Business for Democracy held 4 pressers in Ohio in opposition to anti-democracy ballot initiative

August 4, 2023

Business for Democracy held 4 pressers in Ohio
in opposition to anti-democracy ballot initiative

ASBN’s Business for Democracy collaborative in Ohio took a stand in opposition to an Ohio ballot initiative in a special election on August 8, 2023.

Only Issue 1 was on the ballot. It called for raising the public vote needed to amend the state Constitution from 50% to 60% and added some other almost insurmountable requirements. A simple majority vote to pass an amendment had been in the Ohio Constitution since 1912.

The state legislature, with the support of the Ohio Chamber and some other business groups, wanted to make it very difficult for citizens to pass Constitutional amendments, amendments to enact state policy that the legislature and some business groups do not support.

Issue 1 would have been another step to create an autocratic state government that is geared toward keeping legislators in power and rewarding their big corporate campaign donors. Combined with heavily gerrymandered districts, a successful Issue 1 would have all but eliminated the need for politicians to listen to small businesses and the public in forming policy.

Business for Democracy-Ohio called Issue 1 an attack on democracy and majority rule. The press conferences made the point clearly that what is good for big business is not necessarily good for small business. Over 96% of all businesses in Ohio have fewer than 20 employees.

Business for Democracy-Ohio worked closely with its existing and new collaborative members in Ohio, including the Ohio Sustainable Business Council, to hold these press events on August 1 and 2 and showcased the opposition to Issue 1 by local small business owners.\

On August 8^th, Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to protect democracy by rejecting Issue 1— 57% to 43%.

Opinion Editorial:

Issue 1: It is already hard enough to amend Ohio’s constitution| Opinion

Press:
Small business owners weigh in on Issue 1
Major business lobbying groups back Issue 1. Some small Ohio businesses are speaking out against it
Businesses divided over making it tougher to amend Ohio constitution

August 1, 2023, Willard Park in Cleveland. Video here.

Speaking:

Frank Knapp, Director, Business for Democracy
Mayda Sanchez Shingler, Executive Director, Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Justin Lepley, Plant and Florest Shop
Brian Wright, Wright Path Solutions
Sean Logan, Sean Logan Consulting

See pics below

August 1, 2023, Northside Marketplace, Akron

Speaking:
Justin Lepley, Plant and Florest Shop
Preston Clark, 7th Floor Clothing

See pic below

August 2, 2023, Ohio Statehouse, Ladies Gallery, Columbus. Video here.

Speaking:
Frank Knapp, Director, Business for Democracy
Mayda Sanchez Shingler, Executive Director, Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Kathleen Day, Katalina’s
Olivera Bratich, Wild Cat Gift and Party
Sean Logan, Sean Logan Consulting

See pics below

August 2, 2023, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Cincinnati. Video here.

Speaking:
Frank Knapp, Director, Business for Democracy
Mayda Sanchez Shingler, Executive Director, Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Cynthia Pinchback-Hines, Coop Cincy
Jim Warner, JWarnerArt
Flequer Vera, Sustainergy