Miller issues open letter urging HB 154 inclusion in state budget

State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) today sent an open letter to his legislative colleagues as well as Governor DeWine to urge their support to retain a provision from the House-passed version of the state budget, House Bill (HB) 166, that included the provisions of Miller’s bipartisan HB 154, which would end state takeovers and return control to local school districts. The Senate removed those provisions in its version of HB 166.

“It is absolutely crucial for students and families in Lorain, Youngstown, and East Cleveland that we take action on this issue before the new academic year begins. I hope you will join me in supporting HB 154 as part of the state budget,” wrote Miller.

Read the letter below:

June 26, 2019

Re: The importance of HB 154

Colleagues,

As we enter the final days of the budget process, I know we are all being overwhelmed with
requests to support a wide range of amendments and appropriations. With this in mind, I will keep
my comments brief as I respectfully urge you to support retaining HB 154 in the final version of
the state budget:

HB 154, which the House approved 83-12 as a standalone bill and which was included in the
House-passed version of the budget, addresses the state's growing crisis of state takeovers of
public schools. HB 154 puts an end to the destruction imposed upon districts by rogue CEOs who
have been given absolute power of these impoverished schools, and creates a sustainable,
locally-driven process for school improvement. It is supported by OEA, OFT, OSBA, BASA,
OASBO, and other stakeholders.

It is absolutely crucial for students and families in Lorain, Youngstown, and East Cleveland that
we take action on this issue before the new academic year begins. I hope you will join me in
supporting HB 154 as part of the state budget.

Sincerely,

Joe Miller