Policy Matters Ohio

06/23/2026

You have probably heard about the swarms of federal agents who raided offices and visited the homes of staff, volunteers, and partners connected to our friends Ohio Organizing Collaborative. OOC Board Chair Rev Michael Harrison Sr. appeared on MS NOW to discuss the scare tactics designed to stop Ohioans from volunteering, donating, and participating in our democracy. Part 1 of the interview is below; Part 2 is linked in the replies.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1908998969771220

06/18/2026

Unaccountable elected officials have no reason to make policy that benefits everyday Ohioans. HB 472 will make elected officials even less accountable than they already are, by making it harder for Ohioans to vote. Join Ohio Voter Rights Coalition (and thousands of your fellow Ohioans) in urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto HB 472 today.

Last week, the Ohio legislature passed House Bill 472, a bill that was originally intended to provide needed ID free of charge for the homeless but was weaponized to include convoluted and insecure new ID requirements for voting by mail. The bill was rushed, poorly thought out, punitive to voters an...

06/17/2026

Want to get Saturday Stats in your inbox? The full, bi-weekly newsletter provides more context, as well as links to the work we are doing on each issue.

https://policymattersohio.org/saturday-stats/

06/14/2026

On Thursday, federal agents raided the offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and attempted to question and intimidate OOC staff, board, and leaders around the state. Above all, we are grateful that our friends, allies, and partners in OOC are safe.

OOC has spent years helping Ohioans build power for racial and economic justice. The democratic, multi-racial coalitions they foster are joyful, powerful, and people-centered. OOC’s work and existence are a reminder that solidarity wins.

If you know the OOC leaders, it will come as no surprise that they aren’t backing down. In the coming days and weeks, they will continue their transformative work of helping people — especially Black people — exercise their freedom to vote. For more on how you can get involved, visit their website: www.ohorganizing.org

For two decades, Ohio Organizing Collaborative has worked to ensure that every Ohioan has a voice in our democracy.

We are proud of our work, stand by our program and staff, and will not be deterred from carrying out our vital mission.

06/08/2026

Ohio's GA is at it again, attempting to roll back child labor protections--this time by tacking on language to an education bill, Substitute House Bill 455. This legislation is moving quickly, so email your Senator now and tell them to cut that provision. (Details and ready-to-send email template are at the link.)

06/05/2026

Have an opinion about data centers??? Now's the time to call your legislators:

Ohio’s legislature will likely advance a package of data center provisions next week, after a series of hearings in the Senate Energy Committee next week. The committee is accepting all testimony for two hearings on Tuesday. The details of the legislation are unclear, but Ohio lawmakers have a wid...

06/05/2026

COLUMBUS/CLEVELAND — Educators at two Ohio charter schools, Menlo Park Academy and KIPP Columbus, have just ratified their first union contracts after years of negotiations.“We are thrilled that we were finally able to reach a contract agreement that addresses many of the issues that caused us t...