Ohio parents were initially excited about the BackPack Bill as it promised to empower families and students by funding students, not bureaucracy. However, the issue of school choice has been challenged by credible sources from the education sector. Will we replace bureaucracy with a woke globalist agenda? The devil is in the details - and lacking specific details of implementation, we should reject the Ohio Backpack Bill. EdChoice, a pro-school choice organization, argues that parents are deciding what is best for their student and that school choice is a positive thing. However, the word “choice” may not mean what it seems when we delve into the details. In some states, similar bills are now being called “parent empowerment,” which may also not mean what it seems. There is a bit of smoke and mirrors at play here.
Looking at school choice from a global perspective reveals that the United Nations (UN) in tandem with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the global elite (like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg) are deciding what to measure (setting the minimum standards for education in a state such as Ohio). What they want to use as the standard to measure against is the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG), which are the cornerstone of “woke” ideologies. The UN, in tandem with UNESCO, is also deciding what to teach as it sets guidelines for what EVERY CHILD EVERYWHERE needs to know at the global level.
Therefore, it appears that the issue of school choice is not as simple as it seems when there is not specificity given to who determines the curricula that must be taught and who measures the comprehension of a student and to what standard that comprehension is compared to. From the top down, the UN is pushing its agenda through every school opportunity, and presenting the illusion of choice - preventing parents from making truly informed decisions about their children's education.
Ohio's Education System is shifting its focus from traditional academics to "life skills", such as social-emotional learning skills, through the Battelle for Kids' Portrait of a Graduate framework. Battelle for Kids (BFK), headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a national, non-profit organization funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. This new education model is in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is being promoted by Battelle for Kids in various ways, such as “improving" the quality of education, promoting innovation, supporting sustainability initiatives, and building partnerships.
If SB1 and HB12 ( a pair of 2,156-page bills that hand an unprecedented amount of power to the Ohio Governor over the Ohio education system) pass - then the Director of the Department of Education and Workforce make these decisions on student comprehension and measurement for the entire state. What guarantees do parents have on limiting the influence of “woke” lobbyists on the director?
Panorama Education is a survey data collection tool used to measure students' progress in reaching their goals in the Portrait of a Graduate framework. This shift towards life skills as opposed to traditional academics means that students will no longer be assessed on reading, writing, math, or social studies, but on being good global citizens, collaborative, and like-minded with their peers. Furthermore, students will now earn digital credentials that reflect their ability to meet these goals, rather than traditional report cards, diplomas, and standardized testing. The shift to digitization has raised concerns about data privacy and the potential for this information to be with students in perpetuity. This could mean that non-acceptance of “Woke” ideologies that do not align with Christian values may follow a child for a lifetime.
Protect Ohio Children is a state-wide grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to watching schools and school boards across Ohio. They help to shed daylight on the darkness of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Do you think it is coincidental that the Ohio schools listed as participating in Battelle’s “Portrait of a Graduate” are the same schools listed on Protect Ohio Children’s Indoctrination site map, where there is confirmed evidence of CRT, CSE, and/or SEL? These schools are actively promoting concepts which contribute to the overall goals of the UN’s SDGs.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) is already embedded within K-12 schools, taking on the moniker of diversity, equity, and inclusion classes and social emotional learning. In July, 2021, the digital credentialing system was introduced to the Ohio School system through the creation of the Ohio ACE program (Afterschool Child Enrichment), which has been referred to as the “model” or “prototype” of the Backpack Bill. The ultimate goal is to create a digital badge and credentialing system necessary for every student to be considered employable.
The Backpack Bill has gained a lot of support for its marketing plan, which involves recouping $6,000 for education expenses to be spent at a school of the parent’s choice. The idea sounds too good to be true, and it usually is, unless your organization is among those who will benefit financially and otherwise. The original 15-line Backpack Bill that people were enthusiastic about has now become a complex 185-page bill that few have taken the time to read. People are drawn to the concept, not the details.
Without specificity being added to the BackPack Bill -and/or- killing SB1 and HB12….passage of the BackPack Bill would be a mistake.
At the very least, the language of the BackPack Bill should be amended to allow for the formation of popularly elected County Education Advisory Councils (CEAC). There should be a CEAC for Public Education, and a CEAC for Charter Schools, - these CEAC organizations would set minimum guidelines for education locally - with a State mandated imperative that such standards are free from ideology. CEAC legislation will help to decentralize power and will give parents more local control of their schools and their children’s education.
Additional Resources:
Ohio HB12 and SB1 are not helpful in Reforming Ohio Schools - and the BackPack Bill Analysis
Will School Choice Create Educational Freedom?
The Gang of 22 (aka, ‘Stephens 22’)
Uncovering the motivation behind the ‘Political Coup’ that shattered the trust of Ohio Republican Voters
Ohio conservatives are no longer fighting only against the left, but they are now faced with fighting against a new brand of Republican candidates who have committed to achieving their own personal advancement at the cost of sacrificing the trust of their colleagues, the principles and core values of their voters, and their own moral integrity.
For those of you who are not familiar with the twenty-two (22) Republican House Representatives who broke with the Republican caucus and voted with thirty-two (32) Democrats to choose the next Speaker of the House, please see my article here.
