This article first appeared on Ohio Capitol Journal

In August 2023, Ohio voters sent a clear message when they overwhelmingly rejected the legislature’s blatant attempt to undermine our citizen-initiative process. But instead of listening, politicians in Columbus doubled down. Their new targets? Everyday Ohioans who dare to collect signatures, knock on doors, and exercise their constitutional right to direct democracy.

Ohio Senate Bill 153 and Ohio House Bill 233 are the latest attempts to dismantle the people’s power. While headlines may focus on disingenuous provisions about voter registration and drop boxes, buried deep in these 204-page monstrosities are provisions specifically designed to intimidate, harass, and shut down grassroots campaigns before they ever reach the ballot.

Let’s be clear: these bills are an attack on the People’s Process — on your voice, your rights, your power.

Public media faces its most urgent threat yet.

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the House has passed a rescissions package that would eliminate $1.1 billion in already-approved funding for public media. If enacted, it would strip essential services from communities and could force rural stations off the air. The Senate will take up the bill next. Contact your Senators now and urge them to vote NO.

Email Your Lawmakers

The House has passed a rescissions package that would claw back $1.1 billion in public media funding already approved by law. If enacted, the impact on local stations would be swift and severe.

The Senate will take up the bill next. Send a message now urging your Senators to vote against rescinding public media funding.