Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Summer Meals for Ohio Kids

Having kids can strain anyone’s food budget. Fortunately, thanks to forward thinking from President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress, there are four ways for families to stretch their food budgets farther this summer.

Scan the options to see which might be best for you:

Pay Your Grocery Bills With EBT.

Does your child (or every child in the district) receive a free or reduced lunch at school? If so, the state of Ohio should have mailed you a white electronic benefits (EBT) card earlier this year. You can use it at the grocery store just like a debit card to purchase food.

To participate, call the number on the back of your card. Provide your child’s date of birth to set up a PIN and activate your card today.

Sign up for SNAP.

If you have a limited income (up to $34,450 per year for a family of four — check eligibility here), you can sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help stretch your food budget. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan added $28 to recipients’ monthly cash benefit through September 2021. 

Click here to learn more and sign up for SNAP.

Fresh Food For Moms and Young Kids.

The Women Infants and Children (WIC) program helps low-income pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age 5 access healthy, nutritious food. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan added $35 per month for healthy fruits and vegetables to each family’s benefits.

Click here to find out if you’re eligible for WIC and learn how to sign up.

Summer Meals To-Go.

This summer, the federal government has allowed participating school districts to offer healthy meals to-to for all resident families of children ages 1-18.

Click here to find out if there’s a summer meal site near you.

These bills could end peaceful protests in Ohio. Help stop them.

**UPDATED June 24th, 2021**

Ohio’s Republican supermajority is attacking your Constitutional right to protest.

THEIR STRATEGY: Introduce bills intended to end peaceful protests. But call them “anti-riot” bills, so they sound like a good thing.

THE PROBLEM: Most of these bills are written so broadly that they would let states punish peaceful protesters and protest organizers with devastating fines and jail time. That’s their true intention.

Let’s be clear: The goal of these bills is to end peaceful protests altogether. 

One of the worst bills (HB 22) just passed the Ohio House. It’s expected to receive a vote by the entire House of Representatives this week.

Want to help stop these bills? Contact these legislators:

—WHAT TO SAY (personalize this phone script/email! make it your own!) —

Hello,

My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I strongly oppose HB 22, which aims to end peaceful protests in Ohio.

I am [calling/writing] today to oppose ALL of the unAmerican anti-protest bills, but wanted to talk specifically about HB 22. It seems to be moving the fastest.

[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 bills. Maybe cite statistics or studies to back up your claims]

As an Ohioan, I ask you to consider my words and vote NO on this [UnAmerican, unpatriotic, likely unconstitutional, dangerous, deeply troubling, etc.] bill.

[IF TALKING TO A STAFFER] How does the senator intend to vote?

[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL OR SENDING AN EMAIL] Please respond to let me know how you intend to vote.

Thank You.

Then share this link to spread the word about these dangerous bills.

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org

Help STOP This Anti-Voter Bill

Like we saw in Georgia and Florida, Ohio House Bill 294 is an all-out partisan assault on our freedom to vote.

Last week, the chamber’s top Democrat even got into a heated altercation with the sponsor of this shameful legislation over the facts about this bill.

The truth? House Bill 294 — Ohio’s anti-voter bill — limits ballot drop boxes, cuts the number of early voting days, cuts off vote-by-mail ballot requests a week earlier than before, and forces Ohioans to show two forms of ID or navigate new, complex ID rules to vote early or by mail.

HB 294 will likely receive an opponent hearing soon, and with little to no advance notice. We need to be ready to flood the hearing with testimony about why the bill is harmful and unnecessary.

Can you testify against this bill? Even without a hearing date, we encourage you to write and submit testimony against HB 294, following this simple process:

SUBMIT TESTIMONY (written-only):

  • 1. Write your testimony.
    • See testimony template below.
    • Personalize your testimony: Talk about your voting experiences and why voting is important to you and your friends and family.
  • 2. Fill out a witness slip.
  • 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Committee Chair Shane Wilkin’s office: Rep91@OhioHouse.gov 
    • Testimony submitted 24 hours before the next hearing will be shared with committee members at the hearing and posted to the committee website.

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE— 

Chairman Wilkin, Vice Chair White, Ranking Member Sweeney, and members of the House Government Oversight Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House Bill 294 which is currently pending before your committee.

[Then tell them why HB 294 is so bad! Make it short and sweet -  a few paragraphs is perfect. Tell a personal story. Or explain why your voting experience gives you perspective on the bill. Maybe cite statistics or examples of friends and family to back up your claims]

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

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org

YOU Can Help Reform Ohio’s Cruel Cash Bail System. Here’s How.

Every day, as many as 12,000 Ohioans who have NOT been convicted of a crime sit in jail, simply because they can’t afford bail. This means they can’t work, pay bills, or take care of their kids.

