ProgressOhio

Christopher Celeste, who had previously explored a possible U.S. Senate run for 2010, has endorsed Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner for the seat over her primary opponent, Lee Fisher.

In his May announcement that he would not seek the seat, Celeste had hinted at his support for Brunner.

Celeste's full endorsement:

To My Friends & Other Ohioans Interested in Ohio's Future:

As some of you know, for the past six months I actively explored entering the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator George Voinovich. As part of that process I spoke at length with personal friends and advisers in Ohio and nationally; as well as with both of the already announced Democratic candidates, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. For a variety of personal and political reasons--and despite my strong desire to be an agent of change in the public realm--I ultimately decided entering this particular race, at this particular time, would not be in my party's, or my, best interest.

That said, my belief that this election is crucial to Ohio's future remains unchanged.

The problems (and opportunities) we face in this state are too large to be tackled by local or state officials alone. Long overdue urban revitalization. Reinvention of our historic manufacturing base. Exploding health-care costs that choke families and business alike. Outdated education systems that fail our children. Again and again, we face changing realities in our communities whose scale and complexity require political leadership at the federal level capable of sustained, creative--at times even courageous--reinvention. In my opinion, this isn't just about electing one party versus the other. It's about electing one type of leader versus another. Like our recently elected president, what we need is a leader with the courage to lead, especially when the path ahead may be challenging or unpopular. Not just another politician (Democrat or Republican) with a "wait-and-see" attitude.

As it turns out, much like in the last Presidential primary, two well-regarded and experienced officeholders are now making their case to Democratic primary voters about why they should be the party's nominee in the Fall. They are both formidable politicians who have won statewide, and worked long and hard on behalf of Ohioans. And while I respect both Lee and Jennifer for their commitment to public service, after much thought, I have decided to support, invest in and personally work on behalf of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

Jennifer's public leadership demonstrates an impressive mix of creativity, collaboration, and courage. Whether spearheading innovative drug-intervention methods from the bench, or being an early and consistent advocate of equality for all Ohioans, or protecting the basic integrity of our election process itself, Jennifer Brunner is a not a wait-and-see politician. Equally important, as a woman who started her own law practice in the corner of her home while raising a family, Jennifer has an intimate appreciation for what everyday Ohioans encounter when they face off against their own daily struggles. This combination of political and personal tenacity make Jennifer a woman unafraid to lead. Already her efforts have garnered positive national recognition, including being awarded the 2008 John F. Kennedy "Profile in Courage" Award for her stewardship of Ohio's election reforms.

It's for these reasons and many others I am speaking out on behalf of Jennifer now, in her primary race. And why I believe she will also be the Democratic Party's strongest candidate on the ballot in November. Please join me in being an early, vocal, and unapologetic supporter of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

It is time for Ohio to recapture its historic spirit of pioneering leadership -- and I believe Jennifer's election as an unrelenting agent of positive change, as well as our state's first female United States Senator will do just that.

With respect & enthusiasm,

Christopher


Christopher A. Celeste

In a 5-0 decision, the Minnesota State Supreme Court ruled in favor of Democrat Al Franken after a seven-month battle waged by Republican contender Norm Coleman over the state's U.S. Senate seat.

In its ruling affirming the lower court's verdict, the Court found that "Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under Minn. Stat. § 204C.40 (2008) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota."

Coleman still could attempt to take the challenge to federal courts, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, has said that he would sign Franken's election certificate if the Supreme Court ordered it.

UPDATE: Coleman has conceded.

What do these ten states have in common: Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Delaware, Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, California,  and Connecticut?

All ten were scrambling yesterday to pass state budgets before today’s deadline, reflecting the difficulty state legislatures and governors are having coping with income- and sales-tax collections that continue to run far below already low forecasts.

According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government, personal income-tax collections, which account for about 36% of state revenues, dropped 26% in this year's January-April period. Sales-tax revenues are also down.

As a result, 48 states have a combined revenue shortfall of $166 billion in the coming fiscal year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Twenty-five states have raised taxes in 2009, and an additional 12 are considering doing so.

• Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to shut down nonemergency government functions, but will continue to keep troopers on the highways and prisons staffed.
• Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbou said "everyone should agree we have an ox in the ditch.”
• In Arizona, the budget battle is a fight among Republicans. Gov. Jan Brewer wants to ask voters to approve a temporary one-cent increase in the state's sales tax to help cover a $3 billion budget gap.
• California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he would veto a plan that raises taxes. Meanwhile, the state controller says he will have to make payments using IOUs unless a budget is passed.
• Arizona, Indiana and Mississippi face the possibility of partial shutdowns if a budget is not passed in time.

