Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Toolkit — Lowering Costs for Ohioans

Folder full of graphics that you can download and share on social media!

President Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program is providing reliable, affordable, broadband internet to Ohio families:

  • Many Ohioans can get $30 off broadband internet plans through Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • The Biden Admin also negotiated with internet providers to get new plans that will make many Americans’ internet bills $0
  • Click here for Broadband graphics you can download and share!
  • Over 600,000 Ohio households are already benefiting from affordable, high-speed internet as a result of this program. But over 1.4 million Ohio households are eligible!

The Biden Admin is Increasing Your Social Security Check:

President Biden Lowered the Cost of Hearing Aids:

President Biden’s CHIPS Act is lowering costs for Ohio by:

  • Speeding up the production of computer chips, which will lower the cost of cars, computers, cell phones, home appliances, medical equipment, and more.
  • Making sure more products are built in America
  • Creating good-paying jobs in our state
  • Improving the supply chain, which will lower costs for your family
  • Click here for CHIPS Act graphics you can download and share!
  • VOTES:
    • Tim Ryan and Ohio’s Democratic House members voted FOR the CHIPS Act
    • Senators Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R) voted FOR the CHIPS Act
    • Four of Ohio’s Republican House members (Davidson, Jordan, Latta, Wenstrup) voted NO. Why would they vote against Ohio?

President Biden’s Infrastructure Law is improving life in Ohio by:

  • Improving the supply chain, lowering costs for your family
  • Helping refill dangerous potholes in our roads
  • Providing resources to rebuild crumbling bridges
  • Providing access to broadband internet for all American families 
  • Lowering internet costs
  • Creating millions of good-paying jobs
  • Replacing old pipes and delivering clean drinking water to all families
  • Cleaning up brownfield sites and reclaiming abandoned mines
  • Click here for infrastructure law graphics you can download and share!
  • VOTES:
    • Tim Ryan and Ohio’s Democratic House members voted FOR the Infrastructure Law
    • Senators Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R) voted FOR the Infrastructure Law
    • 11 of Ohio’s 12 Republican House members voted NO. Why would they vote against Ohio?

The Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs for Ohio:

  • CleanEnergy.gov — See how your family can save money through the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act
  • Click here for Inflation Reduction Act graphics you can download and share!
  • VOTES:
    • Tim Ryan and Ohio’s Democratic House members voted FOR the Inflation Reduction Act
    • Senators Sherrod Brown (D) voted FOR the Inflation Reduction Act
    • All of Ohio’s Republican Congress members voted NO. Why would they vote against Ohio?

REMEMBER — Abortion Rights are an economic issue:

Make sure your community knows WHEN and HOW to vote:

  • Reminder: Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th!
  • Ohio Voter Guide (OhioVoterGuide.org) — Nonpartisan. Type your address to see the candidates on your ballot AND information about each candidate!
  • VoteOhio.gov— Official Ohio elections website. Explains the 3 ways to vote in Ohio.
  • Click here for voter information graphics you can download and share!

Stay Connected with Innovation Ohio:

Rachel’s Rural Roadtrip!

Everyone wants to know if progressive values are still around in rural Ohio. Well, we decided to hit the road and find out for ourselves. Innovation Ohio has been working all year to research and compile resources for rural progressives.

You’ve seen the articles, the polling, and the data, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Innovation Ohio staffer Rachel Coyle went on a road trip around the state to learn more about what’s on the hearts and minds of rural voters!

She visited rural counties to experience local culture (and local food!), promote early voting, and hear from members of each community:

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make action GIFs like this at MakeaGif

Ohioans in rural counties expressed to us, in their own words, why voting is so vitally important this year:

Then, we created this rural toolkit.

The toolkit contains facts, articles, and graphics (like the one below) that you can download and share with your own community!

Rural voices and rural votes can shape the future of our state — especially this year.

Early Vote among rural Ohioans is currently outpacing 2018:

Make sure you’re speaking with the rural Ohioans you love. Together, we can lift up the great work being done by President Biden and Democrats in Congress to lower costs and improve quality of life throughout Ohio!

If you live in rural Ohio, we’d love to tell Ohioans why you’re voting this year! Just email a short video (15-30 seconds is perfect) to info@InnovationOhio.org

Rural Ohio — 2022 Resources

Folder full of graphics that you can download and share on social media!

