Opposition Testimony Needed at the Statehouse

Ohio Sen. Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, unveiled SJR 5 (Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com

Voters finally have an opportunity to give the Senate feedback on their sham redistricting proposal SJR 5, which does nothing to stop partisan gerrymandering.

There will be two hearings for opposition testimony: Tuesday at 2:30 pm and Wednesday at 9:45 am (with a possible vote afterwards) in the Senate Finance Hearing Room. (room 126S on this map - easiest entry is from 3rd St, then up the stairs).

If you are willing to testify, please RSVP using this link so that we can plan accordingly. You will also need to provide Drew.Hawking@ohiosenate.gov with an electronic copy of your testimony no later than 24 hours before committee.

Let's give them an earful of why this proposal does not amount to REAL reform. Looking for inspiration? Read today's editorial the Cleveland Plain Dealer, which said the 'Blatantly skewed Ohio GOP congressional redistricting "reform" plan belongs in the trash." 

Got five minutes? Call members of the Senate Committee that will be hearing this bill next week and let them know you OPPOSE SJR 5.
Chairman Bill Coley - (614) 466-8072
Vice Chair Joe Uecker [pronounced EEK-er] - (614) 466-8082
Senator Kevin Bacon - (614) 466-8064
Senator Troy Balderson - (614) 466-8076
​Senator Bob Peterson - (614) 466-8156
Senator Kris Jordan - (614) 466-8086
Senator Frank LaRose - (614) 466-4823
Senator Matt Huffman - (614) 466-7584

Talking points may include:

• Any redistricting proposal should be truly bipartisan. SJR 5 merely requires token support from the minority party
• Keeping communities together is essential for good representation. By treating large counties differently, Sen. Huffman's plan could institutionalize gerrymandering in the Ohio Constitution.
• It’s time that the redistricting process be brought out into the open. Lawmakers should slow down to allow voters to have input into this proposal. No more backroom deals that benefit politicians over voters.

​Thank you for all that you do!
Catherine Turcer, Common Cause Ohio

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