Press Releases Archives | Innovation Ohio

Nov 17 2022

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.”

Aug 26 2022

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 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.

Jul 27 2022

Innovation Ohio Adds Several New Team Members as Organization’s Work Expands

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, proudly announced several new additions to the organization’s staff. Innovation Ohio continues to expand and grow in order to meet the demands of this crucial moment in Ohio politics.

“We have reached a pivotal juncture for our state and our nation. Will we allow ourselves to be thrown backward by a vocal minority intent upon unraveling decades of progress, or will we stand up, fight back, and continue to move forward toward a future that’s better for everyone? Innovation Ohio is stepping up and staffing up to provide the research, messaging, and resources necessary for Ohio’s progressive champions to succeed,” said Desiree Tims.

New Innovation Ohio staff members include:

Kayla Lewis
Chief of Staff
She/Her

Kayla Lewis brings an abundance of state and local campaign experience to IO, as well as five years of state legislative experience and four years in direct service nonprofit work. She has held various positions on political campaigns ranging from field and volunteer organization to communications and strategy.

Kayla is a proud HBCU graduate of Kentucky State University, where she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She has also earned a diploma from The Campaign School at Yale University and currently attends Capital University Law School.

Ambur Smith
Democracy and Civil Rights Director
She/Her

Ambur C. Smith, Esq. is an Ohio attorney, political strategist and entrepreneur. Prior to joining IO, Ambur gained experience in progressive politics as a field organizer and strategist for Democratic campaigns; most recently as the Deputy Director of Voter Protection for the Ohio Democratic Party in 2020. Simultaneously, Ambur has dedicated her legal career to empowering women and marginalized communities in both the public and private sector while exploring the intersections between identity, law and politics.

Ambur is a proud graduate of Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the Georgetown University Law Center, where she received her Juris Doctor. Ambur is licensed to practice law in Ohio and the District of Columbia.

Nick Tuell
Senior Communications Strategist and Paid Media Buyer
He/Him

Nick Tuell is a political professional with experience in government and political campaigns. He worked for President Obama’s reelection campaign as a field organizer in southeast Ohio, and worked four election cycles for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, where he eventually ran the statewide field, digital, and communications programs.

Nick has several years of government experience as well. He first served as Legislative Aide to State Representative Stephen Slesnick, then Senior Legislative Aide to Ohio House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn. Most recently, Nick served as Chief Spokesperson for the Franklin County Clerk of Courts, Maryellen O’Shaughnessy. Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with certificates in Political Communications and Gender Studies from the Ohio University.

Sha’Tisha Young
Senior Digital Communications Associate
They/Them

Sha’Tisha Young was born in Colorado Springs, CO, but grew up primarily in Dayton and Xenia, OH. They attended Wright State University for a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with dual minors in Classical Humanities and Youth and Community Engagement.

Working in public libraries small and large for over 6 years, Sha’Tisha saw first hand how the lack of resources in any given community directly impacted its residents. Coupled with their work with organizations like Planned Parenthood, Pro-Choice Ohio, MoveOn and URGE, Sha’Tisha has developed a sense of organizing that is rooted in empowering and activating voters on a local level.

Emma Speyer
Research and Communication Associate
She/Her

Emma Speyer is from Cleveland, Ohio, and a recent graduate of the University of Dayton. During her time at UD, she studied Public Relations and Political Science, finding passion in state politics and engaging her local community.

Emma spent over three years in community organizing by leading her school’s voting rights organization, registering students to vote, and educating students on local and federal issues. She also spent time working for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, directly working for voters and assisting with community engagement for her hometown. Emma is most excited about the opportunity to continue her passion of helping educate voters and providing fair and equal opportunities for civic engagement.

To learn more about Innovation Ohio (IO), visit InnovationOhio.org and follow IO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

To receive regular updates and/or news clips from IO, sign up here.

To support IO’s important work, contribute here.

Jul 13 2022

Desiree Tims Releases Statement After Ohio Republicans Call Child Rape Survivor a Liar

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement following the arrest of a man accused of raping and impregnating a 10 year-old Ohio child, who was forced to leave the state to receive abortion care. Ohio Republicans have spent the past several days claiming on national television that the story was false.