In the weeks following the Republican Party’s censure of the 22 Representatives, some interesting facts and information has surfaced.
If you are a Republican voter who has reached out to one or more of the twenty-two representatives asking for an explanation for their Stephen’s vote, you have likely received a response that is not apologetic in nature, but rather, a response defending their vote. In my examination of the responses of the twenty-two, there are two main reasons they hit on when attempting to justify their actions. Their responses are so similar – that one would think that they had consulted together to decide how they would respond to their constituents.
The first reason they cite is that they believed Rep. Jason Stephens was the best candidate for their district/Ohio, and the second reason they cite is that Stephen’s is pro-life.
While it is true that Stephens was endorsed by the Ohio Right to Life, I think most conservative voters would likely agree the old expression “actions speak louder than words” still rings true and applies to Stephens and the twenty-two departers.
If Stephens was truly and wholeheartedly pro-life, why would he be aligning himself with Democrats who advocate for abortion? Isn’t that the very definition of an oxymoron?
And why did Stephens “privately” oppose HJR6, which would increase the voter approval from 50% ( a simple majority) to 60% for any citizen-initiated constitutional amendments? A measure that would have plausibly nose-dived a future pro-abortion measure. If Stephens was indeed “pro-life” – why wasn’t his first order of business upon assuming the speakership to ensure the HJR6 was placed on the May ballot? But instead, he chose to block Republicans from putting the 60% proposal on the ballot by failing to even bring it to the floor. His refusal to take action means that pro-abortion lobbyists seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution will have ample time to start collecting signatures to put abortion issues on the November ballot.
Dispatch – Will Ohioans vote on abortion in 2023?
On February 15th, Stephens moved forward with advancing HJR6 (now HJR1) in the new legislative session. However, borrowing from the words of Tanya Tucker's hit country song from the early nineties, "It's a little too late to do the right thing now." By blocking the effort the first time around, Stephens ensured that the measure wouldn't make it on the May ballot for approval by voters, leaving abortion rights proponents time to organize their ballot issue for November.
As far as their reasoning that Stephens is “the best candidate for their district/Ohio,” it is my understanding after speaking with several House representatives that Stephens was relatively unknown, as he was only beginning his second term in office, and he neither had the time, nor did he have the experience to establish and position himself as a serious contender for the Speakership. However, what it appears Stephens lacked in knowledge and experience, he more than made up for in union support.
According to Lauren Bowen with the Freedom Foundation, “the 22 Republican defectors who joined the Democrats to elect Jason Stephens have something significant in common – union money…” In fact, the twenty-two representatives who supported Stephens have jointly collected $347,00 from government unions since 2017. Bowen states that “Ohio voters believed they had fixed this last November, but their votes were invalidated by union money to Republicans, and by Democrats willing to sell their integrity to special interests when they should be serving their constituents.”
See the full story at Union Money, Not Ohio Voters, Decided the State Agenda.
Buckeye Patriots recently interviewed Rep. Ron Ferguson (District 96), who was one of the forty-five Republicans who kept their word in voting for Rep. Derek Merrin. Rep. Ferguson stated that the self-serving actions of the 22 are on full display for all to see, and “while the “[The Republican Party] might be in the partisan majority, we are certainly not in the principled or integrity majority.”
Rep. Ferguson states that the “proof is in the pudding,” citing the fact that 21 of the 22 who turned their back on the Republican Party are now the Chairs of a committee or sub-committees or they’re in a leadership position. Ferguson explains how only one of the 22 is not a Chair, and she is a freshman legislator on one of the most powerful committees. Furthermore, Ferguson cites that 18 of the 22 sit on the Finance Committee – the most powerful House committee.
Additional information has recently surfaced and was shared by those with both an inside and outside perspective on the 22 Debacle. While it may provide a theory on why the 22 chose to depart from their Republican caucus and vote with the Democrats, it is important to note that the provided information is mere speculation until it can be verified.
Reports have emerged from individuals claiming there is a damning audio recording between a top GOP leader and a Democratic House Representative. One individual, who has asked for anonymity, claims to have heard the recording firsthand, and states that they heard a conversation involving a top GOP leader asking a Democrat House Rep to vote for Stephens in exchange for Stephen’s ensuring that no conservative policies would be brought to the floor (i.e., anti-CRT legislation, anti-trans legislation). Although this information remains heresy until the alleged recording could be verified and shared with the public, there is little doubt that if such a recording did exist – it would likely not come as a surprise to many conservative lawmakers and voters.
When I asked the source why a GOP leader would involve themself in advocating for Stephens over Merrin, I was told that Merrin was a strong “Right to Work” proponent and he was viewed as a massive threat by both unions and House representatives (both Republican and Democrat) receiving union funding.
For those who may not be familiar, the "Right to Work" refers to a policy or a set of laws that prohibits compulsory union membership as a condition of employment. In other words, it gives employees the right to choose whether or not to join a labor union, without fear of losing their job.
Additional sources claim that the 22 House Reps chose to break from their agreement to support Merrin, and instead, made a secret agreement to support Stephens at their first January meeting. They assert this pressure came largely from union-backed House members and outside GOP leadership.
