Senator Turner Issues Statement on House Vote on SB 295

COLUMBUS—State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement today regarding the approval by the House or Representatives of Senate Bill 295, legislation that will repeal HB 194: 

“It is a truly sad day for the people of Ohio.  Not only have their lawmakers plainly circumvented their will and rendered the pending referendum on HB 194 moot, they have passed legislation that clearly conflicts with provisions of the Ohio Constitution.

“HB 194 was an historic step backwards in the struggle for voting rights because it made it harder for voters’ voices to be heard.  Senate Bill 295 is an equally negligent blunder in that it disregards the voters altogether—300,000 of which signed petitions to vote upon HB 194 this November.  Moreover, SB 295 still bans early voting the three days immediately preceding an election, perennially the busiest time period of early voting.

“Instead of working to address the hardships faced by the long-term unemployed, putting more teachers in the classroom, or investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, majority Republicans have made it their mission to help Jim Crow move north, keep women in the kitchen, and restrict workers’ rights.”