Archive
Your source on political action, legislation & voter info

JFS budget reduction plan anticipated soon
April 29, 2008 - ODJFS union leaders anticipate, based on conversations with ODJFS management, that the agency's budget plan and rationale for layoffs MAY be released later this week. This also was the message ODJFS Director Helen Jones-Kelly and other members of management brought to the ODJFS Assembly meeting this past Saturday, April 26, at the ODJFS Air Center complex in Columbus. FULL STORY

OCSEA / ODNR Assembly activists lobby legislators on Earth Day
April 23, 2008 ( Columbus, Ohio) - More than 100 environmental activists and stewards of Ohio’s natural resources participated in an Earth Day lobbying event at the Statehouse, sponsored by the Ohio Environmental Council. FULL STORY

OCSEA members in DR&C shoulder unfair burden of cuts
April 10, 2008 - One day after the announcement that Ohio’s prison population hit another high watermark, OCSEA employees in DR&C learned that 701 total positions would be abolished in Ohio’s state prisons. FULL STORY

Natural resources activists on Earth Day to lobby legislators
April 10, 2008 - Union leaders from the OCSEA / Ohio Department of Natural Resources Assembly are inviting all OCSEA members to participate in a Lobby Day sponsored by the Ohio Environmental Council on Tuesday, April 22, at the YWCA and Statehouse in downtown Columbus. FULL STORY

Urge legislators to stop MRDD budget cuts
March 6, 2008 -The proposed cuts for the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities are bad news for patients, their families, and Ohio communities. The $17 million cut would force 191 disabled individuals out of their homes and eliminate approximately 450 skilled direct care position.
FULL STORY | TAKE ACTION

Agency budget squeeze prompts creation of assembly taskforce, leadership plea for help
March 4, 2008 - The State of Ohio's budget sqeeze is on, but you can help to save your job at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Email your cost-saving ideas immediately. FULL STORY | TAKE ACTION

Urge legislators to stop psychiatric hospital closings
Feb. 27, 2008 - Over the last two days community stakeholders told the House Finance Committee that closing state psychiatric hospitals in Dayton and Cambridge is bad for patients, their families, and the community. FULL STORY | TAKE ACTION

Union members, community to protest closing of Dayton mental health hospital
Feb. 15, 2008 - A rally will take place on Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton, this Sunday Feb. 17, 2008 from 2-3 p.m. FULL STORY

Union prepares to fight budget cuts
Feb. 14, 2008 - Still reeling from the announcement that 2,700 state jobs could be cut, two mental health hospitals are to closed and 190 Developmental Center beds will be eliminated, OCSEA leaders are putting together the pieces and data to start fighting the proposed job cuts and program eliminations that come as soon as July 1 of this year. Gov. Strickland and his officials met with OCSEA leaders and staff over the last two weeks to address union concerns after he announcement that state revenues could be off by as much as a $1.9 billion by next July 2009. FULL STORY

State of State Address delivered
Feb. 6, 2008 - In Gov. Ted Strickland's second State of the State Address he called for the creation of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs. This "Turn Around Ohio" governor also announced a $1.7 billion investment in Building Ohio Jobs, a stimulas package anticipated to create more than 80,000 good-paying jobs for Ohioans. FULL STORY

Lacking data, union reserves judgment on budget cuts, layoffs
Feb. 1, 2008 (updated 5 p.m.) - OCSEA leaders said they have too many unanswered questions about the budget cuts and job elimination proposals announced yesterday by Gov. Ted Strickland and members of his administration and, therefore, would withhold comments until they know more of the details. FULL STORY

Governor announced budget cuts, 2 closings
Jan. 31, 2008 (updated 4:33 p.m.) - Gov. Ted Strickland held an 11 a.m. press conference where he announced budget cuts for agencies and institutions, including 2 mental health hospital closings (Cambridge and Dayton). Staff reductions are estimated between 1,500 to 2,700. Union leaders and staff met with state officials throughout the day and were set to meet with the governor this evening in an effort to learn more about how cuts might impact union members.
FULL STORY | AGENCY CUTS
STRICKLAND STATEMENT | EXECUTIVE ORDER (PDF)

Economic stimulus plan on move, but ignores needs of states, local governments
Jan. 25, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Republican leader Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), announced a bipartisan agreement with the President on an emergency economic stimulus tax package aimed at middle-class families and business interests. But, the plan omits aid to fiscally strapped states or an extension of unemployment benefits, key priorities of AFSCME. FULL STORY

