HB 1 in Ohio....DFA shining the light on it....petition.

[madfloridian]

I find this alarming, and I have not been aware. Here is a summary, and a petition to sign. I cross-posted in the Elections forum.

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/006026.html
The right-wing's idea of election reform...
Marian Harris is a Meetup host in Columbus, Ohio.

It was a dark and stormy night... one of the last of the legislative session—and the Republican majority, in the dark of night, passed House Bill 1 on Dec. 17th, 2004. It was signed into law by Gov. Taft. There were no public hearings.

In the light of day, it proved to be not election reform but an effort to stifle the Democratic Party and the people who care about justice, fairness and progressive values. The law quadrupled the amount of political contributions to individuals, political parties and PACs. And if you're 8 years old or older, you can now contribute up to $10,000 (it used to be $2500) per election. How many 8 year olds do you know with $10,000?

HB1 also permits corporate contributions—but guess what it limits? You're right—the amount labor unions can donate to political parties.

When this was spelled out to our Central Ohio DFA Meetup in February by Dave Kolbe, Political Director of the Ohio AFL-CIO, our 80 DFA'ers were incensed. Dave invited folks to sign petitions and take petitions to get signed—well when the meeting was over he was inundated. People were crowded around the table and we couldn't get them signed up fast enough. Dave was blown away—he said at most meetings he had to beg people to take one petition. Here, folks were asking for 2, 5 and even 20 petitions.

Dave was so impressed with the enthusiasm of our folks that he made contact with DFA in Vermont and the petition drive was adopted by DFA—see how things can work from the grassroots up?

Some conference calls, some emails and Meetups all over Ohio are now involved with getting the 200,000 signatures needed to get this on the ballot. Our Central Ohio steering committee members are calling the many people from Central Ohio who signed up on the DFA website and are getting a very positive response—we're encouraging them to come to Meetup and pick up petitions—those that can't are being mailed petitions.

All you Ohioans out there—please sign DFA's online pledge at www.democracyforamerica.com/ohio and then attend next week's Meetup to find out more about how to get involved.

http://petition.democracyforamerica.com/page/petition/o...
—Marian Harris

[Extend a Hand]

1. I signed the petition but

then when I tried to click on the bottom link I got a page that said
"Invalid Petion Request"


edited for typo

[madfloridian]

2. I would try again later.

It might be busy right now. Instead of telling you it is busy, it might just not work. I do think you have to be from Ohio for it to count.
May be wrong.

[johnsauter]

6. You Have To Sign A Paper Petition

The Ohio DFA site is confusing. No, you can't sign the petition to repeal HB1 on the internet. Signing that petition doesn't count. You actually have to sign you name, in ink, on a petition that is being circulated.

Your county party should have copies available to sign. Don't know how to get in touch with your county party? Head on over to www.ohiodems.org and click the "Get Local" link.

[skippythwndrdog]

3. Here is my take:

I think raising the donation limit was a good start, but not enough. Limits should be eliminated for personal donations. I agree with the corporate donations being equal to union donations part. What is good for one is good for the other. As a libertarian Democrat, I feel that limits on political speech and donations are inherently wrong. The only limits I don't have a problem with, are limits on what corporate entities and unions can do.

[WLKjr]

4. Already got a load of signatures in Hardin County

My name was happily applied to it, simply becuase it is typical R bullshit that I think is dishonest and wrong.

[Lady President]

5. More info. from Franklin Co. Dems.

The Franklin Co. Dems. sent out an email about HB 1 as well:

Action Alert
The Ohio AFL-CIO and the Democratic Party need your immediate help to circulate petitions for the repeal of House Bill 1. In December, Ohio Republicans passed this potentially destructive piece of legislation, which raises the limit on individual contributions to $10,000 per election cycle. Unbelievably, this bill allows children as young as eight years of age to donate that amount. It also gives corporations an open door to funnel millions of dollars into election campaigns. As if those things weren't enough, House Bill 1 inhibits the ability of citizen groups to gather signatures to place issues on ballots. And the Republicans are doing all this under the guise of campaign finance reform.

We must work together to repeal this bill. If you are interested in obtaining a petition to circulate, contact us for a petition and procedural information.

Volunteer
As conscientious citizens and concerned Democrats we need to be vigilant about potential problems with damaging legislation, such as House Bill 1. We must be politically aware and active. You can assist by attending grassroots organizational meetings, working with neighborhood Democratic clubs, circulating petitions, campaigning for office, or giving a few hours of your time to stuff envelopes, answer phones, or enter data at various Democratic offices.

Still in the area of "we need some help" is the topic of precinct captains. Many of you who served as captains this fall networked and built valuable friendships, which can continue through the years. In that vein suggest that you continue with the great work you started! The Democratic Party needs your experience, expertise and willingness to work for a cause. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know that you would like to carry on as a precinct captain.