President Biden’s CHIPS Act is lowering costs for rural Ohio by:

  • Speeding up the production of computer chips, which will lower the cost of cars, computers, cell phones, home appliances, medical equipment, and more
  • Making sure more products are built in America
  • Creating good-paying jobs in our state
  • Improving the supply chain, which will lower costs for your family
  • Click here for CHIPS Act graphics you can download and share!
  • VOTES:
    • Tim Ryan and Ohio’s Democratic House members voted FOR the CHIPS Act
    • Senators Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R) voted FOR the CHIPS Act
    • Four of Ohio’s Republican House members (Davidson, Jordan, Latta, Wenstrup) voted NO. Why would they vote against Ohio?

President Biden’s Infrastructure Law is improving life in rural Ohio by:

  • Improving the supply chain, lowering costs for your family
  • Helping refill dangerous potholes in our roads
  • Providing resources to rebuild crumbling bridges
  • Providing access to broadband internet for all American families 
  • Lowering internet costs
  • Creating millions of good-paying jobs
  • Replacing old pipes and delivering clean drinking water to all families
  • Cleaning up brownfield sites and reclaiming abandoned mines
  • Click here for infrastructure law graphics you can download and share!
  • VOTES:
    • Tim Ryan and Ohio’s Democratic House members voted FOR the Infrastructure Law
    • Senators Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R) voted FOR the Infrastructure Law
    • 11 of Ohio’s 12 Republican House members voted NO. Why would they vote against Ohio?

President Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program is providing reliable, affordable, broadband internet to rural Ohio:

  • Many Ohioans can get $30 off broadband internet plans through Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • The Biden Admin also negotiated with internet providers to get new plans that will make many Americans’ internet bills $0
  • Click here for Broadband Internet graphics you can download and share!
  • Over 600,000 Ohio households are already benefiting from affordable, high-speed internet as a result of this program. But over 1.4 million Ohio households are eligible!

The Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs for rural Ohio:

President Biden Lowered the Cost of Hearing Aids:

The Biden Admin is Increasing Your Social Security Check:

Personal Freedoms:

Make sure your community knows WHEN and HOW to vote:

Additional Resources:

Stay Connected with Innovation Ohio:

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.

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 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.“

Ohio politicians are trying to ban honesty in education. Help stop them.

Our kids deserve an honest, accurate, diverse education. 

Right now, Republican politicians are using lies about Critical Race Theory to ban schools from teaching an honest history. 

Two Ohio bills (HB 327 and HB 322) would essentially ban teachers from discussing racism, sexism, prejudice, gender studies, and other so-called “divisive concepts.” Even in college.

HB 322 and HB 327 are likely both receiving hearings at the Ohio Statehouse next week. Exact details TBA.

Want to testify against these bills? Or submit written-only testimony? Follow this simple process:

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY (in-person OR written-only):

  • 1. Email Dillon.Barto@Ohiohouse.gov. Ask to be placed on the “House State and Local Government Committee notice list.”
    • You’ll receive emails from the committee. You’ll know first when bill hearings are announced.
  • 3. Fill out a witness slip.
    • Make sure to note on your witness slip whether you are testifying in-person or written-only.
  • 4. When the committee announces the next hearings for these bills, email your testimony and your witness slip to Chair Scott Wiggam’s aide: Dillon.Barto@Ohiohouse.gov
    • Testimony is due 24 hours before the hearing begins.

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified!
(We recommend sharing your testimony on social media so everyone can see it)

If you’re testifying in-person (recommended), see below.

  • 5. Arrive at the Statehouse before the committee is scheduled to begin.
    • Park either in the garage underneath the Statehouse or the Columbus Commons Parking Garage.
    • Note: you’ll need to go through a metal detector when you arrive.
    • You can ask the security guards to direct you to the committee room where your hearing is being held.
  • 6. Bring a printed copy of your testimony with you to read in front of the committee (you do not have to read your testimony word for word).
  • 7. You may also want to bring copies to hand to reporters – You can contact reporters ahead of time to let them know you (and your group) will be testifying!

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE—

Chairman Wiggam, Vice Chair John, Ranking Member Kelly, and members of the House State and Local Government Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House bills HB 322 and HB 327, which would prevent Ohio students from receiving an honest, accurate education.

Today I'm going to speak speaking specifically about [Choose either HB 322 or HB 327].

[Then tell them why the bill is so bad! Make it short and sweet - a few paragraphs is perfect. Tell a personal story. Or explain why your job experience gives you perspective on the bill. Maybe cite statistics or articles from other states to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote NO on this [harmful / dangerous / devastating / etc.] bill. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

[IF TESTIFYING IN PERSON] I will now take any questions you may have.

AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED SPEAKING, legislators may ask you questions.

  • They are more likely to ask questions if you provide data/statistics or present yourself as having professional experience related to the bill.
  • This part of the process can be incredibly persuasive! But be prepared to back up your testimony!

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org

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.”

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.

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