Ohio's low-income children denied health care thanks to Congressional Bushies
January 24, 2008 - In spite of grim recession forecasts from leading economists like former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan and tough times ahead for working families, Pres. Bush’s supporters in Congress have once again denied health care to 10 million children from low-income households. FULL STORY

Agencies consider options to fill budget gap
Jan. 23, 2008 - On the heels of a less-than-rosy budget report in December and the persistent rumor that the state budget must be re-balanced, the governor has asked state agencies to look at strategies for cost savings, including implementing Early Retirement Incentive Plans for some departments. FULL STORY

President Bush, his backers deny health care to children
Help AFSCME override the Bush Veto
January 2008 - President Bush vetoed (for the second time) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) renewal bill last month. The bill had overwhelming bipartisan support and would provide health care for 4 million more American kids (122,000 in Ohio) in need, including many thousands in Ohio. TAKE ACTION

OCSEA endorses Ohio Healthy Families Act
January 2008 - The OCSEA Board of Directors last summer endorsed the Ohio Healthy Families 2008 ballot initiative regarding paid sick leave. FULL STORY

House fails to override president's veto of Labor-HHS-Education spending bill
Nov. 16, 2007 - The U.S. House yesterday voted 277 to 141 to override the President's veto of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) spending bill for Fiscal Year 2008. Despite strong, bipartisan support for the Labor-HHS bill, the House was two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to override the President's veto. FULL STORY

Bush delivers on promise to veto
Labor-HHS-Education spending bill
Nov. 13, 2007 - This morning President George Bush made good on his "promise" to veto the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education spending bill for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 3043) because he said it was full of pork and exceeded his budget. FULL STORY

Urge passage of Labor-HHS-Education / Vets bill with veto-proof majority to cancel Bush; Call Congress one more time
Nov. 7, 2007 - Nearly half of Ohio Congressional Representatives were among the 269 who passed the Labor-HHS-Education / Veterans Affairs appropriations bill late Tuesday evening. Still seven voted "no" and two were not present to vote due to family / medical situations. It not quite over yet. Please help again by calling your rep at 1-888-460-0813.
FULL STORY |  SIGN PETITION

Urge passage of Labor-HHS-Education bill with veto-proof majority to cancel Bush veto
Outcome of Nov. 6 vote to impact state funding, upcoming contract bargaining for public workers
Nov. 5, 2007 - The Labor-HHS-Education bill provides funding for America's biggest priorities—job training, health services, Head Start, cancer research, veterans' health, education and more. President Bush is threatening to veto this bill.
CALL CONGRESS |  SIGN PETITION

Senate Passes Labor-HHS-Education Spending Bill; AFSCME members' calls key to gaining more support
Oct. 26, 2007 - Despite President Bush's threatened veto, the Senate, with strong bipartisan support, approved the FY 2008 Labor-Health and Human Services-Education (Labor-HHS) spending bill (H.R. 3043) by a vote of 75-19. FULL STORY

AFSCME scores another anti-privatization victory: Expansion of Trade Adjustment Assistance and unemployment insurance programs delivered by OCSEA members
Oct. 26, 2007 - A House committee approved landmark legislation expanding the federal program providing retraining assistance to workers dislocated as a result of the nation's trade policies and modernizing the unemployment insurance program. The bill's cumulative effect is to significantly bolster the state delivery systems for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs while also expanding access to both programs. FULL STORY

Poll workers needed Nov. 6; Spread word, volunteer now
Oct. 24, 2007 - On Monday, the Franklin County Board of Elections warned of an “urgent and critical” need to address a shortage of Democratic precinct judges for the Nov. 6 elections. Poll workers from both parties are also needed in Franklin county and other counties. FULL STORY

Register to vote, and vote early
Oct. 9, 2007 - Do you know how to cast your vote using an absent voter ballot? The new early voting provision allows anyone to vote by an absent voter ballot without stating a reason why. Prior to the new law, only those with a valid medical excuse or other legitimate reason could vote "absentee" in Ohio. FULL STORY

BWC Chapter 1820 hosted successful legislative tour at Garfield Heights office
July 18, 2007 - Union leaders employed by the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation yesterday hosted a legislative walk-through at the service office in Garfield Heights. FULL STORY | PHOTO GALLERY

