Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

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.”

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.”

Mayors, Small Business Leader Discuss the American Rescue Plan and Local Aid

Yesterday, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, hosted three Ohio mayors and the Co-Chair of Small Business For America’s Future for a virtual “Local Aid Through the American Rescue Plan” panel.

Mayors Meghan George (Lakewood), Frank Whitfield (Elyria), and Steve Patterson (Athens) discussed how they are using local aid through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to support their communities.

“The American Rescue Plan ensures that Ohio’s state and local governments can continue to fund critical public services. It also provides flexible funds that allow state and local leaders to decide how to best continue providing relief — especially to our small businesses,” said Desiree Tims.

“The resources in the American Rescue Plan are giving us a once in a generation opportunity to make catalytic investments in our cities and small businesses,” said Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield.

Anne Zimmerman — founder and owner of Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc. and Co-Chair of Small Business for America’s Future — also joined the panel to discuss local aid through a small business lens. SBAF co-sponsored the panel with Innovation Ohio.

“This aid is incredibly important for our community. 60% of small business owners say that relief from the American Rescue Plan will be used primarily to keep their workers on the job. Strong small businesses create a strong economy for all of Ohio,” said Anne Zimmerman.

The American Rescue Plan is sending Ohio’s state and local governments a total of $12 billion. $5.4 billion goes to the state. Another $6.6 billion goes directly to local cities, counties, townships, and municipalities to maintain critical COVID relief programs and avoid budget cuts.

“There are several key provisions that the American Rescue Plan is providing — including mitigating negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic and helping us support investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure,” said Lakewood Mayor Meghan George. “Every single household and every single business is going to benefit from the American Rescue Plan here in our community.”

“COVID had a significant impact on small businesses in college communities like Athens. They built their livelihoods around having students in the uptown area. I can’t imagine how much more of a negative, long-term impact we would have experienced if the American Rescue Plan hadn’t passed,” said Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. 

The full panel can be viewed online here.

As President Biden Visits Ohio, Desiree Tims Praises American Rescue Plan

COLUMBUS — Today, as President Joe Biden visited Ohio, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement praising the American Rescue Plan and its impact on the state:

“We are so grateful to have President Biden in Ohio today as the American Rescue Plan continues to help our state recover. 

“The president’s plan is having a real, direct impact on Ohioans’ lives. It provides support in so many ways — from child tax credits, to rental assistance, to small business relief, to protecting our veterans. It’s exactly the boost our communities needed. 

“I’m also thrilled to see the president place such a high priority on infrastructure. Rebuilding our state will mean stable, good-paying jobs in dozens of industries for thousands of people. And the result will be a stronger Ohio that’s ready to grow and flourish for years to come.”

Celebrating the American Rescue Plan on this Special Mother’s Day — Statement from Desiree Tims

Today, as Ohio celebrates our first Mother’s Day with access to a COVID vaccine, we can also find joy in the many ways the American Rescue Plan is supporting moms and kids.

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan is providing direct relief to hardworking Ohio parents. It’s sending the families of 2,591,800 Ohio children $300 per month, per child. That is real, tangible support when Ohioans need it most.

President Biden’s plan is also helping get Ohio parents back to work. It’s investing about $1.3 billion to help child care programs reopen safely and expand existing COVID-safe care.

Ohio moms deserve the relief of knowing they can trust their children to reliable caregivers while they’re working hard to pay the bills.

Many Americans have also struggled to put food on the table during the COVID pandemic. That’s why the ARP is providing 1,465,000 Ohio families with an extra 15% to spend on food and nutrition through September.

In addition, it ensures that 600,000 Ohio children will have access to school lunches through the summer months. 

On this extra special Mother’s Day, we can be grateful for science, strong leadership, and policies that help support all the incredible moms throughout our state. 

In Solidarity,
Desiree Tims
President & CEO
Innovation Ohio

Stay informed about key issues and bills.

Sign Up

We monitor Ohio politicians to help you hold them accountable.