America's Work Force Union Podcast

Bill would give Ohio governor the ability to decide educational policy

Written by awfblog | January 17, 2023

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the how Senate Bill 1, if passed and signed into law, would take away power from the Ohio State Board of Education and give it to Ohio’s governor.

On Jan. 11, Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) reintroduced S.B. 1. If passed and enacted, the legislation would transfer education policy decision-making from the State Board of Education to the governor. Cropper claimed the bill would also allow unvaccinated students to attend school, decrease school funding and create inadequate curriculum standards.

She feels the bill will quickly move through the Senate and urged Ohio residents who find this legislation unacceptable to call their state senator as soon as possible.

Cropper then explained that the OFT is partnering with the American Retired Association and the Homeless Coalition to push back against House Bill 458, which was recently signed into law. She alleges the legislation creates restrictions on in-person voting. It also requires voters to provide a government-issued identification card, leaving those without proper identification unable to vote in-person.

Listen to today’s episode to learn more about these topics.