At the same time, rich Ohioans accused of the SAME CRIME get to pay their way out and go home.

Thanks to two new bipartisan bills (HB 315 and SB 182), we finally have a chance to reform Ohio’s cruel cash bail system. But we need your help.

This week, SB 182 will have a proponent (supporter) hearing at the Statehouse. Wednesday, June 16th, at 3:00 PM, in the North Hearing Room.

Want to testify in support of this bill? Or submit written-only testimony? Follow this simple process:

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

  • 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Committee Chair Nathan Manning’s office: Manning@OhioSenate.gov
    • DEADLINE to submit testimony is TUESDAY, June 15th, at 3:00 pm.

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! If you’re testifying in-person, see below.

  • 4. 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.
  • 5. 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).
  • 6. 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 Manning, Vice Chair McColley, Ranking Member Thomas, and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly in favor of SB 182, which would reform Ohio's [cruel / racist / expensive / etc.] cash bail system.

[Then tell them why SB 182 is so important! 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 studies to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote YES on this [important / life-saving / cost saving / desperately needed / 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

Help STOP This Deadly Anti-Vaccine Bill

Ohio HB 248 puts lives at risk. It would ban employers, schools, and others from requiring or even incentivizing vaccines. It would weaken Ohio’s vaccination laws in several ways.

This week, Ohio’s Republican supermajority invited dozens of witnesses like Sherri Tenpenny to testify in support of HB 248:

HB 248 is scheduled for two upcoming hearings at the Statehouse. Tuesday, June 15th (10:00 am), and Tuesday, June 22nd (10:00 am). Room number TBD.

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

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

  • 2. Fill out a witness slip.
    • Copy/paste this generic witness slip into a Word document and email it along with your testimony.
    • Note: Send your witness slip as a PDF file!
  • 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Committee Chair Scott Lipps’ office: Rep62@OhioHouse.gov 
    • Testimony submitted before 5:00 pm on 6/19 will be shared with legislators at the 6/22 bill hearing.
    • Send both documents as PDF files!

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! If you’re testifying in-person, see below.

  • 4. 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.
  • 5. 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).
  • 6. 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 Lipps, Vice Chair Holmes, Ranking Member Russo, and members of the House Health Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House Bill 248, the anti vaccination bill.

[Then tell them why HB 248 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 studies to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote NO on this [harmful / dangerous / embarrassing / 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

Help STOP This Dangerous Anti-Vax Bill

Ohio HB 248 puts lives at risk. It would ban employers, schools, and others from requiring or even incentivizing vaccines. It would weaken Ohio’s vaccination laws in several ways.

This week, Ohio’s Republican supermajority invited dozens of witnesses like Sherri Tenpenny to testify in support of HB 248:

HB 248 is scheduled for two upcoming hearings at the Statehouse. Tuesday, June 15th (10:00 am), and Tuesday, June 22nd (10:00 am). Room number TBD.

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

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

  • 2. Fill out a witness slip.
    • Copy/paste this generic witness slip into a Word document and email it along with your testimony.
    • Note: Send your witness slip as a PDF file!
  • 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Committee Chair Scott Lipps’ office: Rep62@OhioHouse.gov 
    • Testimony submitted before 5:00 pm on 6/19 will be shared with legislators at the 6/22 bill hearing.
    • Send both documents as a PDF file!

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! If you’re testifying in-person, see below.

  • 4. 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.
  • 5. 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).
  • 6. 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 Lipps, Vice Chair Holmes, Ranking Member Russo, and members of the House Health Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House Bill 248, the anti vaccination bill.

[Then tell them why HB 248 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 studies to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote NO on this [harmful / dangerous / embarrassing / 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

Desiree Tims Named New President and CEO of Innovation Ohio

Today, Innovation Ohio announced that Desiree Tims will be the organization’s new President and CEO. She takes over from Janetta King, who founded the organization in 2011. 

“I am elated to take the helm of Innovation Ohio, one of our state’s premier policy and advocacy organizations,” said Desiree Tims. “Through research, coalition building, and advocacy coordination, Innovation Ohio has long been on the forefront of fighting for innovative policies that help working families and create economic opportunity from the bottom up. I am committed to continuing and strengthening this vital work as we face some of our state’s and nation’s biggest challenges.” 

Tims was born and raised in Dayton and is a proud product of Dayton Public Schools. After graduating from Xavier University, she worked in the Obama White House, and Capitol Hill for Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and a number of advocacy organizations. She is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center. 

