all of us do well — which is why we’re fighting on behalf of working Americans and holding corporations, their wealthy executives, and the politicians who enable them accountable.

Desiree Tims Comments on Leaked Draft of Roe v. Wade Decision

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement after a draft U.S. Supreme Court decision was leaked to the public, appearing to show that the Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and end federal abortion rights:

“This is a sad day in our nation’s history. The American majority is pro-choice. Most Americans support our right to decide what happens to our own bodies. We will not allow an illegitimate minority to take away our personal freedoms.

“It’s important to note that this is currently only a draft, and things may change before anything is finalized. It is also important to note that abortion remains LEGAL in Ohio. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

“Either way, we can and will right this deadly wrong together.

“It is fitting that today is Primary Election Day in Ohio. This disastrous potential Supreme Court decision only highlights the crucial nature of down ballot races.

“We must vote in every single election, for candidates at every level of government. Courts matter. State legislatures matter. We will defend our rights from the ground up.

“Go vote today, anytime before 7:30 pm, then prepare to stand together in the fight for our freedoms.”

Desiree Tims Celebrates Confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement celebrating Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation to the United States Supreme Court:

“Today, history has been made. Ketanji Brown Jackson was just confirmed as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I have often said it is the lived experiences and diverse backgrounds of Supreme Court justices that are vital to the deliberative decision-making process. Justice Brown Jackson brings a crucial perspective that will greatly enrich Court proceedings.

“Justice Brown Jackson will be the first former federal public defender on the U.S. Supreme Court. She will also be the first justice with extensive criminal defense experience since Thurgood Marshall. The Court and the American people will benefit greatly from her expertise and input.

“I am immensely grateful to President Joe Biden for keeping this promise to Americans. I look forward to the great work that Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will do as the newest member of our nation’s highest Court.”

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.”

Desiree Tims Celebrates House Passage of Build Back Better Plan, Urges Quick Senate Passage

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement praising the passage of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda through the House, and urging its quick passage through the Senate:

“President Biden’s Build Back Better plan just took a big step forward on the path to becoming law — and Ohio families are ready.

“This bill will lower the cost of prescription drugs, establish universal Pre-K, provide tax breaks for clean energy, and expand the Child Tax Credit. It will even cut taxes for millions of families and small businesses. The benefits are seemingly endless.

“I’m thrilled that Ohio’s Democratic delegation voted in favor of the Build Back Better plan. It is clear that the vast majority of Ohioans support this agenda, which will provide relief to hardworking families.

“The president’s Build Back Better plan will provide the crucial care infrastructure Ohio parents and children need. Let’s get this bill across the finish line and through the Senate — and let’s make sure it includes paid leave.“

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