Mike Gibbons, a two-time U.S. Senate candidate and Cleveland investment banker, founded the Ohio Strong Action PAC. Gibbons recently met with Rep. Stephens to discuss the PAC’s 2023 legislative priorities. Gibbons reported that Stephens told him “there was no deal and that conservative legislation is on the horizon.” Gibbons stated that “…if he [Stephens] is telling the truth, [Rep.] Allison Russo and the Democrats are liars.”
Read more at the Ohio Press Network.
In sorting through the facts, the rumors, and the opinions – one thing is certain. Trust has been shattered. The censure of the 22 by the Ohio Republican Party was the first step, but more steps will necessarily need to be taken in the near future if the party wants to rebuild and to restore the trust that has been lost.
View the Updated County Censure List.
The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee’s Role
Does the ORP have a role in holding the ‘Gang of 22’ accountable?
Recently, Rep. Ferguson was interviewed by Glenn Beck to discuss the issue of the ‘Gang of 22’ and the importance of holding elected state officials accountable.
Despite the opposition of some Republican State Central Committee members to the ORP’s decision to censure the 22 at the January meeting, the party did ultimately act to pass a resolution of censure. This has sparked debate amongst members as to what defines the role and responsibility of the Committee.
While some members argue that it is not the responsibility of the Committee to get involved in disciplining the 22 Representatives, other members argue that it is the responsibility of the Committee to take action. I am in the latter camp, and I would argue that additional measures needs to be taken to hold the representatives accountable for their actions.
The Ohio Republican State Central Committee (ORPSCC) is the governing body of the Ohio Republican Party and is responsible for establishing the party's platform and rules, as well as supporting the election of Republican candidates to office.
As part of its role, the ORPSCC may provide guidance, support, or oversight to elected officials who are members of the Ohio Republican Party. This can include monitoring their actions and performance in office to ensure that they are representing the values and interests of the party and its constituents. If and when Republican legislators do not act in good faith and fail to represent the values and concerns of their voters, it is the responsibility of the ORPSCC to take action.
After weeks of hearing from our constituents and county GOP leadership on the issue of censure - the message they communicated to us was clear. They wanted us to propose a censure that contained penalties, but also had a proposed path for the 22 members to find their way back into good standing (if they so choose) with their Republican colleagues, their voters, and with the party.
On February 21st, the following email and proposed censure resolution was sent to the Chairman and the Republican State Central Committee. We are requesting members who support the resolution to sign their support with their electronic signature. Additionally, we invited all SCC members to join our newly founded conservative caucus, Ohio Conservatives in Action.
Good afternoon SCC Colleagues,
As you are aware, the Committee voted at the January 6th ORP meeting to pass a censure resolution against the twenty-two (22) Ohio State House Representatives who chose to side with Democrats to elect Ohio's next Speaker of the House.
We would like to present an expanded censure resolution for your review and consideration. The proposed resolution would provide penalties for the 2024 election year by prohibiting endorsement and/or contributions. In addition, the resolution would provide a path for nullification of the penalties for those Representatives who choose to work with the Committee in passing conservative legislation.
We believe this expanded censure will serve to both honor the forty-five (45) House Representatives who chose to act with character and integrity, while also serving to offer a path to restoration for the twenty-two (22) Representatives who damaged the trust of both their colleagues and constituents. It is our hope that this resolution will serve as an impetus to rebuild trust and to unite the Republican House legislators.
At the request of our constituents and county GOP leadership, we have created a conservative caucus (Ohio Conservatives in Action) in order to better engage Republican voters with the work of the Republican State Central Committee. Our website can be found here. You can locate the proposed censure resolution under the "Resolutions" tab. The resolution is a written resolution - meaning that your electronic signature constitutes your written consent to action without a meeting.
We would like to extend an invitation to all of our SCC colleagues to join the caucus and partner with us in keeping Ohio a RED state by promoting conservative principles and policies.
Why a Written Resolution in Lieu of Meeting?
It can help us be more responsive to issues requiring immediate attention. A Written Resolution in Lieu of a Meeting allows the committee to quickly respond to constituent concerns, without the expense or inconvenience of meeting in person, or via videoconference; and is not prohibited by the ORPSCC permanent rules.
In addition, the ORPSCC is an IRS527 political nonprofit, and as such, Written Resolutions in Lieu of a Meeting are consistent with ORC1702.25 for Ohio’s nonprofit organizations. (please see ORC1702.25 attached). Moreover, such action is not expressly prohibited by Ohio State Law nor Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised Edition.
We are excited to work with our fellow SCC colleagues and look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Jessica Franz - ORPSCC District 5
Stephanie Kremer - ORPSCC District 12
Chris Maurer - ORPSCC District 29
Republican Party Members Introduce a Strong & Meaningful Pro-Life Resolution
On February 6th, this email and proposed Pro-Life Resolution were shared with the Chairman and the State Central Committee. In the email, we requested a Special Zoom Meeting to discuss and pass the resolution. Chairman Alex Triantafilou has scheduled a Special Meeting to discuss the passage of the resolution on Friday, March 10th. We sent the following letter to GOP county leaders, grassroots and pro-life organizations, and church leaders asking for their signed support of the resolution.
