Republicans Prioritize Censorship, Discrimination Over Freedoms, Economic Growth with SB 1's Passage

COLUMBUS – Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and State Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) today responded to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Higher Education Destruction Act: 

“People deserve better than failed Republican policies, like SB 1, that are ripping people off. We are three months into this General Assembly, and the Majority in both chambers has prioritized attacking workers and free speech over tackling the issues that Ohioans actually want us working on: protecting critical services while lowering the cost of living for families and Ohioans on fixed incomes,” said Leader Russo. “Ohioans are telling us they need help making ends meet, and that includes how they’re going to afford college tuition and be able to attend an Ohio university. SB 1 does nothing to address those concerns. This law will shortchange our students, undermine workers and diminish our state’s position as a global leader in higher education.”

“It is unconscionable that such a sweeping overhaul of Higher Education has been written with NO input from the three constituent groups who matter the most on this topic - students, parents and educators. It’s undemocratic that something this important to the future of our state will have NO input from millions of Ohioans. NO input from the areas of Ohio with major economic engines who stand to be immediately impacted by the negative consequences of this bill. It’s disrespectful that the voices of thousands who have come to this People’s House to testify in opposition to SB 1 have been discounted,” said Rep. Brown Piccolantonio, ranking member on the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee. “At a basic level, this legislation is not the answer to a concern . It is reckless in the sweeping impact it will have by attacking working people,  muzzling free speech, trampling student rights, BIG government overreach and destroying our economy.”

In trying to solve problems that do not exist, SB 1 creates new issues that will increase costs, stifle growth, and prevent Ohio’s young adults from reaching their full potential.