OCSEA leaders endorse Ohio Healthy Families Act
July 17, 2007 - The OCSEA Board of Directors recently endorsed the Ohio Healthy Families 2008 ballot initiative regarding paid sick leave. FULL STORY

Exchange "blue bird" license plate for union-designed plate for small fee
July 16, 2007 - If you already purchased the Ohio State Parks license plate to support state nature programs, now you can exchange your existing "blue bird" plate for a union-designed one. FULL STORY

Gov. Strickland signs budget bill; OCSEA wins historic MR community program
July 2, 2007 - On June 30, Gov. Ted Strickland signed into law his first biennium budget for FY 2008 - 2009. FULL STORY

Handful of senators blocked union choice; Battleground moves to 2008 elections
Tell Sen. Voinovich to stop the obstruction
June 27, 2007 - Thanks to all the efforts of working men and women across the country, a majority of senators today supported the Employee Free Choice Act. Unfortunately, a minority group of Republicans was able to use a Senate procedure to obstruct a straight up-or-down vote on the bill (S. 1041). Send Sen. George Voinovich, who voted "No," a message telling him to stop the obstruction. LEARN MORE or TAKE ACTION

 conference committee  
Activists continue advocacy as budget bill moves to conference committee
June 20, 2007 - Conference Committee is the next stop for the budget bill (HB 119), starting Thursday, June 21. The House and Senate will work out their differences before sending the budget to Gov. Ted Strickland's desk for his review. FULL STORY

Union activists successful: Senate's budget version includes state-operated MRDD pilot
June 5, 2007 - MR/DD activists are congratulating themselves on getting the first ever state-operated community services program for individuals with MR/DD written into a budget bill. FULL STORY

Legislators listened intently to union's concerns about state-operated MR pilot
June 5, 2007 - MR/DD leadership continued their quest for support of a state-operated community pilot program. MH/MR/OVH Assembly President Monty Blanton said in testimony in front of the Senate Finance Committee late last week that creating a pilot state-operated community program for individuals moving from developmental centers, private intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or nursing homes is the only way to ensure that there is real choice in the system. FULL STORY

 SENATE ACTION NEXT  
House budget gets unanimous yes: 97-0
May 8, 2007 - For the first time in half a century, Ohio’s House of Representatives voted unanimously last week to pass the state budget. News accounts describe the lower chamber and executive branch as working hard to strike compromises where they could.
FULL STORY

House releases substitute budget bill
April 27, 2007 - The following links offer details on House version of the substitute budget bill (HB 119). FULL STORY

• HB 119 Budget Bill Text
• Comparative Document (PDF)
• House Republicans Summary of Substitute Budget Bill (PDF)

 MORE TESTIMONY  
Hearings, union testimony continue in House for DRC, MRDD, and RSC
April 19, 2007 - Three OCSEA assembly presidents were scheduled to speak today to legislators on behalf of the union regarding the budgets of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and the Rehabilitation Services Commission. FULL STORY

 rsc TESTIMONY 
RSC leader makes plea to legislators
April 13, 2007 - OCSEA / RSC Assembly President Debra Honore testified yesterday, indicating that cuts to the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in the biennium budget would mean longer waiting lists for those with severe disabilities seeking jobs, and loss of services. FULL STORY

 MR TESTIMONY 
Union says state employees key to state-operated community services
Assembly president testifies on MR funding
April 12, 2007 - OCSEA's MH/MR/OVH Assembly President Monty Blanton today offered testimony before members of the House Finance Subcommittee on Human Service. Blanton expressed the union's support for the Line Item called “Martin Settlement” that appropriates funds to settle the Martin lawsuit.
FULL STORY

 ODNR TESTIMONY  
Parks Treatment Operator tells panel more needed for ODNR budget
April 5, 2007 - Al Shiner, an ODNR Treatment Plant Operator and OCSEA steward, told committee members of the dire need for additional funds in the ODNR budget for full- and part-time water/wastewater treatment operators. FULL STORY

 DRC TESTIMONY 
Corrections assembly president testifies
April 4, 2007 - OCSEA's Corrections Assembly President Tim Shafer yesterday urged a panel of legislators to create a broad task force to address the numerous problems the state's prison system faces in light of predictions that the inmate population will explode in the next few years. FULL STORY

