ICO Newsletter - 3/19/25

Written By Indivisible OH12

Find Congressman Mike Carey!
Join us today (Wednesday, 3/19) as we search for our missing central Ohio Congressman Mike Carey! Congress is on recess this week, but he isn’t holding a town hall and has declined our town hall invitation. On Monday, constituents visited his office, but he and his staff were missing! We have received a tip that he will be at an event on Wednesday afternoon at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, so we are going to check it out!

Bring your signs and join us from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at 50 N 3rd St, Columbus, for a sidewalk protest! We will be joined by constituents on the hunt for missing Senators Husted and Moreno at 1 pm. They will be starting their search at the Bricker Federal Building on High Street. Put on some detective garb, carry binoculars or a magnifying glass, or bring a notebook to join in the fun.

3/22 TOWN HALL INFORMATION
We’re looking forward to our Town Hall event this Saturday, 3/22, 2pm at the Valley Dale Ballroom. Register HERE!

Want to know what our Senators are doing to protect Ohioans from Elon Musk's dismantling of the federal government, the TaxScam, and attacks on Medicaid? Join us for this Town Hall event! Even if the Senators don't respond to our invitations, we have speakers ready to step in to talk about the issues and make it clear why it is so important that the Senators act on our concerns. Here’s some additional information:

AV/Tech and Videographers needed!

  • If you have the skills, we could use the help. Please reply to this email (or sign up here) if you can help with videography, streaming, and AV/tech assistance. 


Sign up to help with parking

  • Helpers are still needed to help with parking and traffic management. Sign up here!


Submit your question in advance

  • We will send a compilation of questions to the Senators after the event. Submit your question here. 


Watch the event online


Mention the Town Hall when you call Husted and Moreno 

  • When you make calls to Husted and Moreno, make sure to mention that you know that they have been invited to our town hall on Saturday and you’re hoping they will be there to answer questions from their constituents! 

More Protests and Rallies
We are in unprecedented time – and that calls for an unprecedented response. More protests are popping up every day. It’s hard to keep up but we’re trying. You can find info about these and more at the Events section of our website, indivisiblecentralohio.org.

Wednesday, 3/19: Students to the Statehouse: NO to SB1
(See the poster above.) March from The Ohio State University to the Ohio Statehouse where the House is voting to pass SB 1 despite record-breaking opposition. We need Governor DeWine to see massive opposition to SB 1, so he will feel pressure to veto it. The march leaves from 15th and High at 1:00pm on 3/19, OR, meet us outside the Statehouse starting at 1:30pm. More actions to take. Learn more.

Wednesday, 3/19/2025: Missing Senators Constituent Hunt
12:30pm, Bricker Federal Building, 200 N. High Street. Let's call attention to their absence with a fun hunt for our missing members of Congress. We'll gather outside Moreno's office and then take a short walk through downtown Columbus handing out "missing flyers" and asking passersby if they've seen our MIA Senators.

Thursday, 3/20/2025: Hands off our Public Postal Service!
National Day of Action. 11am-2pm, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus. The National American Postal Workers Union is holding rallies across the entire nation to say, “HANDS OFF the Public Postal Service!” More info via the Vindicator HERE. Official info at the American Postal Workers Union HERE.

Saturday, 3/22: Protest for Democracy
2pm, the Ohio Statehouse. From the Mayday Coalition Project: “No dictators. No kings. Resist fascism. Be seen. Be heard. Demand change.”

Saturday, 3/22: Tesla Protest!
Join the weekly protest at the Easton Tesla Dealership, 4:30-5:30pm. Be there or be square!

Tuesday, 3/25: Support Veterans Rush Hour Rally
4:30-5:30pm, Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center, 420 N James Rd, Columbus. Join our Rush-Hour Resistance Rally to protest the cuts to the VA and support veterans! The Chalmers Care Center, serving veterans from a wide area, is on James Road just south of the Columbus Airport. Thousands of cars pass this location during rush hour every weekday afternoon, making this the perfect place to inform people about the crippling cuts that Trump, Musk and DOGE are making to our federal government. Registration (plus more info about the location & parking) HERE. 

Saturday, 4/5: Hands Off! 
Mass Mobilization nationwide! 12-2pm at the Ohio Statehouse. Register and learn more HERE. This action is being coordinated with Indivisible, 5050/1, Common Cause, and other groups. 
 
Message from the Hands Off! coalition: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Columbus is fighting back! They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now. On Saturday, April 5th, we're taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country. A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.”

FYI, there will also be a protest in Washington DC. Andrea Yagoda is looking into the rental of a bus and driver to transport 40 people round trip from Columbus. The cost would be about $200 per person. We would leave early morning on the 5th and return the same day, but we have to get moving since time is short! If interested, please email Andrea directly at andreayagoda17@gmail.com, and put "DC" in the subject line.

Take Action to Defend Federal Services and Workers!
Elon Musk is trying to steal our federal government — slashing public services, firing civil servants, and handing power to billionaires like himself. It’s illegal, it’s dangerous, and we won’t stand for it. It’s time to take action against this illegal attack on our public services and dedicated workers.