If you would like to help us get the word out, please share our website, sign to support our resolution, and encourage others to do the same. You can also help by contacting Republican State Central Committee members and encouraging them to vote “Yes” to pass the resolution. You can find SCC contact info by scrolling down on the ‘Home’ page of Ohio Promise Keepers website.
Dear Pro-Life Partner,
My name is Jessica Franz. I am the Republican State Central Committeewoman representing Senate District 5 (Miami, Preble, NW Montgomery, N. Butler and S. Darke) counties. My colleagues, Stephanie Kremer (District 12), Christine Maurer (District 29), and I are proposing a Pro-life Resolution for consideration and passage.
The RNC (Republican National Committee) recently passed a Resolution on Affirming the National Committee's Commitment to Life. Within the Resolution, the RNC admitted that "Instead of fighting back and exposing Democratic extremism on abortion, many Republican candidates failed to remind Americans of our proud heritage of challenging slavery, segregation, and the forces eroding the family and the sanctity of human life, thereby allowing Democrats to define our longtime position."
Following the RNC's example, we decided to draft and to propose a pro-life resolution for the Ohio GOP that would:
1) Communicate the Ohio Republican Party's strong commitment to life and;
2) Lead the Nation by proposing some of the strongest pro-life language possible with the adoption of a Constitution of Core Values.
With the adoption of a Constitution of Core values, we will not only be able to affirm the Republican Party's commitment to life, but it will allow us to generate passion for the party and hold candidates to a higher level of accountability by withholding endorsements and financial support to pro-abortion candidates.
We believe there are certain core principles of Republicanism that all Republicans can agree on. One of those foundational principles is the sanctity and protection of human life. The ORP has a Platform Sub-Committee that is currently working on the language for the party's "Life" plank. It is our desire that the proposed Pro-Life Resolution will help provide the framework necessary to establish a strong, pro-life platform.
Ohio Democrats are now preparing to introduce legislation that would enshrine abortion into the Ohio Constitution. We believe the time to make a powerful pro-life statement is now, not later. Sadly, there are some members of our Committee who do not see the urgency in taking action now, and they would like to send this to a sub-committee for months of deliberation. While we agree that the party might benefit by sending some policy issues to a sub-committee for deliberation, Pro-Life, a core value of Republicanism, is a No-brainer and shouldn't be something the party needs to deliberate upon.
With the support of our constituents and GOP county leaders, sponsors and cosponsors of the proposed Pro-Life Resolution have requested a Special Meeting to discuss the passage of this meaningful resolution.
The reason we are contacting you today is to ask for your support of our Pro-Life Resolution by signing on as a supporter. Please go to our website at Ohio Conservatives in Action Caucus and click on the "Resolutions" tab. Scroll down to "Show Your Support for the Pro-Life Resolution" and fill out a short form. You will be added to the growing list of voters, pastors, and pro-life organizations who are ready for the Ohio Republican Party to take a STRONG and MEANINGFUL stand on Pro-Life.
Sincerely,
Jessica Franz, ORPSCC5
Stephanie Kremer, ORPSCC12
Christine Maurer, ORPSCC29
HB458 – Voter ID Law
What does the Passage of HB458 mean for Ohio voters?
Governor DeWine signed HB458 into law on January 6, 2023. The bill is meant to strengthen photo ID requirements and makes some election modernization improvements.
Generally requires an elector to have photo ID to vote in person, unless the elector has a religious objection to being photographed.
Voters will need to provide a photo ID to vote, whether voting by absentee ballot, or in- person or provisionally on Election Day.
Voters will not be able to register to vote and vote with an alternate form of ID such as a utility bill, government document, or paycheck.
Eliminates early voting on the Monday before Election Day.
Shortens deadline to apply to cast absent voters’ ballots by mail.
Requires all absent voter’s ballots that are returned by mail to arrive at the Board of Elections by the fourth day after Election Day, instead of the tenth day after Election Day.
County Boards of Election will be limited to a single drop box location, open during business hours only, and limited to the early voting period.
Eliminates most August special elections
Upcoming Ohio Legislation:
What are the priorities for the new legislative session?
Although several members of the “Stephens 22” seem to be committed to introducing some conservative legislation, there are some important pieces of legislation that are notably missing this session.
One glaring example is the HB454 (“Safe Act”). The bill was introduced last session and was sponsored by state Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Diane Grendell, R-Chesterland. This bill would prohibit medical personnel from helping minors (children under 18) from undergoing medical transitioning. This is important to note because it was one of the pieces of legislation that Rep. Stephens allegedly agreed not to bring to the floor in exchange for Democrat votes. According to sources, it is “still stuck on the desk of Speaker Stephens.” Please contact your Ohio House Representative and tell them you want “The Safe Act” on the list of “priority legislation” for this session.
Another example is the absence of medical freedom legislation, such as the HB1B/2B Covid Mandate Bans that the Florida legislature passed in 2021. The bill prohibits vaccination mandates for employees in government and public education and protects parental choice on masks, vaccines, and quarantine, private-sector employers can require vaccinations, but must offer the following five exemptions: Medical reasons, religious reasons, immunity based on prior Covid-19 infection, periodic testing, or use of PPE.
