OH Council of Churches: Statehouse Update (Breaking News)

Good morning friends, 

Yesterday, Governor DeWine vetoed two pieces of legislation notable to the work of our congregations and communities, and I wanted to ensure you are aware of them. While we rejoice in these two vetoes, we are also disappointed that President Trump refused to sign the bi-partisan housing bill, which many of our national advocacy offices have spent a lot of energy advocating for.

Below the brief summary, I have included a sample message that you are free to use or modify as you wish if you wish to make any public comments on this legislation. 

1. Civil Rights:

Governor DeWine vetoed HB 472. This bill would have required individuals to submit copies of their photo ID with their absentee ballots. Bi-partisan election officials expressed many logistical concerns about the legislation. DeWine said, "House Bill 472 would not discourage fraud, would not add any real security, and would create an additional and significant burden for Ohioans who vote by mail," 

MESSAGE: As people of faith, elections offer an opportunity for neighbors to hear one another's values and priorities. Ohio needs to ensure fair elections where all voices can be heard and counted. Maintaining fair elections  - especially for those too often marginalized in our communities by race, age, or economic status - is how we answer our call to love our neighbor.

2. Anti Poverty:

Governor DeWine also vetoed HB 173 on 'submetering'. Submetering is the practice where a third-party corporation buys utility services and resells them to apartment complexes, increasing the costs of basic utilities for many Ohio renters. The Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled that these intermediary companies need regulation by PUCO as public utility providers. Governor DeWine said in his written statement, "while this bill does contain some consumer protections, they are not as robust as those afforded to customers of Ohio’s electric utilities. "I commend the Legislature on the work done on this bill. They included provisions to protect consumers. However, the submetering model, itself, is fundamentally flawed."

Message: As people of faith, we are called to serve those who are hungry and in need. We are grateful that Governor DeWine recognizes our sacred call to create a world where all shall receive their daily bread, especially against a fundamentally flawed system that results in the exploitation of neighbors in need." 

In Service, 

Deacon Nick Bates, JD he/him/his

Interim Executive Director

Ohio Council of Churches