Sign up here to get notified about emergency protests in your town against cuts to services and workers.

And any federal worker or community member who wants to get involved in local organizing should check the box "I want to help organize in my community."

Our ICO Website
We are in the process of upgrading the Indivisible Central Ohio website, indivisiblecentralohio.org. Please head over there and explore. We’re also looking for folks to write blog posts, update the action calendar, and make suggestions for content. If you’d like to be involved, reply to this email! 

Highway Signs
Every week we plan to have a new highway sign project. Bookmark this Sign Up Genius and join the team! (We have the signs. You bring the manpower.) 

We also have three sign-making parties planned! Join one March 23, March 30, or April 3. Sign up and more information HERE. 

Take Action to Protect Trans Passport Access
Deadline: midnight Thursday, 3/20/2025. Submit public comments to the U.S. Department of State on passport applications to make your voice heard on anti-trans changes. The federal government is currently attempting to undermine access to passports for trans people, and it's crucial that we act now! Public comment periods remain open on two of three crucial passport applications. Learn more and take action here.
 

Take Action this Week: Bills at the Ohio Statehouse

Public Education Funding in Ohio's Budget
Last week, we learned that the Statehouse majority plans to spend $600 million on a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns, but they claim there isn’t enough money to fund public schools!

What you can do:
Contact the House Finance Committee members listed below. Tell them Ohio families want them to fully phase in the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan into the state budget (INCLUDING updated cost inputs).


Sample Script:
My name is ______ and I’m calling from [full address if leaving a message]. I expect [elected official's name] to support the state’s budget ONLY if it fully phases in the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, INCLUDING updated cost inputs. If you vote for a budget that funds a new Browns stadium instead of funding schools, voters will not forget. Ninety percent of Ohio kids attend public schools, and they deserve schools that are properly and constitutionally funded. Years of research and debate went into creating the three-part  bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, and there is NO excuse for abandoning this plan now, in this final implementation phase. Will you promise to ONLY support a state budget that includes the full, bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan and the updated inputs needed to do it properly?


SB 109 – Provide No-Cost Breakfast and Lunch to Students - Include in Budget
SB 109 is a bipartisan bill that would provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to public and chartered nonpublic school students, and to make an appropriation. It would reimburse schools that participated in the National School Breakfast Program to cover the gap between the federal reimbursements for free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. It would also cover those who would be required to pay because they don’t 
qualify for meal assistance.

This bill's sponsors, Republican Louis (Bill) Blessing (614-466-8068; blessing@ohiosenate.gov) and Democrat Kent Smith (614-466-4857; smith@ohiosenate.gov) would like SB 109 to be included in Ohio’s budget bill. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman recently said that "too many Ohio parents can and should pay for their child’s breakfast and lunch” so he's refusing to add school meals into the state budget.

What you can do:

  • Tell House Finance Chair Brian Stewart to include the bipartisan SB 109 in the budget bill: 614-466-1464; rep12@ohiohouse.gov 

  • Ask these House Finance Committee members to help get the bipartisan SB 109 added to the budget bill:

  • Tell these members of the Senate Finance Committee to add the bipartisan SB 109 to the budget bill: 

Sample script:
My name is ______ and I’m calling from [full address if leaving a message]. I want [elected official's name] to push for including SB 109 in Ohio’s budget. One in five Ohio children isn’t sure where their next meal is coming from, according to Feeding America. There is strong public support for a universal free school breakfast and lunch program, and the cost of the program would be less than one percent of the proposed state budget. I urge [elected official] to include SB 109 in Ohio’s budget. 

More Resources from Honesty for Ohio Education
Their Hot Sheet has been updated with priority actions to take this week. Please share these items with your members and on social media! Additional items can be found at OhioBills.wtf. 
 

Ideas and Inspirations for You

Upcoming Events (Calendar view) 

Thursday, 3/20/2025: The Secret Catholic Cult Affecting Your Life, 5pm, 118 North Columbus Street, Lancaster. Opus Dei is a secretive cult within the Catholic Church that is having increasing influence over not only the church but U.S. politics. Learn more from our guest speaker about how they contributed to Project 2025. Opus Dei clearly states that it does not believe in the separation of church and state but wants to see a "symbiotic relationship." Five of our six Catholic U.S. Supreme Court Justices have a connection to or are members of Opus Dei, as are William Barr, Steve Bannon, JD Vance, Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society, and many contributors to the Project 2025 document. Pope Francis has tried to put some limits on them. They have been accused of human trafficking and are quite experienced at building up financial reserves and keeping at arms' length from any controversy. They are the Catholic version of Christian Nationalists. Join us for a discussion of their involvement and share ideas on how we can minimize their influence in our world.

