AOTL Ohio State Director Calls for Virtual Testimony at Statehouse

For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2021

Contact:
Molly Mitchell
mitchell@redistrictingaction.org 

AOTL Ohio State Director Calls for Virtual Testimony at Statehouse 

Virtual Testimony is an Easy Solution to Keep Democracy Open 

Columbus, OH — In January, All On The Line (AOTL) Ohio joined more than 75 organizations in calling for virtual testimony to be allowed for all legislative hearings - something that is necessary to keep democracy open and safe for all Ohioans. 

This morning, AOTL Ohio State Director Katy Shanahan offered testimony in strong support of Ohio House Bill 55 from Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati), which would allow witnesses to provide virtual testimony. Particularly in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, it is essential that Ohio’s legislative process remain accessible to all who wish to participate in it - virtual testimony is what is necessary to make sure that is possible. Unfortunately, Ohio is one of just eight states across the country that does not allow for virtual testimony -- despite having used virtual testimony last year during an economic recovery task force and for hearings with the Ohio Controlling Board.

“Especially for such an aggressively gerrymandered state like Ohio, the ability for us to participate in robust dialogue with our legislators during hearings is critical because it’s often the only opportunity to actually be heard by our representatives,” said Katy Shanahan. 

“I have every faith that this robust body can meet the moment and determine how best to utilize existing technology to ensure that any Ohioan who wants to can provide testimony safely,” continued Shanahan.

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