Matt Urbas of Ohio Political Action reports that “Rep. Jason Stephens and his leadership team announced 12 pieces of legislation they are calling their priority legislation, marketed as ‘Ohio is Our Home’. The bills are split into 3 topics, ‘Growing Our Economy,’ ‘Protecting our Families’, and ‘Educating Our Communities’.” To see Matt’s full report and receive timely updates on legislation impacting Ohioans - please follow his page entitled “Ohio Political Action” on Facebook.
Protecting our Families:
HB5 - Bill declaring the legislature's intent to "modernize the adoption process". Nothing further to report at this time.
HB6 - Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) filed the “Save Women’s Sports Act” legislation for the 135th General Assembly on February 3rd. The bill ensures that biological males cannot compete in female-only sports at OHSAA schools.
HB7 - "Strong Foundations" Act, cosponsored by Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus). The bill has placeholder language declaring the intent to "support strong foundations for Ohio mothers and babies in their first one thousand days to address maternal and infant mortality, and improve health and developmental outcomes for babies, mothers, and families by expanding prenatal, postnatal, and infant and toddler services and supports."
HB8 - "Parents Bill of Rights", cosponsored by Rep. DJ Swearingen (R-Huron) and Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). The bill places a number of requirements on local school districts, including:
Notify parents prior to instruction involving sexually explicit content and allow them to review and provide alternate instruction.
Notify parents of changes in student services or monitoring related to mental/social/physical health or well being.
Prohibit personnel from directly or indirectly encouraging a student to withhold from a parent information concerning their mental/emotional/physical health or well-being.
Prohibit personnel from discouraging or prohibiting parental notification of the above, with the exception that the policy shall personnel from withholding such information "if a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect", and specifies that this belief "shall not be based on a parents religious or political beliefs."
Growing Our Economy:
HB1 - Introduced by Representative Adam Mathews (R- Lebanon). HB1 would cut property taxes and income taxes. This bill also will flatten the state's income tax in 2023. Ohio's income tax rate gets progressively higher the more income an individual makes, varying from 2.765% for the lowest bracket to 3.995 for the highest bracket (income in excess of $110,650.) The bill would lower the tax rate to a flat 2.75% for all income in excess of $26,050.
HB2, HB3, and HB4 do not have any released text but are "Intent" bills. Legislation is often entered into the record as simply declaring the intent of the legislature to pass legislation achieving a stated policy.
HB2 - sponsored by Rep. Al Cutrona (R- Canfield) and Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D). It says the GA intends to direct state funds to projects for the purpose of economic growth and community development.
HB3 - sponsored by Rep. Gail Pavliga (R) and says the GA intends to authorize a tax credit that encourages the development of affordable housing.
HB4 - introduced by Rep. Tom Young (R) and Rep. Angela King(R), declares the intention to "enact legislation regarding financial institutions and other businesses that conduct economic boycotts or discriminate against certain companies or customers based on certain factors."
Educating Our Communities:
HB11 - “Backpack Bill” is a re-introduction of last session's "Backpack Bill", which would establish Educational Savings Accounts for all K-12 students in the state, and could be accessed by the child's family if they choose an educational option other than the public school system. It is sponsored by Representatives Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Marilyn John (R-Richland County). This school choice bill provides funding that would be in an account designated for the child upon application, unlike Senator Sandra O'Brien's school choice bill (SB11),which would simply expand eligibility for the existing EdChoice scholarship to all children. Private schools are not required to accept EdChoice scholarships, and families are required to first be accepted to a school and then to apply for the scholarship. The Backpack Bill would provide $5,500 to families of K-8 students and $7,500 for grades 9-12, and families would apply to have their educational costs reimbursed through that account. HB-11 also notably contains improved language establishing the rights of homeschool families. Current law and adminstrative code contains language giving the local superintendent some authority and latitude to make determinations as to whether a child is excused from the compulsory attendance law. In both this bill and HB12, language is inserted that states "A child is exempt from compulsory school attendance when receiving home education in the subject.
Please see article: Ohio HB12 and SB1 are not helpful in Reforming Ohio Schools - and the BackPack Bill Analysis
HB12 - Introduced as a sister bill identical to SB1. Sponsored by Don Jones (R) and Dave Dobos (R). It is the House mechanism to advance the wholesale transfer of duties from the State Board of Education and their hired Superintendent to a gubernatorial appointee.
*See my article on SB1 (sister bill to HB12), and contact your Ohio House Representative and ask them to vote “NO” on HB12.
Upcoming Senate Legislation:
SB1 - The Senate is yet again making the takeover of the State Board of Education by the Governor’s office a top priority. I would encourage you to read my article on SB1 to see why I believe this is terrible for Ohio students and families. Please contact your Senator and tell them to vote ‘NO’ on SB1. This bill is a sister bill to the equally terrible HB12.
SB11 – “Enact the Parental Educational Freedom Act” Introduced by Sandra O’Brien (R). This bill would greatly expand school choice in Ohio by expanding eligibility for the existing Educational Choice scholarships. Additionally, the bill would increase the income tax credit available for homeschooling expenses.
