Democrats discuss SB 5 during annual spring dinner
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
Senate Bill 5 was a main topic of discussion during the Highland County Democratic Party's spring dinner, held Tuesday at the Highland County Administration Building.
Highland County Democratic Party Chairperson Dinah Phillips said there were more than 100 people in attendance, including many new faces who turned out to discuss SB 5 and the impact the pending legislation will have on their lives and families. The featured speaker of the event was Hamilton County Commissioner and former candidate for Ohio Auditor David Pepper.
"It was a really varied crowd," Phillips said. "Senate Bill 5 was discussed, and everyone was interested in hearing about it. There were a lot of new people who came out, which is really good, and we had several who spoke in regard to SB 5 and how it will aversely effect them, their employment and their wages."
Dinah said that she had invited several area residents to speak on the impact of the bill - which has been passed in the Ohio Senate and is having hearings in the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill, introduced by Sen. Shannon Jones (R-Springboro), has the support of Gov. John Kasich and would eliminate collective bargaining for certain state employees - including police officers, firefighters and teachers, among others - and base future pay rates and increases on merit.
Those who spoke included Ray Purdin, Carol Shull, Tom Snyder and John Knauff. Phillips said they had been present and spoke during a town hall meeting held March 2 by Ohio 86th District Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville).
"I personally invited them because I was really taken with their speeches and what they had to say at the town hall meeting," Phillips said. "I wanted them to relay their stories so the rest of the public will know how this effects teachers and first responders, such as firefighters, police officers and deputies."
Phillips said that Pepper spoke about the impact to local governments from SB 5, and the state budget plan.
"(Pepper) gave a very energized speech," Phillips said. "As a commissioner in Hamilton County he, of course, has first-hand knowledge of how SB 5 will effect the counties and government services. The budget is much bigger in Hamilton County than in Highland County, but the cuts are the same, and they are going to be devastating. He said that he did not feel that Senate Bill 5 would create jobs, which he thought that was its purpose. He said that it was going to destroy jobs, and the buying power of those jobs that are going to be lost will have an impact on the community."
Phillips said that Pepper also spoke on the need of Democrats to get out and be active in getting other Democrats out to the polls, and to work on persuading Independent voters.
"If the election were held today, Ted Strickland would still be our governor," Phillips said.
Senate Bill 5 was a main topic of discussion during the Highland County Democratic Party's spring dinner, held Tuesday at the Highland County Administration Building.
Highland County Democratic Party Chairperson Dinah Phillips said there were more than 100 people in attendance, including many new faces who turned out to discuss SB 5 and the impact the pending legislation will have on their lives and families. The featured speaker of the event was former Hamilton County Commissioner and former candidate for Ohio Auditor David Pepper.
"It was a really varied crowd," Phillips said. "Senate Bill 5 was discussed, and everyone was interested in hearing about it. There were a lot of new people who came out, which is really good, and we had several who spoke in regard to SB 5 and how it will adversely affect them, their employment and their wages."
Dinah said that she had invited several area residents to speak on the impact of the bill - which has been passed in the Ohio Senate and is having hearings in the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill, introduced by Sen. Shannon Jones (R-Springboro), has the support of Gov. John Kasich and would eliminate collective bargaining for certain state employees - including police officers, firefighters and teachers, among others - and base future pay rates and increases on merit.
Those who spoke included Ray Purdin, Carol Shull, Thom Snyder and John Knauff. Phillips said they had been present and spoke during a town hall meeting held March 2 by Ohio 86th District Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville).
"I personally invited them because I was really taken with their speeches and what they had to say at the town hall meeting," Phillips said. "I wanted them to relay their stories so the rest of the public will know how this affects teachers and first responders, such as firefighters, police officers and deputies."
Phillips said that Pepper spoke about the impact to local governments from SB 5, and the state budget plan.
"(Pepper) gave a very energized speech," Phillips said. "As a commissioner in Hamilton County he, of course, has first-hand knowledge of how SB 5 will effect the counties and government services. The budget is much bigger in Hamilton County than in Highland County, but the cuts are the same, and they are going to be devastating. He said that he did not feel that Senate Bill 5 would create jobs, which he thought that was its purpose. He said that it was going to destroy jobs, and the buying power of those jobs that are going to be lost will have an impact on the community."
Phillips said that Pepper also spoke on the need of Democrats to get out and be active in getting other Democrats out to the polls, and to work on persuading Independent voters.
"If the election were held today, Ted Strickland would still be our governor," Phillips said.