Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Ohio Lame Duck 2022

This week, the Ohio legislature begins its Lame Duck session.

In Ohio, Lame Duck occurs every two years between Election Day and December 31st, before the newly elected legislators are sworn in.

Any bill that hasn’t yet passed must be signed into law by the end of the year. Otherwise, the bill dies and must be reintroduced next term.

Ohio’s Republican Statehouse supermajority often tries to quietly pass their most controversial bills during Lame Duck.

Throughout this chaotic period, we’ll be tracking some of the most important legislation and sending out regular calls to action.

Make sure you’re following Innovation Ohio on social media as well:

We’ll need your help to fight for and against life-altering bills over the next several weeks.

Your calls, emails, tweets, and testimony matter. Your voice matters.

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.”

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.”

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.”

Republicans Introduce Bill to Ban ALL Abortions, Send Vigilante Bounty Hunters After Pregnant Ohioans

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, condemned a deadly new bill (House Bill 480), which would ban all abortions and likely some emergency contraceptives in Ohio.

The bill would also define life as beginning “at fertilization.”

“This bill is grotesque and inhumane. The impact of a government mandated pregnancy is a threat to democracy, freedom, and quality of life for people who are pregnant. It’s unfortunate that a few lawmakers with an extremist agenda are obsessed with policing reproductive rights,” said Desiree Tims.

The bill as written creates a financial incentive for bounty hunters to seek legal action against doctors, medical professionals, and anyone who helps another Ohioan access abortion care.

It is essentially a license to hunt people during a personal and vulnerable moment in their lives. This financial incentive would disrupt the very nature and importance of the professionalization of the medical field.

“This bill is a recipe for anti-choice zealots to create witch hunts out of Ohio’s judicial system. They could take anyone they even suspected of participation in an abortion to court. The legal fees, public record, and usurpation of reproductive rights will cause personal harm. Every line of this bill is shameful,” continued Desiree Tims.

Reproductive rights organizations also note that by redefining “person” under Ohio law to include fertilized eggs, HB 480 would harm a wide range of Ohioans.

  • It could limit access to in-vitro fertilization for Ohio couples who want to start their own families.
  • It could prevent pregnant people with cancer from accessing life-saving medical treatment, due to risks to a fertilized egg.
  • It could lead to legal investigations into people who experience miscarriages.
  • It would be a significant invasion of privacy, and could be used to further over-police people of color and low-income individuals.

HB 480 was introduced by Republicans Jena Powell and Thomas Hall. It has over 30 Republican cosponsors and is the most extreme abortion bill in the United States to date.

Ohio Republican legislators have also introduced an abortion “trigger ban” in the Senate. Senate Bill 123 would immediately ban all abortions in Ohio if the United States Supreme Court ever overturns Roe Vs Wade.

Email your Ohio legislator today. Tell them to kill HB 480 — the Abortion Bounty Hunter bill.

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

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

The Work Continues — Statement from Desiree Tims

Today kicks off the start of Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the role women have played in shaping American history.

From activists calling for bold action, to artists and athletes influencing culture, to elected officials advancing pro-women policy, women have long been at the forefront of movements for social change. But this recognition of the women who have paved the way in history must extend beyond the month of March.

At Innovation Ohio, we recognize the unprecedented moment we are in right now to advance real, systemic change for the lives of women. Here’s a look at some of the work Innovation Ohio and our program, the Women’s Public Policy Network, have been leading in the fight for gender equity:

The women throughout our country’s history have brought us to where we are today, but it will be on all of us to continue to move the needle forward for change. We hope you will join us in this fight!

Chip in to support our work

In Solidarity,

Desiree Tims
Innovation Ohio CEO

Stay informed about key issues and bills.

Sign Up

We monitor Ohio politicians to help you hold them accountable.