California’s Courage Campaign, one of Progress Ohio’s national partners through the Progress Now network, has an important online action going on right now. We hope the Progress Ohio community will do its part and stand with thousands across the country and say “Don’t Fire Dan!” See below.

 

On Friday, we sent you the following message from Dan Choi, a native of California and an Army Lieutenant facing trial on Tuesday for "moral and professional dereliction" under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

With just hours left until Lt. Choi's trial, an amazing 91,147 people -- including you -- have signed the letter of support asking the Army not to fire Lt. Choi.

It's important that Lt. Choi walks into the courtroom on Tuesday holding as many letters of support as possible. Can you help us gather more than 100,000 signatures for Lt. Choi by forwarding this email to your friends today?

Rick Jacobs
Chair, Courage Campaign

 
Dear Lorraine --

On Tuesday at 8 a.m., I will stand trial for speaking three truthful words: "I am gay."

On Tuesday, I will face a panel of colonels who will decide whether or not to fire me -- to discharge me for "moral and professional dereliction" under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

On Tuesday, I will try to prove that it's not immoral to tell the truth.

As an infantry officer, an Iraq combat veteran and a West Point graduate with a degree in Arabic, I refuse to lie to my commanders. I refuse to lie to my peers. I refuse to lie to my subordinates.

My case requires that I provide personal testimony from people who can attest to my character. That's why several members of my military unit have written letters of support and offered to testify on my behalf.

Now I need your help. ANYONE who believes the Army should not fire me can take a stand right now. I am bringing a statement of support to Tuesday's trial and I need you to add your signature to it. Will you support me by signing this statement before Tuesday?

http://www.couragecampaign.org/SupportDan

I want to thank the 141,262 people who have signed the "Don't Fire Dan" letter launched a few weeks ago by the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile to President Obama, asking him to take leadership to bring this tragic policy to an end.

The momentum is building. This week, 77 members of Congress signed a letter to the President citing my service as an example of why DADT should be repealed. And a Gallup poll was recently released showing that 69 percent of Americans -- including 58 percent of Republicans - favor allowing openly gay men and lesbian women to serve their country .

As I learned at West Point, deception and lies poison a unit and cripple a fighting force. That's why more than 70 of my fellow West Point graduates have also come out of the closet to join Knights Out, the organization I co-founded to build support for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

The only way we will eventually overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is by speaking up together. You can help me fight back right now by adding your name to my statement of support. On Tuesday morning, I will bring your signature -- and thousands of others -- to my trial as a demonstration of your collective support:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/SupportDan

National security means many things, but the thing that makes us secure in our nation and homes is love. What makes me a better soldier, leader, Christian and human being is love. And I'm not going to hide my love.

Love is worth it.

Thank you for your support.

Daniel W. Choi
1LT, IN
New York Army National Guard

Progress Ohio staff member Bret Thompson was in Dayton today capturing video of the Jon Husted residency hearing. Will post video this afternoon.  Until then, here’s the update:

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is tied on whether Jon Husted meets the residency requirements for State Representative under Ohio law.
As a result, the matter will go back to the Secretary of State for a second time. Secretary Brunner will cast the tiebreaking vote.

Republican Board member Jim Nathanson said he believes believes “maximum flexibility” should be given to the board and that he “emphatically” supported Husted’s residency claim.

Democratic member Dennis Lieberman asserted that “changes in the law changed the residency exemption for politicians and only covered those who were working outside of the state.”

Lieberman presented graphs showing Husted’s low utility usage in Kettering. Based on his utility usage, Husted’s family living in Columbus, his children attending school in Columbus, and other evidence, Lieberman said “Husted does not have a fixed habitat” in his district.

Democratic board member Tom Ritchey also voted against finding that Husted was a resident.

Rep. Jon Husted is the GOP’s 2010 candidate for Secretary of State, Ohio’s chief elections officer.

RELATED CONTENT:

Husted Records Show Almost No Utility Usage at District Home Except During Primary

Clips and Comment: Jon Husted’s Profile in Public Fraud May End Up A Chance for A Jennifer Brunner Profile In Courage

VIDEO: Jon Husted Testifying about his Residency

Brunner Subpoenas Husted's Utility Records In Voter Residency Fraud Complaint

Audio: Secretary Brunner To Request Additional Information From Husted In ProgressOhio Residency Complaint

In a recent statement, Senate President Bill Harris says the Republican-controlled Senate will vote down the proposal to place slot machines at the state's seven race tracks.