“Innovation Ohio has long led efforts to champion Ohio workers and honor the Dignity of Work, and I can think of no one better to lead the next chapter of the organization than Desiree Tims. Growing up in a working-class household in Dayton, Desiree has spent her career working for Ohioans like her, including through her work in my Senate office,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown. “I look forward to partnering with Desiree and Innovation Ohio in our continued efforts to create an economy in Ohio that works for working families.”  

In 2020, Tims gained national attention for her campaign against Congressman Mike Turner. Her energetic campaign drew in new activists and set fundraising records against the entrenched incumbent. 

“I am so excited to have this daughter of Dayton at the helm of one of the most important progressive organizations in Ohio,” said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley. “Innovation Ohio has long been a resource and partner for myself and other progressives, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.” 

Innovation Ohio was founded as a progressive policy and advocacy hub. It has become an integral part of the progressive ecosystem, connecting activists and everyday Ohioans with statehouse advocacy. 

“Over the last decade, Innovation Ohio has become the go to resource for advocates and activists in Ohio,” said former Gov. Ted Strickland. “New, innovative leadership from Desiree Tims offers a great opportunity for this dynamic organization.” 

###

Voucher Proponents Sue Ohio Over 60-Day Delay

Pro-voucher forces have sued the state over a meager 60-day deal to delay the initial sign-up period for taxpayer-funded vouchers to send students to private schools. 

Lawmakers moved the deadline from Feb. 1 to April 1. 

This recent lawsuit on behalf of families seeking vouchers and religious private schools was spurred by a meager 60-day delay which allows lawmakers to address significant problems with a program that has skyrocketed in taxpayer cost over the last few years.

First of all, let us be extremely clear. The Ohio Constitution guarantees zero right for families opting to send their students to private schools to receive a taxpayer subsidy to do so. 

However, there is a constitutional provision requiring that the state establish a system of common, public schools – a system that has yet to be fixed.

60 days vs. 10,200 days

Ohio’s school funding formula produces drastically different outcomes in poor districts versus wealthy districts. The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered four times that our system be fixed because the state relies too much on property taxes to equitably pay for the education of Ohio’s 1.7 million students.

Ohio’s school funding system is as unconstitutional today as it was more than 10,200 days ago when the DeRolph lawsuit was first filed. Sixty days doesn’t seem very long in comparison.

The delay spurring this recent lawsuit on behalf of families and religious private schools entailed a meager 60-days to address structural problems with a program that has skyrocketed in taxpayer cost over the last few years.

Competing priorities cause 60-day delay

What caused the 60-day delay? State Sen. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, wants to fix education not by investing in the system for 90 percent of Ohio’s students as Ohio’s Constitution demands, but by removing hundreds of millions of dollars from that system and instead handing it out to families that make as much as $100,000 a year or more to subsidize their child’s private school education.

The stated intent of vouchers is to give an out to students in “failing” school districts. Huffman wants to give vouchers even to students who never attended the qualifying public school districts in the first place.

Because of the primary way the vouchers are funded – directly removing state money from traditional public school districts – vouchers leave many districts with substantially less state aid. This loss of funding forces districts to choose between more frequent and larger property tax levies or fewer opportunities for students in districts.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, doesn’t want the program to be based on the report card performance of school districts because everyone in the General Assembly agrees that the current state report card is deeply flawed.

Speaker Householder also does not want the money to be directly deducted from school districts’ state funding amounts. He wants the state to pay for vouchers directly.

A list of Ohio’s different school voucher types

While both sides could not agree on the future course of EdChoice performance-based vouchers before Saturday’s deadline (necessitating the delay), the fact that there are serious divisions among the Ohio Republican Caucuses suggests that changes may be soon to come.

Is a comprehensive fix for our broken school funding in sight?

In the background of this conversation about vouchers lingers the Cupp-Patterson education funding plan. If modified, Cupp-Patterson could provide the long-awaited fix to Ohio’s education finance system for the 90 percent of students attending our state’s public schools. 

Speaker Householder has made it very clear that fixing school funding is a top priority for him.

We shall see how this all shakes out.

Vouchers do not produce better outcomes for students

Meanwhile, let us not forget that a pro-voucher group – the Thomas B. Fordham Institute – found a few years ago that “the students who actually left the public schools—at least those on the margin of eligibility—perform worse on statewide tests.”

Recently, I compared how public school districts performed on state tests versus how private schools taking vouchers in those communities performed. 

In 8 of 10 cases, public school districts outperformed voucher schools by an average of 27 percentage points.

The 2 of 10 cases where the private school performed better was by a far more modest 9 percentage points (and that’s assuming every voucher provider with a mailing address is actually in that city, which we know is not true, but I wanted to be as generous as possible to the voucher schools).

Ohio is pouring more and more taxpayer money into a program that doesn’t appear to improve outcomes for our students but rather harms them.

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