 BUDGET BRIEFING  
Cautious optimism on job security
March 15, 2007 - The Strickland administration today released the outlines of its proposal for state spending and revenues for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 and initial indications are that there will be employment security for most, if not all, state workers. FULL STORY

 STATE OF STATE  
Focus on education, health care, strategic investments... and "hope" for a new Ohio
March 14, 2007 - The Governor today previewed his budget plans during his 2007 State of the State Address. FULL STORY

 BUDGET TRAINING  
Strickland cabinet members, legislator and policy expert address OCSEA leadership
March 8 - 9 , 2007 - One week before the full budget is due out, OCSEA leaders gathered at union headquarters for a March 8 - 9 budget training.
FULL STORY

Lt. Gov. Fisher: Strong labor-management partnership key to TurnAround Ohio plan
Jan. 31, 2007 - A message of hope, partnership, and the opportunity for real change in state government was shared this morning with a group of seasoned labor-management professionals at the OCSEA Union Hall. FULL STORY

Strickland makes agency leadership changes
Jan. 25, 2007 - OCSEA is closely watching one of Governor Strickland’s first orders of business: the selection of new cabinet-level and other appointees. His picks are a strong indication of the values and concerns his administration will follow over the next four years. FULL STORY

Federal revisions threaten state employment service staff, pave way for more privatization
Jan. 16 - Feb. 21, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed rule changes that will allow for the privatization of state employment services at One-Stops. OCSEA members should be on high alert as this could impact nearly 250 ODJFS civil service employees who currently work in Ohio’s One-Stops. FULL STORY

New governor takes oath of office
Jan. 8, 2007 - Governor Ted Strickland and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher took oaths of office shortly after midnight this morning. Union leaders are looking forward to working with the new gubernatorial team to turn around Ohio. FULL STORY

Civil Service "Deform" (HB 187) proposal is back, despite voter referendum to clean up corruption
Dec. 5, 2006 - Once again Rep. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) has introduced a civil service reform bill, HB 187, this time during the lame duck legislative session. The bill would decrease accountability and return a system of political paybacks and cronyism to government service. FULL STORY

Help Change Ohio; Candidates join Labor efforts this weekend
Nov. 3, 2006 - Edwards, Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown, and others will join our union sisters and brothers as we embark on the "Final Four" days of Take Back Ohio/Labor 2006. Check out the schedule of events where these friends of labor will be present. FULL STORY

It's not over yet; Help GOTV Nov. 4 - 7 to turn around Ohio
Nov. 2, 2006 - People have already made up their minds about who to vote for. So what’s left to do? "Plenty," says Regina Flemister, an OCSEA retiree who has had enough! She’s been working to change the direction of Ohio. Her video message just may inspire you to help Get Out The Vote.  FULL STORY

Help us countdown to Election Day
Show us how you show your support for union-endorsed candidates; Email your photos today
Oct. 17, 2006 - With three weeks left before Election Day, we'll spotlight a new photograph each day on the home page (see right) as count the ways OCSEA members show their support for candidates who support public employees and the services we deliver. FULL STORY

What are you doing Saturday morning?
Oct. 5, 2006 - Scandal. Corruption. Failures. Every day brings a new revelation and one more reason to be angry. If you’ve had enough, there is something you can do. On Saturday, Oct. 7, thousands of people in Ohio and all across the country will partipcate in the National Labor 2006 Canvass Day. Check the list for events in your community. FULL STORY  

Activists get pumped for TBO with VMO training, mentoring programs, PEOPLE drives
Sept. 19, 2006 - Subordinate bodies are getting creative during this election season. The following is a list of some of the activities members are involved in. Look for the new OCSEA Take Back Ohio newsletter that will feature all the goings on with respect to TBO activities. FULL STORY

Leaders gathered Saturday for Presidents Conference; Activists shared best practices
Sept. 18, 2006 - OCSEA President Ron Alexander welcomed nearly 300 subordinate body presidents and other leaders Saturday morning in Columbus. The event took place Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Holiday Inn Worthington in Columbus. FULL STORY

Labor walks, phone banks continue this month; Volunteer now
Sept. 8, 2006 - Union activists and retirees continue to participate in neighborhood Labor-to-Labor walks to talk to members about the importance of getting out the vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Phone banking opportunities are also available three nights a week at the union hall. Learn more about what you can do in your community to help Take Back Ohio. Check the zone maps for event and contact information. FULL STORY