Strickland says the Senate must offer their alternative solution, specifying what new taxes they will levy or which programs they will cut to make up the billion dollars they will forfeit without slots:

"Senate Republicans refuse to support my balanced-budget framework that invests in our schools while avoiding a tax increase on Ohio families and businesses. We have heard the objections, but, unfortunately, still no solutions. I believe that the Senate majority understands the gravity of the situation before them. I continue to wait for them to say what taxes they would increase or what services they would further reduce to address the budget gap."

Strickland had proposed the slot machine plan as part of a plan to bring in an estimated $933 million annually to address a $3.2 billion budget shortfall.

“Senate Republicans refuse to support my balanced budget framework that invests in our schools while avoiding a tax increase on Ohio families and businesses,” Strickland said in a prepared statement. “We have heard the objections, but no solutions.”

Strickland’s slots proposal was intended to prevent more program cuts and help maintain Strickland’s investments in primary and secondary education, as well as protect a tuition freeze at Ohio's four-year public colleges and universities for an additional year.

House and Senate leaders have scheduled a conference committee meeting for tonight at 7.

As Bret mentioned, we are indeed recuperating from the long bus ride, while gathering up to head to ComFest so we can continue healthcare outreach there throughout the weekend. Full report of our June 25 experience coming soon. Here's a quick summary, however.

Crowd estimates for the national Health Care for America Now (HCAN) rally have been as high as 15,000. Senator Sherrod Brown was among the main speakers and was fantastic.

Our Ohio Town Hall Meeting was standing room only (400 attendees) and Representatives Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) and Tim Ryan (OH-17) spoke, along with AFL-CIO's Tim Burga and many others. I spoke briefly about HCAN's principles and the members of Ohio's Congressional delegation who have signed on as supporters of those principles (Mary Jo Kilroy, Tim Ryan, Steve Driehaus, Marcia Fudge, Marcy Kaptur, Zack Space, Charlie Wilson, Betty Sutton, and John Boccieri). Full list of 190+ congressional sign-ons here.

Big takeaways from the day for me: 1. The diverse movement for healthcare reform is unified - we're standing strongly together for the public plan. 2. We have elected officials who are fighting for us in Congress. 3. All parties involved in the June 25th events understand that this was just one expression of nation-wide solidarity - we're going to keep going until we win quality, affordable healthcare for all.

Kudos to HCAN national staff for putting together the national rally program, lunch, buses, etc., and to all the partner organizations that made the day such a success.

Media coverage:

Plain Dealer

Washington Post

CBS

Youtube- Sen. Sherrod Brown is at :48 to 3:21.

Just received this email with a fantastic video from SEIU, a Health Care for America Now (HCAN) partner at both the national and state level:

 

Dear Lorraine,

Is it just me, or do our opponents sound crazier every day?

Take opponents of health care reform; they're spending millions of dollars on TV ads that call the President's plan "socialism," "rationing," and "a government takeover." It sort of makes you wonder - where do these people come up with this stuff?

Meet HAARM: Health Americans Against Reforming Medicine - www.haarm.org



HAARM is what we imagine is happening behind the scenes of the anti-health care reform movement. An organization dead set on torpedoing any efforts to fix America's broken health care system.

We've even made a video to show what it looks like inside one of their late night brainstorming sessions. Take a look: www.haarm.org

Obviously, HAARM isn't real, but the stuff they say in the video really does come straight out of the Republican playbook. And, with a debate as serious as reforming health care, taking your talking points from Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh is simply unacceptable.

Will you watch the video and share it with your friends? We need to get the message to our opponents that we're not buying their nonsense; it's time for a serious conversation about fixing health care.

Thanks,
Jessica Kutch
Online Campaign Director
SEIU Healthcare 
 

Kutch's mention of a "republican play book" isn't hypothetical. Opponents of reform really are working from a memo by Frank Luntz that has guided their talking points over the past two months. Watch Luntz's talking points in action here and here.

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released a study today indicating that demand for services is up while funding for shelters and other crisis programs is being cut in Ohio.

 “Ohio already ranks near the bottom nationally in support for victims of family violence,’’ said ODVN Executive Director Nancy Neylon.  “At a time when demand for services is up, domestic violence programs are forced to cut back or turn people away, resulting in more victims returning to abusers because they feel as if they have no other choice.’’

Key figures in ODVN's survey of 81 shelters and non-residential providers of domestic violence services:

• 82 per cent of respondents saw an increase in demand for services over a two-year period and nearly half of them said more families are seeking shelter;
• More than half said the number of survivors returning to their abusers for economic reasons is on the rise;
• 79 per cent saw an increase in the number of days families remain in shelters;
• 70 per cent reported a decrease in funding, including cuts in mental health levies and decreased support from foundations and the United Way.