*Please see my article above entitled “Illusion of choice” to see why I believe HB11 and SB11 (as written) is NOT a good ‘choice’ for Ohio families.
Congressional Updates:
Congressman Mike Carey serves in the 15th Congressional District, which includes all or part of six counties, Franklin, Madison, Clark, Fayette, Miami, and Shelby. To receive updates from Congressman Carey, sign up for his newsletter here.
Congressman Warren Davidson serves in the 8th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Butler, Clark, Darke, Miami, Mercer, Preble, Fayette, Mercer, Greene, Auglaize, and Shelby. To receive updates from Congressman Davidson, sign up for his newsletter here.
Congressman Mike Turner serves in the 10th Congressional District, which includes parts of Montgomery, Greene, and Fayette counties. To receive updates from Congressman Turner, sign up for his newsletter here.
We the People Convention provides a weekly podcast with the latest news on the U.S. House, and provides action steps you can take on important policy issues at the national level.
District 5 County GOP News & Events!
Miami County GOP:
The Miami County Republican Men's and Women's Clubs are hosting a Lincoln Day Celebration on March 11, 2023 - 5:30 PM at Troy Country Club, 1830 Peters Rd. in Troy. The Cost per ticket is $65. There will be three dinner choices. Cash/Credit card will be accepted for the bar. The Guest speakers will be Congressmen Mike Carey and Warren Davidson. Contact Bobby Phillips for information on purchasing tickets.
Montgomery County GOP:
On January 23rd, Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) interviewed with Bob Frantz on Always Right Radio to speak about the Stephens 22 Betrayal and how Republicans need to “hold [Rep.] Jason Stephens’ feet to the fire.”
District 5 Local News
Annexation, Failed Referendum, and more trouble in the schools!
Is Annexation the Biggest Challenge facing Miami County?
Bethel Township - I recently spoke with a Miami County Commissioner who shared with me that he believed the single greatest issue facing Miami County (among many) right now was annexation. The commissioner said there is very little that Miami County Commissioners can do to hold back Huber Heights from its ongoing pursuit to swallow up Bethel Township’s farmland – unless action is taken by legislators to revise Ohio Law.
In April of 2022, Developers with Carriage Trails attended a Huber Heights City Council meeting to discuss their intent to develop approximately 260 acres of Bethel Township land. In order to accommodate their plans for development, they would need the land to be annexed into Huber Heights – where the city’s zoning laws provide for houses to be built closer together.
The Miami County Commissioners had originally rejected the landowners’ request for annexation; however, the Ohio’s 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled on the Writ of Mandamus filed by the lawyers for the property owners that the commissioners had no basis to take such action and compelled them to approve the Expedited Type 2 annexation request.
Both Bethel residents and the commissioners were disappointed to hear that the commission would be forced to vote for approval of the annexation, citing the incredible financial burden it would place not only on Bethel Township and its school system – but the burden it will place on the entire county.
Under current Ohio law, cities have the power to annex unincorporated areas within a specified radius under certain conditions, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 709.
Whether a city should have the right to annex land from a township is a matter of debate, and there are arguments both for and against annexation. Some proponents of annexation argue that it allows cities to expand their tax base, provide necessary services to a growing population, and promote economic development. Additionally, some proponents argue that landowners should not be prevented from selling their farmland for residential use.
Opponents of annexation argue that it can lead to loss of local control, higher taxes, and the displacement of long-time residents. In Bethel’s case, many residents argue that the local school district cannot support additional students. Furthermore, the country road infrastructure cannot handle the number of vehicles high-density development brings and the increase in traffic is dangerous to their farmers, and that Bethel residents are losing their rural lifestyle and quality of life. They also argue that the decision to annex is completely inequitable because the township has no say in the annexation andHuber Heights will reap all the benefits (income tax revenue), while shouldering none of the burden.
In response to growing concern over annexation, a citizen’s volunteer group has launched a grassroots effort called the Land & Lifestyle Preservation Committee to try to stop future annexation and preserve what farmland the township still has left. The goal is to work with landowners and developers, seek changes in legislation, participate in the township’s land use plan, and possibly recommend zoning resolution changes, eventually having them adopted by the trustees as the township wishes. For more information, join their Bethel Township Land & Lifestyle Preservation Committee Facebook group or call/text (512) 632- 9310.
Additionally, the commission is recommending that concerned Bethel Township residents contact their Ohio House and Senate representatives to encourage them to change the annexation laws, which currently favor cities.
Representative Jena Powell
Email: Rep80@Ohiohouse.gov
Phone: (614) 466-8114
Senator Steve Huffman
Email: shuffman@ohiosenate.gov
Phone: (614) 466-6247
Bethel Township Residents are Prevented from Voting on Zoning Issue
Bethel Township - According to Bethel Township Trustee, Julie Reese, the referendum petition to overturn fellow Trustees – Beth van Haaren and Don Black’s approval of the Bowman rezoning case that would parcel out 60 acres of farmland located at the corner of Agenbroad and Dayton Brandt Roads and turn it into residential housing was rejected by the Miami County Board of Elections on Wednesday, February 8th.