Good news on voter registration
Sept. 7, 2006 - Last Friday a Federal Court struck down Ken Blackwell’s new rules for voter registration. The new rules had the effect of crippling voter registration drives amongst unions, minorities and poor people. A coalition of groups went to court to put a stop to this attempt to suppress the vote in Ohio. We succeeded. FULL STORY

Indiana: We hate our state's private turnpike
Sept. 7, 2006 - Ken Blackwell, man responsible for the idea of privatizing the Ohio Turnpike, keeps referring to how great the concept has gone over in Indiana. Blackwell has even brought in Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to heap praises on Blackwell's proposal. The problem is that Indiana citizens think that privatizing their turnpike is a horrible idea and is creating a major threat to Daniel's popularity. FULL STORY

Unions take note of Blackwell's privatization ideas
Sept. 6, 2006 - In light of the recent Ohio gubernatorial debate and growing interest in the governor's race, state employees especially are taking note that Ken Blackwell wants to "explore" privatizing the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) and eliminate more than 2,000 jobs. FULL STORY

Blackwell joins ranks of Lima prison proponents – three years late
Sept. 1, 2006 - COLUMBUS – The state’s prison employee union said it welcomed gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell’s support for reopening the Lima Correctional Institution, but wondered why it took him years to stake out a position on the facility. The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, which represents nearly 10,000 prison workers, however, warned that even reopening the prison would only go partway in relieving overcrowding and understaffing in the corrections system. FULL STORY

OCSEA to put up fight against voter suppression
Aug. 7, 2006 - Recently, there has been growing concern about one provision in the new so-called voter reform law that would have a direct impact on organizations trying to register voters. FULL STORY

Ploy to cut estate taxes for super-rich blocked by U.S. Senate vote
Aug. 4, 2006 – OCSEA leaders thank members who called Sen. George Voinovich and urged him to oppose H.R. 5970.  It was blocked last night by a 42 – 56 vote. FULL STORY

Urge Sen. Voinovich to vote NO on cutting estate tax for ultra-wealthy at expense of public services; Call toll free now
Aug. 1, 2006 - Congressional leaders say there's no money to avoid cuts in vital public services that low income people depend on. However, they are willing to borrow money to pay multi-billions to multimillionaires — leading to worse public service cuts in the future.  Just before leaving for their summer recess, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 230 to 180 in favor of H.R. 5970, a bill that makes drastic and permanent cuts in the estate tax and benefits only 8,200 extremely wealthy families. H.R. 5970 is headed for the Senate now.  FULL STORY

Help stop House's back door attack on government services, Social Security
July 24, 2006 - On Thursday, July 27, the U.S. House will take up two bills that would establish commissions that would lay the ground work for eliminating federal programs that fund education, social services and law enforcement and would smooth the way for cutting Medicare, Medicaid and privatizing Social Security.  FULL STORY

Supporters of TABOR-style TEL decided to pull amendment from ballot; Worked quickly to pass legislation
June 2006 - Rocked by criticism, GOP lawmakers have come up with a way to avoid some of the bad publicity about the Tax and Expenditure Limit (TEL) constitutional amendment that so many groups had opposed. Supporters have ditched the ballot initiative, and, instead, rushed through a more limited legislated TEL. The TEL language was included in the Tobacco budget bill, SB 321, enacted on June 5. FULL STORY | Legislative Watch (June 2006)

Strickland Blackwell to face off in November
May 12, 2006 - After months of polling, campaigning and speculation, it’s at last final: Ted Strickland will face Ken Blackwell in November’s gubernatorial election. FULL STORY

Conference workshops to focus on link between work and politics
April 13, 2006 - Working for Our Future is the theme of this year's Building Union Power conference, where union members will gather April 21 - 23 at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus. Learn more about workshop topics, the guest speakers, and the Friday evening reception.  FULL STORY

Take Back Ohio moving forward as 2006 elections approach
Jan. 30, 2006 - The new Take Back Ohio Zone map and Zone Leader assignment list are available for download. Find out who to contact in your part of the state. See the Take Action list on the Get Involved page. FULL STORY