  “If we don’t increase funding to provide services for victims, then we will see more injuries,  more police calls and higher court costs,’’ said Linda Johanek, Executive Director of Cleveland’s Domestic Violence Center. “In essence, we are opting to pay more on the back end rather than invest in prevention and other services that will decrease violence and the costs associated with it.’’

Neylon said it is important to understand the link between the economic downturn and domestic violence. “Domestic violence is about power and control, so poverty does not cause violence,’’ Neylon explained. “But a lack of economic resources can serve as a huge barrier to escaping a violent partner. When it is harder to leave, the violence often escalates. When it is harder to access resources, the risk of having to return to the abuser goes up.’’

Charlene Ventura, President and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, said the combination of deep funding cuts and rising demand comes at a time when the economy is making it increasingly difficult for survivors to escape.

“The lack of affordable housing and employment opportunities creates additional hardships for survivors as they work to transition out of protective shelter to live independently and free from violence,” Ventura said.

 “Given the severity of Ohio’s budget problems, ODVN thought it impossible to seek additional state funding at this time,’’ Neylon said. “But we are asking lawmakers to help us save lives and save money by passing bills to prevent violence and protect victims.’’

One bill, House Bill 10, would give juvenile court judges the power to better protect teens in violent relationships by allowing juvenile judges to issue civil protection orders.

House Bill 19 would require schools to teach dating-abuse prevention in health classes.

Legislation to create civil protection orders for minors and to add dating abuse prevention education were inspired by teens who were murdered by former boyfriends. Both are also supported by Johanna Orozco, a Cleveland woman, who was nearly killed two years ago after her ex-boyfriend stalked her and shot her in the face with a shotgun.

Orozco, now 20, championed an identical civil protection order bill in the last legislative session. Although the measure passed the Ohio House of Representatives, it was stopped in the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray has championed both HB 10 and HB 19.

Additionally, House Bill 167 seeks new protections for victims of domestic violence in housing and employment – two key resources victims often need to end abusive relationships.

To donate to organizations advocating for survivors of domestic violence:

http://www.actionohio.org/how_help.htm

http://www.odvn.org/

Full list of domestic violence shelters in Ohio – all can use your help:

http://www.actionohio.org/dvshelter.htm

At a Monday night community event in Columbus, five local leaders on healthcare will share their thoughts on healthcare reform they expect to see in 2009:

James Castle, President, Ohio Hospital Association
 
Bill Hayes, President
Health Policy Institute of Ohio
 
Cynthia Burnell, Executive Director
Ohio Healthcare Coverage and Quality Council,
Ohio Department of Insurance
 
Marianne Steger, Director
Health Care and Public Policy, AFSCME Ohio
Council 8
 
Jeffrey Biehl, President
Access HealthColumbus
 
Where: St.John's Church, United Church of Christ
           59 East Mound Street
           Columbus , OH  43215

When: Monday, June 22, 2009, 7:00 p.m

Click here to RSVP

Friday, the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees released their discussion draft for health care reform.

Friday, the  House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees released their discussion draft for health care reform.

Key highlights of the bill have generated enthusiasm and approval from Health Care for America Now (HCAN), the nation’s largest health care campaign (Progress Ohio is a state affiliate).

1.      The public option is available everywhere on day one.

2.      Affordability  provisions up to 400% of the poverty level and caps on out-of-pocket expenses.

3.      There would be no deductibles or co-pays for preventative care.

4.      No denying care or increasing prices for pre-existing conditions.

This Thursday, June 25, HCAN activists and others will gather in Washington, D.C. for a rally, lobby visits, and state-specific events. Approximately four hundred Ohioans will participate in the June 25 activities, including a town hall meeting with several members of the Ohio congressional delegation who have signed on to the HCAN principles.

Ohio HCAN signatories:

Representative John Boccieri
Representative Steve Driehaus
Representative Marcy Kaptur
Representative Mary Jo Kilroy
Representative Tim Ryan
Representative Zach Space
Representative Betty Sutton
Representative Charlie A. Wilson

Full national list of HCAN signatories here.

As part of a four-city series, Senator Sherrod Brown will hold Small Business Administration seminars next week in Marietta and Moraine.

Members of Senator Brown's staff and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will discuss the new ARC Loan program and other opportunities related to the economic recovery package.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the ARC program was created as a no-interest, deferred payment loan to aid small businesses that have a history of good performance, but as a result of the current economy, are struggling to make debt payments.