Reese contends that it was rejected because the Township Trustees failed to get the petition certified and presented to the Miami County Board of Elections within 14 days of its submission on November 22, 2022. The process, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) 519.12(H), states, in part “Within two weeks after receiving a petition filed under this section, the board of township trustees shall certify the petition to the board of elections.” Reese stated that “because we [the trustees] missed the December 6, 2022, deadline by 2 days, the Miami County Prosecuting Attorney advised the Board of Elections to reject the petition.”
Reese believed that because most of the existing staff and trustees had successfully gone through the petition process just 2 years earlier, she could trust them to understand the process and guide them through it. She did not question the progress until the township trustee meeting on December 6, 2022 (day 14) where she inquired about the status of the referendum and stated to her colleagues that she believed they had a time limit.
According to Reese, the other trustees and staff responded that they didn’t seem to think there was a deadline. Following the meeting, Reese looked up O.R.C. 519.12(H), then called Andy Ehrhart, the Township Administrator, and had a conversation about it, stressing the “within two weeks” time limit caveat. He informed Reese that he would ask the attorney from the Miami County Prosecutor’s Office and let her know what he found out. Two days later, on the advice of said attorney, the trustees held an emergency meeting where they did certify the submitted petition. Unfortunately, it was two days too late.
Ian Bowman, land developer of the 60 acres of farmland, argues that there was disinformation being spread by petition canvassers of the referendum. However, one Bethel resident noted that she had never heard any disinformation being given out by those collecting signatures. Another responded to Bowman that she hadn’t seen any advertisements for the proposed development until recently and she believes the proposed development “is quite large for our small community.” Other residents complained about the lack of information provided and the failure of the trustees to communicate the issue to Bethel residents.
Reese cited what she believes are many points of failure in the process:
1. The Fiscal Officer, who is also the official records keeper, should know the process for handling documents correctly or research the process if not known.
2. The Township Administrator, who has the responsibility to “run” the Township day-to-day and to keep the Trustees informed and on schedule.
3. And, the Trustees, who should not have dropped the ball on getting the petition certified in a timely manner.
Reese is regretful that she was not more forceful on day 14 in pushing the trustees and staff to certify the referendum petition. She believes that had she done so - the work the volunteers did on the referendum petition would not have been wasted and the will of the voters would not have been ignored. Reese states that “she has learned a great deal from this and several other events that have recently occurred. You, the voters, should be appalled that this happened. I know I am.”
The next scheduled Bethel Township Trustee meetings for February are February 21st at 9am and February 28th at 7pm. Meetings will take place in the Township meeting room located at 8735 S. Second Street Tipp City Ohio 45371. Click here for the Township meeting dates. The trustees and several residents have filed protests against the decision to reject the referendum petition. There is a hearing scheduled on Wednesday, February 22nd at 5pm in the County Commissioner’s chambers in the Safety Building at 201 W. Main St, Troy, Ohio 45373.
Reese encourages Bethel Residents to email or call any of the Trustees, the Township Administrator, or the Fiscal Officer with any questions or concerns that they may have. Contact information can be found on the website. Reese also maintains a Facebook Page called “Township Talk Hosted by Julie Reese” where she posts regular updates for community members.
More on this issue can be found at WHIO Channel 7 and Dayton Daily News.
Montgomery County
Kettering - Dayton Citizens for Truth is putting out a Call to Action to hold LOCAL School Boards and Administration Accountable.
Dear Patriot,
As you are aware, parents across the country are banding together to fight Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in our schools—it’s a poison pill to any curriculum and an assault on our country’s foundational principles.
A recent scandal erupted in our Kettering, Ohio, city. Accuracy in Media (a Project Veritas-esque group) caught the Department of Student Services supervisor, Rick Earley, on hidden camera. Earley admitted that if Ohio passes legislation banning CRT from public schools, Kettering is prepared to change labels to circumvent it.
“There’s all sorts of ways around it. You just have to be very careful how you phrase whatever you’re going to say. What are they going to know unless somebody turns you in to the state. That’s the way I look at it. It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than permission.”
When it comes to gender issues, Earley also admitted Kettering schools is fine with bypassing parental consent:
“The only time we really have to get a parent involved is when it becomes a bathroom issue.” Betsy Gann, Curriculum and Gifted Services director for a neighboring district, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools, shared the same sentiments on hidden camera. She even admitted to using the district’s funds to use books like White Fragility for groups of teachers who chose to read it for “professional development.”You can watch the Accuracy in Media clip here:
Kettering parents who are involved and paying attention to what our kids are being taught in school are OUTRAGED. Several of us have reached out to the superintendent’s office, but they are very dismissive. They claim Rick Earley’s comments were taken out of context, but they don’t elaborate. Kettering City Schools explicitly states that they adhere to state curriculum standards and do not teach CRT in the district. At the same time, an Undesign the Redline exhibit was on display at Kettering Fairmont high school, which is an exhibit marinated in CRT. The objective of Undesign the Redline is to demonstrate how structural racism is baked and codified into society—the very essence of CRT!