Take action on AFSCME's National Call Congress Day: Jan. 31
Jan. 25, 2006 - Demand a federal budget that puts working families first. Call your U.S. Senate and House members now or Jan. 31 (AFSCME's national call-in day). Tell them to stop the deep budget cuts impacting working families and stop irresponsible tax cuts for the rich. The House votes on Feb. 1. FULL STORY

Help protect workers' rights, public services
Jan. 25, 2006 -Redial the toll free number. Urge your senator to vote no on Judge Samuel Alito's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. The nominee's record includes votes for corporations and against working families, FMLA, and health and safety issues. FULL STORY

AFSCME unions announce state treasurer endorsement
Jan. 4, 2006 - OCSEA and AFSCME United announced their endorsement of an Ohio Treasurer of State candidate today. Ohioans will elect a new state treasurer on Nov. 7, 2006. Log in to the members-only website for complete details. FULL STORY

AFSCME unions announce gubernatorial endorsement
Dec. 13, 2005 - OCSEA, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, and OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4 announced their endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate today. Ohioans will elect a new governor on Nov. 7, 2006. Log in to the members-only website for complete details. FULL STORY

Ohio families lose if Congress votes to gut vital public services to pay for $70 billion in tax breaks for millionaires
Nov. 16 , 2005 - AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee and more than 300 Toledo-area residents called on Rep. Ralph Regula, Rep. Steve LaTourette, Sen. George Voinovich and Sen. Mike DeWine to say "NO" to the Republican leadership's plan to gut Ohio public services by $1 billion so they can give tax breaks to millionaires. FULL STORY

Your vote can make a difference on Nov. 8
Nov. 7, 2005 - Don't be confused by misleading messages from others: Vote yes on Ohio Issues 2, 3, 4, and 5. "We really can hold politicians accountable and clean up Ohio," OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas said. FULL STORY

Colorado residents vote to suspend Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR), restore critical state funding
Nov. 7, 2005 - The Coalition for Ohio's Future issued a statement last week about the rejection of TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) in Colorado. OCSEA is a part of the coalition that opposes proposals to forever force state and local governments to follow an unworkable and rigid budgeting formula. FULL STORY

Make a difference on Election Day
Nov. 2, 2005 - In the days leading up to Tuesday, Nov. 8, OCSEA is working with Reform Ohio Now partners to educate voters and turn them out at the polls. This is a grassroots effort, and to win, we need hundreds of volunteers. Whether you have a ton of time or just a little, this campaign can use your help. FULL STORY

Get the facts on Issues 2 - 5; Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8
Oct. 31, 2005 - Voters say it is time to clean up Ohio, and OCSEA believes that the way to do it is to (1) get money out of politics, (2) fix Ohio’s corrupt and broken system, and (3) hold politicians accountable by taking away their power to draw absurd districts and choose their own voters when it should be the other way around. Get informed: Read more about Issues 2 - 5 and how they will clean up Ohio. FULL STORY

Manipulating the creation of political districts for good of one party hurts Ohio
Oct. 17, 2005 - OCSEA and other supporters of Issue 4 note that Ohioans suffer in major ways because of how redistricting now occurs. Issue 4 takes the politics out of the redistricting process and ensures fairness by creating a bi-partisan commission to draw legislative districts. FULL STORY

Share facts with friends on Issues 2 - 5
Oct. 12, 2005 -The OCSEA website offers a handful of useful fliers, fact sheets, and more. Print or email them to your friends and family. Also, pick up yards signs at locations throughout Ohio to remind people to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8.  FULL STORY

Attacks continue on Ohio Elections Reform
Aug. 30, 2005 - There's a powerful new opponent in the fight to fix Ohio's broken political system: the radical religious right. A radical Christian group, the Ohio Restoration Project, has announced a plan to do the bidding of the power-hungry politicians who are against our reforms. The group's leader, the Rev. Russell Johnson, has a plot to mobilize thousands of "Patriot Pastors" to defeat the good-government amendments of Reform Ohio Now. FULL STORY

Help Stop the Attack on Ohio Election Reform!
Aug. 23, 2005 - The Reform Ohio Now (RON) campaign's Ohio election reforms are being threatened by the exact type of corruption we’re fighting. The man overseeing the placement of our amendments on the ballot – Kenneth Blackwell – has sided with our opponents! FULL STORY