“Ohio’s MAGA Republicans passed a deadly 6-week abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. Then, when their actions forced a 10 year-old child to leave the state for abortion care, they called the child a liar.

“Today, they have no excuses left. It’s time for Mike DeWine, Dave Yost, and Ohio’s MAGA Republicans to own the truth: they passed a heartless law.

“One out of every five Ohio children does not know where their next meal is coming from. Over half a million Ohio children live in poverty. Instead of tackling issues like these, MAGA Republicans have been on national TV re-traumatizing a child rape survivor. We should all be ashamed of their actions.

“We will keep fighting every day to end these barbaric bans and restore Ohioans’ freedoms. Our families and children deserve so much better.”

Jun 30 2022

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.”

Jun 24 2022

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.”

Jun 13 2022

Desiree Tims Condemns DeWine’s Repeated Failure to ‘Do Something’ About Gun Violence

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning Governor Mike DeWine’s signature of HB 99, as well as his continued failure to address gun violence in Ohio:

“Today, as Ohio’s deadly new permitless carry law goes into effect, Governor DeWine has further betrayed Ohio families by signing HB 99 into law.

“HB 99 — which will arm teachers and school staff with hardly any training — is going to have hugely detrimental effects on Ohio’s Black and Brown children.

“It will not make anyone safer. It will place our babies’ lives at greater risk, and Mike DeWine knows it.

“We all know the ‘good person with a gun’ argument is a myth told by the gun lobby to help them sell more guns. America just saw, by watching the devastation unfold in Uvalde, how such a flimsy argument fails in practice.

“Yet Mike DeWine and Ohio’s Republican supermajority ignored teachers, parents, and police to pass HB 99 and please their donors.

“This weekend, I stood with hundreds of neighbors and friends in Dayton to show solidarity with the national #MarchForOurLives rally.

“We’ve been asking Mike DeWine to #DoSomething about gun violence for years. He has repeatedly failed us and our families.

“Shame on Mike DeWine for once again choosing politics over people.

“Shame on him for choosing campaign donations over children’s lives.

“Ohioans will not forget.”

Jun 10 2022

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.

Jun 01 2022

Poll Finds Democrat Ryan Leading U.S. Senate Race

Contact: goodnight@innovationohio.org

Columbus, OH – A new poll from Innovation Ohio and GrowProgress shows that in the race for US Senate, Congressman Tim Ryan, the newly-minted Democratic nominee, is leading his Republican rival, venture capitalist JD Vance 43-41.

A memo on the results can be found on Innovation Ohio’s website.

The poll also found that in a state Trump won twice, Vance still lacks the support of more than 1 in 5 members of his own party. A bruising primary and a history of changing political positions – particularly his views on former President Trump – leave Vance with the support of just 78% of Republicans. Ryan, by contrast, picks up 91% of Democrats.

“As the race heads into the General Election, Tim Ryan is showing signs of strength and momentum against J.D. Vance.” said Innovation Ohio President Desiree Tims. “In a state where Trump won twice, Vance has yet to capture similar levels of support.”

“This race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country,” Tims continued.

The poll showed Ryan holding substantial leads among women, black voters, younger voters (18-54) and those with a college degree. Vance, meanwhile, maintains an edge among white voters, those ages 55 and up and non-college voters.

These findings showing Vance’s weakness within his own party are consistent with new analysis by six political scientists that measured how GOP primary voters felt about different political figures. In the JD Vance received a rating of 59 out of 100 on a political “thermometer” scale measuring candidate favorability, compared to a score of 75 for Trump. Overall, the GOP is not as unified as Democrats heading into the General Election.

Founded in 2011, Innovation Ohio is a nonpartisan, nonprofit thank tank that blends policy research and advocacy to fight for working families in Ohio.

Grow Progress surveyed 2000 Ohio voters on April 25th through April 29th, just days before the primary. The survey’s margin of error is +/-2.5%.