The superintendent, Mindy McCarty-Stewart, admitted in her e-mail correspondence to one parent that she and other officials approved the exhibit: “The Undesign the Redline exhibit was in partnership with the City of Kettering, Planning and Development & Community Development Programs. The exhibit was vetted by our Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, High School Administration and Social Studies Educators. I supported the exhibit. The content in the program is aligned with the following State Standards: Government Content Standards 9, 14, 15, 17, 20 U.S. History Content Standards 12, 16, 18, 19, 21, 27, 29, 30”
Teachers have a wide latitude on how they choose to present curriculum, and for a school that claims not to teach CRT, the Undesign the Redline exhibit clearly promotes radical, left-wing bias featuring “an oppressor” and “the oppressed.”We are trying to rally parents, political leaders, and the media together to hold the school board, superintendent, and other school officials accountable by attending the next school board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Fairmont High School located at 3301 Shroyer Rd., Kettering, Ohio 45429.
Will you lend your support by attending the meeting?We encourage concerned patriots to speak, but packing out the room, even if you choose not to speak, sends a powerful message to administrators. When CRT and radical “woke” ideology infects a school, it must be stopped before the indoctrination metastasizes.
Students should be taught patriotic education expounding American exceptionalism—not the tenets of Marxism. The battle for our children’s minds in our educational institutions is intensifying, and we need all hands on deck to win the culture war. Kids should be taught to love America, not hate it and to seek injustice behind every door knob. More importantly, PARENTS should be empowered to make the decisions for their children’s education, not radicalized school administrators with political agendas.
We hope to see you at the Kettering Board of Education meeting on February 21, at 6:00 pm
Headlines Around the State
HB6 Scandal, East Palestine Train Derailment, and Revival!
HB6 Householder Scandal-
The HB6 Householder political corruption scandal scandal emerged in Ohio in 2020, involving the state's controversial $1.3 billion bailout of two nuclear power plants owned by FirstEnergy Solutions.
The scandal centers on Ohio House Bill 6, which was signed into law in July 2019 and provided subsidies for the two nuclear power plants. However, it later emerged that the bill was passed with the help of a $60 million bribery scheme orchestrated by former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and his associates.
Householder and four others were arrested in July 2020 and charged with racketeering, conspiracy, and bribery. The individuals were accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes from FirstEnergy and other energy companies in exchange for passing and defending HB6. USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau provides a timeline into the biggest government scandal in Ohio State history.
February 7, 2023 - According to The Ohio Press Network, “FBI Agent Blane Wetzel testified in court again Monday providing further evidence in the ongoing racketeering trial against Larry Householder, former Ohio House Speaker, and Matt Borges, a lobbyist and former Ohio GOP chair.”
February 16, 2023 - The Ohio Capital Journal reports that “Every day more details emerge from Ohio’s billion-dollar bailout bribery trial showcasing gargantuan levels of arrogance, corruption, and enabling among energy executives and Ohio’s most powerful Republican politicians.”
The scandal has raised questions about the influence of money in politics and the role of lobbying in shaping legislation. David Dewitt of The Ohio Capital Journal states that “it will be up to Ohioans to decide how long [they] will continue to allow [their] politicians to rob and abuse [them] in service to themselves and private interest profiteering.”
Columbiana County (East Palestine) -
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying crude oil derailed in the downtown area of East Palestine, causing several tank cars to catch fire and sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air.
Jeff Louderback, a reporter with The Epoch Times, provides comprehensive coverage of the unfolding story here.
Norfolk Southern CEO Visits Site of Ohio Toxic Train Crash
Although state and federal officials have stated the air and water are safe, Louderback reports that “numerous East Palestine residents have complained of headaches, skin rashes, blood in the stool, and vomiting among other ailments,” and “around 3,500 fish have been killed in various creeks in East Palestine and the Columbiana County area from the derailment’s chemical spill.”
The Way Station, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing assistance to East Palestine residents through donations of food, clothing, water, hygiene products, diapers, cleaning supplies and gift cards. If you would like to make a donation to help the residents, please visit their website here.
More on this story can be found at the following news source links:
Did Ohio Governor Reject FEMA Aid for Train Derailment? What We Know
FEMA sends help to East Palestine, Ohio 2 weeks after toxic train disaster
‘Asbury Revival’ attracts Worshippers from all over the country!
As of February 19th, worshippers have been praying non-stop for 11 consecutive days since "The Asbury Revival" began as a routine morning church service on February 8th at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. This spiritual gathering has gained immense popularity on social media, with videos of the revival going viral. Students from nearby Ohio and Indiana and from across the nation have been converging to the university and packing the pews.
Rod Dreher, a senior editor with The American Conservative and self-described “analytic theologian,” described his experience when visiting the Asbury chapel as a “mix of hope and joy and peace [that] is indescribably strong and indeed almost palpable—a vivid and incredibly powerful sense of shalom.”
Fox News host Tucker Carlson recently interviewed Asbury Student Body President, Alison Perfater, who told Carlson that “people have come from Brazil, Indonesia, and almost every U.S. state.”
More on this story at the New York Post and the Washington Examiner .
Liberty Action Network reports that Niel Petersen, Pastor at Harvest Revival Center has opened his church for 24/7 prayer and worship to kindle the fire of Revival in Dayton, Ohio (Montgomery County). Please contact the church office for more details.