Thursday, 3/20/2025: Celebrate Sunshine Week with Common Cause Ohio, 6pm, via Zoom. “Celebrate Sunshine Week with Common Cause Ohio by demanding greater government transparency. During this webinar, we will talk about Ohio’s Open Meeting and Open Records laws and share how to make a public records request. Panelists include: retired reporter Alan Johnson; Fred Gittes, attorney, open government and disclosure advocate; Natalie Fahmy, president for the Ohio Radio and TV Correspondents Association at the Ohio Statehouse for the 136th General Assembly.” Register HERE. 

Thursday, 3/20/2025: Understanding Inequality in Central Ohio, 8pm via Zoom. Hosted by Integrated Schools Columbus Chapter + Erase the Space. “Please join us for a presentation and discussion on “Understanding Inequality in Central Ohio" with local historian Glennon Sweeney! You can view this presentation in advance to be ready to discuss at tinyurl.com/columbushistory. But regardless, you are very welcome to show up, learn, ask questions, and share thoughts! Register HERE. 

Thursday, 3/20/2025: Ramp Up for Repro - Virtual (Central and Southern Ohio), 6- 7:30pm, via Zoom. From Abortion Forward. “Our monthly Ramp Up for Repro trainings will further acquaint you with political advocacy tactics, repro lingo, and help you find the best way to get involved. Every month, we'll dive into movement ecology, abortion messaging, the current landscape of abortion access, and provide next steps for you to take action! The majority of the content of this training does not change between sessions, with the exception of current events and policy updates. In an effort to create a safe and secure space for all participants to engage, these trainings are not recorded. This session is targeted towards central and southern Ohio, but you do not have to be located in this area to attend.

Saturday, 3/22/2025: Indivisible Central Ohio Town Hall Meeting, 2pm, Valley Dale Ballroom, 1590 Sunbury Rd, Columbus. We’re inviting our Senators and local members of Congress to answer constituent questions about Elon Musk’s dismantling of the federal government, the potential government shutdown, the Trump/Republican TaxScam, and attacks on Medicaid. We'll be there, whether or not our invited guest show up. Let's bring a crowd of constituents and demand answers!

Saturday, 3/22/2025: Protest for Democracy, 2pm, Ohio Statehouse. “Join me in protesting the Trump administration! This protest is organized by The Mayday Coalition project.”

Monday, 3/24/2025: Save the Date: An Evening with Loretta Ross, 5-6:30pm. The FREE Center is thrilled to welcome academic, feminist, and activist Loretta Ross. Ross is a cofounder of SisterSong and Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, and is one of twelve women credited with coining the phrase and framework “reproductive justice.” Learn more here.

Monday, 3/24/2025: CRIS Good Neighbor Training for Indivisible Central Ohio, 6-8pm, CRIS Office, 4645 Executive Dr., Columbus, OH and virtually via Zoom. The Good Neighbor training covers the basics on the current & historical context of refugees in the US, and why it is important to support our new refugee neighbors. It also details some of the local and national challenges that refugees currently face while working towards self-sufficiency and integration. The mission of the Good Neighbor Training is to increase awareness about the contributions of refugees in Central Ohio and to provide a guide to building relationships with and supporting our new American neighbors in our everyday lives. It is also the first step to becoming a volunteer with CRIS. This session is specifically for Indivisible members! Register HERE.

Tuesday, 3/25/2025: Congressman Carey Office Visit, 2-3pm, 140 E Town St. Let’s meet with our US Congressman, Mike Carey, so that he can have a real conversation with his constituents. We will go to his office and ask for a meeting with Carey or his staff. Bring your talking points, and we can present our concerns.

Saturday, 3/29/2025: Clothing Swap for Abortion Access, 10am-4pm, Holy Trinity Lutheran, 404 S 3rd Street, Columbus. Abortion Fund of Ohio & Wild Cat Gift and Party are holding a clothing swap for abortion access. (Masks required and provided.) Purchase tickets HERE. More information about tickets and swap rules HERE. 

Sunday, 3/30/2025: Postcard Party for Democracy! 6-8pm, 219 W Dublin Granville Rd, Worthington. Let’s stand up for democracy while building a community via a postcard writing party. We will supply cards, snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring anything to make the postcards more fun to read with stickers or markers. For those who are able, stamps are appreciated. Register HERE. 

Wednesday, 4/2/2025: Voter Registration Training with Indivisible Central Ohio, 7-8pm via Zoom. Learn the ins and outs of registering voters in Ohio, including recent changes to the law. Register HERE. 

Tuesday, 4/8/2025: Clintonville Area Progressives Columbus School Board Candidate Forum, 7pm att he First UU Church, 93 W Weisheimer, Columbus. “For our April 8th meeting, we are welcoming 2025 candidates for Columbus School Board---with a different location than usual. We're going to be meeting at the First Unitarian Universalist Church. Candidates will talk about their priorities, and will be on hand to take your questions. Event starts at 7pm, doors OPEN at 6:30pm.”


Mia for the OHCentral Team

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Find us at our website indivisiblecentralohio.org. Follow us here and on our public and closed Facebook pages to stay current with all our activities. Add our Indivisible Central Ohio Google Calendar so you can follow all our events. You can also follow us on Threads, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. 

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Waving Towards Freedom: Protest Party on North Broadway!