Don't let opponents bankrupt RON in court; Take next steps to support reform measures
Aug. 18, 2005 - More than half a million Ohioans signed Reform Ohio Now's petition—enough to get these common sense reforms on the ballot. But the real fight for change is just beginning, and the RON campaign needs your help, again, now more than ever. FULL STORY

Reform Ohio Now campaign submits signatures
Aug. 9, 2005 - As anticipated, Reform Ohio Now (RON) surpassed its goal. Ohio State University Professor of Political Science Herb Asher fields press questions at the RON press conference today where the group announced it had gathered more than the required number of signatures. FULL STORY or NEWS RELEASE

Constitutional amendment to limit state spending pulled from November ballot consideration
Aug. 9, 2005 - Two days before the filing deadline, Citizens for Tax Reform officially backed off plans to submit signed petitions for a proposed Nov. 8 ballot issue to limit state spending, with the group announcing Aug. 8 that it would instead seek a November 2006 vote on the constitutional amendment. Partnering with the Coalition for Ohio's Future, OCSEA is helping to educate Ohioans about the amendment's harmful intent and stop it. FULL STORY

Help stop today's blatant attack on grassroots reform
Aug. 5, 2005 - Two times this week, powerful opponents have tried to stop Reform Ohio Now. The forces arrayed against us are entrenched career politicians, and they know how to fight dirty. They'll try anything to stop us - lawsuits, last-minute legislation - but they ignore their constituents at their own peril. Call a local organizer to turn in your petitions today or Saturday, Aug. 6. Full Story

Suit filed against reform amendments; Coalition marches forward
Aug. 4 , 2005 - OCSEA learned today that a new group has been formed to oppose the three Reform Ohio Now (RON) amendments. The group is called Ohio First and it is being headed by former Ohio Senate President Dick Finan. Coalition organizers continue to collect petitions though Saturday. Find a location near you. Full Story

Deadline extended; Help coalition fight new scheme to stop reforms
Aug. 2, 2005 - The Reform Ohio Now coalition has extended the deadline for accepting petitions until this Wednesday, Aug. 3. Reform Ohio Now (RON), a non-partisan group, is determined to fix Ohio’s electoral process and hold politicians accountable by taking big money out of state campaigns, by removing politicians from the process of drawing their own districts, and by setting up an impartial, bipartisan board to oversee elections. Full Story

Member activists impacted Ohio's state budget
Aug. 1 , 2005 - The wranglings, hearings, discussions and side bar meetings of the last six months are over and Ohio has a $51 billion dollar budget. A last minute windfall of $1.2 billion in unanticipated tax collections helped boost local governments that had previously been faced with sizable cuts. But the legislature still left many Medicaid programs underfunded and K-12 education still gasping for air. Full Story

Polls suggest possible political power shift
July 28 , 2005 - With dissatisfaction running deep with current political leaders over the seemingly endless string of scandals in Ohio, a new poll suggests that the Republicans’ era of one-party rule may come to an end in 2006. Full Story

Coalition's website offers extensive information about TEL /TABOR negative impact on Ohio
July 27, 2005 - The Coalition for Ohio's Future has developed a comprehensive website to help voters and those working to oppose “TABOR,” a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would severely harm the ability of state and local government to adequately budget for essential public services. Full Story

Signatures needed for election reform
July 26, 2005 -With just a couple of weeks left, OCSEA and its partners in the Reform Ohio Now coalition are busily collecting signatures to get an election reform measure on the ballot in November. The group is working to put three common-sense amendments on the ballot that will restore democracy and revive public trust in the election process. Full Story

Court says legislature violated single-subject rule; Attorney union exclusion, contract ratification changes nullified
July 15, 2005 - The largest state employees’ union today announced that a common pleas court has struck down a union-related provision inserted into a 2002 appropriations bill that banned attorneys from belong to public employee unions. The court also overturned part of the bill that had taken away labor contract ratification duties from the full Ohio General Assembly and given them to the State Controlling Board. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. Bessey ruled that sections of HB 675 violate the one-subject rule of the Ohio Constitution in regard to two particular amendments of the Ohio Revised Code it contained. Full Story

Reform Ohio Now coalition needs your help to stop corruption
July 13, 2005 - OCSEA is working with Reform Ohio Now on a ballot initiative of common-sense reforms that will help stop corruption in Ohio. But we need your help! To get their amendments on the ballot in November, the campaign needs signature-gatherers to help collect 450,000 signatures by the end of July. Full Story or  TAKE ACTION

