AOTL Ohio Joins Calls For Virtual Testimony
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2021
Contact:
Molly Mitchell
mitchell@redistrictingaction.org
AOTL Ohio Joins Calls For Virtual Testimony
Coalition Calls for Remote Testimony Options to Ensure Safe & Accessible Legislative Hearings
Columbus, Ohio, January 14 — Today All On The Line (AOTL) Ohio joined a coalition of 75 organizations for a call demanding that virtual testimony be offered for all state legislative hearings. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting ongoing public health crisis, there is a paramount need for a remote option for Ohioans to safely provide testimony. Ohio is home to some of the most gerrymandered maps in the country and, particularly when the redistricting process begins later this year, individuals need to be able to safely voice their concerns for fair maps and about issues that impact their lives directly with legislators.
“Our democracy works best when everyone has equal access in shaping it and that includes Ohioans being able to safely engage with legislators on critical issues,” said Katy Shanahan, AOTL Ohio State Director.
“In the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that has killed nearly 10,000 Ohioans, going to the Statehouse in person isn’t a safe or feasible option for many, especially when many legislators refuse to wear masks; we absolutely need virtual testimony. Being able to share concerns directly with our legislators during hearings is sometimes our only opportunity to be heard,” Shanahan continued.
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All On The Line
All On The Line is on a mission to end gerrymandering because it contributes to the polarization and dysfunction in our political system. Since launching in 2019, we’ve built a grassroots volunteer organization ahead of the 2021 redistricting process. This work includes launching Redistricting U, a national, in-person training program designed to give individuals the knowledge, skills, and tools to take action on redistricting, a program that is now offered virtually. All On The Line is the grassroots campaign of the National Redistricting Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. For more information please visit: https://www.allontheline.org/