As we enjoy the spring migration, celebrate Earth Day, or March for Science, it is important to pay attention to what is happened in our state legislator.  The budget bill will be voted on in it’s entirety by June 30th but now is the time that numerous amendments get inserted - the one that has a chilling effect on anyone who cares about their county park districts is described below - please read, consider taking action.  Curtailing freedom of speech in the name of quashing disagreement with environmental issues  is NOT in the best interest of Ohio residents and legislators

Distributed by Protect Geauga Parks:

TAKE NOTICE - DIRE LANGUAGE IN BUDGET BILL REGARDING ANYONE OPPOSING PARK DISTRICT DECISIONS

 A proposed amendment to the Ohio Budget currently being reviewed by the Ohio
Legislature would allow judges (who appoint County Park Commissioners) even MORE expanded power over park
districts AND the ability to penalize and fine groups that the judge deems
“interfering” with the park district.  This appears to be an
underhanded way to change the law without public scrutiny, meant to have a
chilling effect on anyone who would dare to oppose any judge or his
appointed board.

Please read this article from Cleveland .com
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/04/proposal_would_allow_judges_to.html <http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/04/proposal_would_allow_judges_to.html>


PLEASE TAKE ACTION!
Contact your legislators and ALL members of the Ohio General Assembly
Finance Committee (listed below) and say:
1.       I am calling about the budget bill – House Bill 49
2.      Specifically about the proposal that would allow judges in fine Ohioans
opposing park district actions. (changes to Ohio Revised Code 1545.06)
3.       I am a citizen and taxpayer.  I want this language REMOVED from the
budget bill.

For supporters who want more suggested talking points
I am a citizen and taxpayer. I want this language REMOVED from the budget
bill.
Because:
       This it is a blatant example of judicial overreach
       This is a sneaky underhanded way of changing Ohio law without public input.
       Will cost state money due to myriad of lawsuits
       Enforcement of the language may violate citizen’s rights as guaranteed
by the 1st,  4th and 5th amendments to the Constitution
       Micromanagement by the judge will Increase delays in probate court docket
       This is meant to have a chilling effect on public participation

CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES  AND SENATORS

Members of the House Finance Committee can be contacted by clicking on
each name
On this site:  http://www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/finance <http://www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/finance>


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