TABOR speakers' bureau training held at OCSEA July 20
July 12, 2005 - A training will be held at OCSEA headquarters on Wed., July 20 at 1 p.m. for OCSEA members and others who are interested in becoming trained speakers to talk to groups in opposition to Ohio's TABOR amendment. Full Story

Civil Service "deform" bill would dismantle protections, promote cronyism
June 9, 2005 - Once again Rep. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) has introduced a civil service reform bill, HB 187, that would reverse decades of progress and return political considerations and cronyism to government service. “There have been so many attempts throughout the past few years to ‘reform’ civil service. But instead of true reform that would make civil service regulations less cumbersome, these reform measures would actually 'deform' the system and dismantle the protections our members depend on,” said OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas.
FULL STORY or TAKE ACTION

Coalition grows, generates opposition to Blackwell Amendment; OCSEA seeks volunteers for speakers bureau
May 4, 2005 - The huge coalition opposing Ken Blackwell's amendment to limit the state's spending packed a statehouse hearing room during a recent news conference. Reporters from every major media outlet covered the event. The Blackwell amendment is based on the failing Colorado “Taxpayers Bill Of Rights” (TABOR) model. The Coalition for Ohio's Future has developed a speakers bureau of members who will give presentations to groups explaining the impact of Blackwell's amendment on Ohio. Download the talking points, request more materials, volunteer to be a speaker, or request a speaker for your group. Full Story

Plan to end state Employment Services will hurt already ailing Ohio
April 13, 2005 - In early March, House conservatives successfully passed H.R. 27, the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005. It's anticipated that this radical legislation will move quickly through the Senate also. H.R. 27 could virtually eliminate funding for state employment services here in Ohio. There are currently no scheduled Senate committee dates regarding this legislation, however, a Senate hearing has been scheduled for mid-April. Contact Senators DeWine and Voinovich now. Full Story

Tell Charles Schwab and Pfizer: Take your hands off our Social Security
March 30, 2005 - The retirement security of millions of Americans, including all state and local government workers, is at risk as a result of recent attacks on Social Security and public pension systems. Tell Charles Schwab and Pfizer to back off your retirement security. Send an email and join a noon rally in your area. Full Story or TAKE ACTION

Join The National Day of Action for Retirement Security
March 30, 2005 - The fight for Social Security is coming to Ohio on March 31 and April 1—and we need you there. (1.) Join us for rallies on March 31 and April 1 to tell Charles Schwab to BACK OFF our retirement security and DROP OUT of the lobbying groups backing Social Security privatization. (2.) Take Action Now - Send your own letter to CEOs Charles Schwab and Henry A. McKinnell of Pfizer. Demand they immediately wash their hands of all support for Social Security privatization. Take Action

Social Security Privatization would benefit Wall Street, force public workers to participate
March 30, 2005 - The retirement security of millions of Americans, including all state and local government workers, is at risk as a result of recent attacks on Social Security and public pension systems. That's why AFSCME is fighting hard on two fronts to: Save Social Security from privatization; and fight against mandatory Social Security participation for all public employees. Full Story

Sign petition to protect vital services and our retirement; Oppose privatization of Social Security System
March 16, 2005 - The President is proposing to sharply reduce Social Security's guaranteed benefit as part of his privatization plan. In addition, his budget proposal includes deep cuts to important domestic programs that would reduce services and cause layoffs to state and local government employees. Full Story

OCSEA applauds Sen. Gardner for introducing legislation to repeal “Little Hatch Act”
March 16, 2005 - Senate Majority Floor Leader Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green) is sponsoring a bill (SB86) that would repeal the law known as the "Little Hatch Act." The law prohibits “classified” public employee involvement in most partisan political activity—even on their own time. OCSEA leaders applaud Gardner for introducing legislation to help public employees restore their ability to participate more fully in the political process. Full Story  or  Take Action

Proposal to eliminate funding for Developmental Centers anticipated in biennial budget; Don't wait to speak out
March 10, 2005 - Governor Bob Taft is steadfastly trying to eliminate the funding for Developmental Centers and private facilities for the mentally retarded in the courts now. Now the same proposal is in his biennial budget. The proposal (HB 66) would replace the current Medicaid funding for these facilities with “waiver” funding that would amount to less service and fewer choices. Contact your legislator now.