Saturday Stats

1,387: That is how many Ohio voters were polled by Data for Progress. They answered questions about an array of public policies and it turns out the cabal of politicians who are seizing power to pass extreme policies are even more out of touch with the general public than we thought. Here are a few of the results:

• 71% of voters support having the wealthiest do their part by paying closer to what they actually owe in taxes.
• 60% said they want Ohioans to be paid more fairly for the work they do by setting the minimum wage at $15 an hour.
• 77% want to make sure families can make ends meet and set up their children for success by creating a state child tax credit.
• 66% said mental health and behavioral health issues should be addressed by health care providers and expressed support for a “health-first response.”
• 70% said they wanted to have more of a say in how government works though participatory budgeting.

Read more about the poll in Data for Progress’s blog and watch our joint press briefing here.

166: That’s the number of organizations that signed a letter to Senator Portman and Senator Brown for an expanded child tax credit (CTC) and earned income tax credit (EITC) to be included in the end of year appropriations bill. The drastic reduction in childhood poverty last year demonstrated the power of giving people the resources to meet their needs. Expanding those tax credits will help more families make the rent, pay the bills and put food on the table.

1: There is only one Dr. Tanisha Pruitt and sometimes we must share her talents with others. Tanisha has been named a 2023 New Leaders Council Fellow. NLC develops leaders across the country to achieve equitable social and political change. We couldn’t think of a better person for the fellowship than Tanisha!

60%: Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Rep. Brian Stewart are proposing to raise the threshold by which citizens can vote to amend the Ohio constitution from a simple majority to 60%. The Ohio Capital Journal published an excellent commentary about why House Joint Resolution (HJR) 6 is such a destructive and undemocratic proposal. Let your representatives know that you don’t want them to take away our freedom to hold our government accountable.

29: That’s about how many days are left in this year’s lame duck legislative session — fewer if legislators go home before the year is out. In addition to HJR 6, some lawmakers are attempting to push through a lot of other bad bills too. Many of us are also trying to push forward some good ones. Innovation Ohio put together a great resource about what’s moving and how to engage. Check it out. Here are some of the highlights:

• ProChoice Ohio is encouraging people to speak out to protect voting rights and abortion rights.
• COHHIO needs help persuading the legislature to spend ARPA funds on more affordable housing.
• The Ohio Association of Foodbanks is asking for help securing ARPA funds to feed more people who need help affording food.
• Honesty for Ohio Education is calling for Ohioans to protect transparency and democratic engagement in K-12 education.

Coming Up:

Nearly one year ago Guardians for Fair Work launched their campaign for local wage theft enforcement in Cleveland. Join the campaign at Cleveland City Council Chambers this Monday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a free t-shirt and to show elected leaders that Clevelanders care about worker rights.

On Thursday, Dec. 8 from 12 p.m. to 1p.m., The Northeast Ohio Worker Center is hosting a virtual open meeting. If you’re interested in joining email them for the zoom link.

Enroll in an ACA marketplace health care plan by December 15th for coverage that starts on January 1, 2023. Open enrollment lasts until January 15.

BRAVE Engagements is a volunteer mentoring program for fourth and fifth graders in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. They are recruiting Black mentors for their pilot program in Slavic Village for the 2022-2023 school year. Apply to be a mentor here.

Join ACLU’s Statewide Action Team Meeting on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to learn more about how to engage in their work.