ISSUES OF the Week

SAMPLE 1: Senate Only

 President Ohio Senate

Re: SB No. 87- Codifying Legal Definition of Antisemitism

Dear Senator McColley,

I am writing to express my profound disappointment that SB No. 87  has not yet been reported out of committee for a full vote by your members. As you know, SB No. 297 passed overwhelmingly in the last session, but SB No. 87 in the current session is still winding its way through the judiciary committee. This vital legislation would codify Governor DeWine’s executive order that now protects the civil rights of Ohio’s Jewish citizens, including students on Ohio’s campuses, and give them the legal ability to fight anti-Jewish hate crimes.  We emphasize that this Bill would protect Jewish citizens without limiting anyone’s first amendment rights, as suggested by opponents of this legislation.

To date, Ohio is one of thirteen states failing to enact such legislation. There is no more urgent task than to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens. We urgently request that this legislation be moved out of committee and promptly passed by both houses, in time for Governor DeWine to sign prior to the end of his term.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
 

SAMPLE 2: House or Senate

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to convey my deep concern and disappointment that Senate Bill No. 87  and HB No. 90 has yet to be reported out of committee for a full vote. As you are aware, SB No. 297 passed last session with overwhelming support, yet its successor, SB No. 87 and HB No. 90, remains stalled in the Judiciary Committee.

This legislation is not just procedural—it is essential. By codifying Governor DeWine’s executive order, SB No. 87  and HB No. 90 would provide Ohio’s Jewish citizens, including students on our campuses, with clear legal recourse to combat anti-Jewish hate crimes. It affirms that civil rights must be protected vigorously while also ensuring that First Amendment freedoms remain untouched, contrary to the claims of opponents.

Right now, Ohio is one of only thirteen states that has yet to enact such protections. Each day that passes without action leaves our most vulnerable communities exposed. There is no higher priority than guaranteeing the safety and dignity of every Ohioan.

I urge you in the strongest terms to move SB No. 87  and HB No. 90 out of committee without delay and ensure its passage through both chambers—so that Governor DeWine can sign this vital measure into law before the close of his term.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
 

SAMPLE 3: House or Senate

 Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to respectfully share my concern that Senate Bill No. 87  and HB No. 90 has not yet advanced out of committee for consideration by the full Senate. As you know, similar legislation—SB No. 297—passed last session with broad and bipartisan support. SB No. 87 and HB No. 90 represents an important continuation of that work, yet it remains under review in the Judiciary Committee.

This bill carries significant meaning for many Ohioans. By codifying Governor DeWine’s executive order, SB No. 87  and HB No. 90 would affirm the civil rights of Ohio’s Jewish citizens, including students across our campuses, and provide them with the legal tools to respond to acts of anti-Jewish hate. Importantly, it does so without in any way limiting the First Amendment rights of others, a concern that has sometimes been raised in these discussions.

At present, Ohio is one of only thirteen states that has not yet enacted such protections. Moving forward on this legislation would send a strong and unifying message that our state remains committed to protecting vulnerable communities and upholding justice for all.

I respectfully urge you and your colleagues to give SB No. 87  and HB No. 90 your full consideration and to act before the conclusion of Governor DeWine’s term, so that this important measure can become law.

With appreciation for your leadership and service to our state,

Sincerely,

[Your Name]