| Last week, we filled you all in on the latest Republican anti-voter power grab, a plan that would effectively end citizen-led ballot initiatives in Ohio and create a taxpayer-funded, $20 million special election in August.
HJR 1 and SJR 2 would make it harder for voters to amend our Ohio Constitution by raising the threshold for passage from 50% to 60%.
The House did not pass HJR 1 off of the floor this week. And it’s possible that decision was made in the wake of four former Ohio governors, two Democrats and two Republicans, coming out publicly in opposition to the plan.
Unfortunately, all common sense seems to have left the Governor’s office because DeWine has already said that he will sign the bill if it ends up on his desk.
Citizen-led initiatives in Ohio have given union members the ability to keep their collective bargaining rights, created an independent redistricting commission (we still have yet to see Ohio Republicans play by the rules here), and right now Ohioans are in the process of putting reproductive rights on the ballot, all against the wishes of the GOP Supermajorities.
It’s clear that Republican politicians in Columbus know they’re on the wrong side of the issues that are important to working Ohioans. So now they’re attempting to rig the rules and make it nearly impossible for citizen-led ballot initiatives to pass – all so they can consolidate power for themselves and do the bidding of their special interest pals.
Ohio Democrats are riled up over this and will be working over the coming days, weeks and months to fight these attacks on Ohio voters and keep power in the hands of the people, not politicians. Join our team to hold Republicans accountable. |