Earlier this spring, Senator Brown's office hosted a series of economic recovery workshops in Portsmouth, Zanesville, Youngstown, Elyria, Mansfield, Lima, and Springfield. Staff members informed Ohioans of opportunities available in the federal economic recovery package.   Federal agency representatives participated and were available to answer questions.

Agency presentations from the workshops, and other information available at Senator Brown's Economic Recovery website.

Today, State Representative Tyrone Yates left the democratic primary for U.S. Senate, leaving the race to Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher.

"I choose to go to work on Ohio's immediate fiscal stress," Yates told the Gongwer News Service. "I am determined to not advance a personal agenda over my deep commitment to the public business."

From a statement from Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern:

"Representative Yates has been a tireless advocate on behalf of his constituents," Party Chairman Chris Redfern said. "His decades of service to our state on issues like education, civil rights and appropriations is commendable. While Tyrone would have added an important voice to the debate in the U.S. Senate race, he will continue to make a difference for the people of Cincinnati and the entire Buckeye State as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.”

"Ohioans are facing unprecedented economic challenges," Treasurer Boyce said.   "Partnering with ONN provides a welcomed platform for the Treasury to promote financial education and provide vital financial resources to all Ohioans.  My hope is that these conferences will provide participants with the necessary tools to help them thrive in this economy."

The Smart Money Choices tour will begin on Friday, June 5, 2009 with the Smart Money Choices: Women and Money conference in Youngstown.

The tour will feature a financial literacy conference in a different Ohio city each week throughout the summer.  Each day-long conference will begin with an opening session at 8 a.m., followed by workshops, lunch, and a guest motivational speaker.  Participants will also be able to attend breakout sessions to learn more about specific financial topics such as:  credit and debt, retirement planning, insurance and budgeting.

From the letter:

The plans you are discussing embody my core belief that Americans should have better choices for health insurance, building on the principle that if they like the coverage they have now, they can keep it, while seeing their costs lowered as our reforms take hold.  But for those who don't have such options, I agree that we should create a health insurance exchange — a market where Americans can one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose the plan that's best for them, in the same way that Members of Congress and their families can.  None of these plans should deny coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition, and all of these plans should include an affordable basic benefit package that includes prevention, and protection against catastrophic costs.  I strongly believe that Americans should have the choice of a public health insurance option operating alongside private plans.  This will give them a better range of choices, make the health care market more competitive, and keep insurance companies honest.

In another passage from the letter Obama highlights the urgency of the need for reform:

We simply cannot afford to postpone health care reform any longer.  This recognition has led an unprecedented coalition to emerge on behalf of reform — hospitals, physicians, and health insurers, labor and business, Democrats and Republicans.  These groups, adversaries in past efforts, are now standing as partners on the same side of this debate.

From a statement from Health Care for America Now, the nation’s largest health care campaign (Progress Ohio is a state affiliate), National Campaign Manager Richard Kirsch said:   

“We are thrilled to see President Obama’s strong, unambiguous commitment to reform that includes the choice of keeping private health insurance or joining a new public health insurance option. The choice of a new public health insurance plan is the only way to control costs, guarantee coverage, ensure quality and transparency, and set a benchmark by which patients will know whether their private health insurance is truly giving them what they’re paying for.

Read the full letter here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Letter-from-President-Obama-to-Chairmen-Edward-M-Kennedy-and-Max-Baucus/

The Dispatch reported today that Education Voters of Ohio, a group that backs Governor Ted Strickland’s  evidence-based school funding plan, has asked Republican Senator Jon Husted to provide evidence supporting the Senate Republicans’ alternative plan.

Last week, Republicans in the Ohio Senate scrapped the Governor’s evidence-based model, instead proposing a “per-pupil” funding plan that is very similar to Ohio’s current education funding system.

The proposal is included House Bill 1, the two-year state budget.

In a June 1 letter to Husted, Julian Rogers, Education Voters of Ohio’s executive director, requested “all the research the Senate used to develop the school funding plan in its version of House Bill 1."

"For example, what evidence suggests that a .25 per cent increase and .5 per cent increase in 2010-1011 will improve student success," he wrote.
"I would like a list of citations that suggest per-pupil funding does a better job than the evidence-based model in determining what an excellent education looks like," he added.

Governor Strickland introduced his evidence-based education proposal earlier this year. In response, Ohio House Republican Seth Morgan requested documentation. Strickland provided over 20,000 pages of documents, with references to dozens of reports. The governor’s plan came from those studies and from ideas offered by education groups and stakeholders over the previous 18 months.

The Ohio State University’s contracts with companies that use sweatshop labor continue to come under fire from student groups and the Worker’s  Rights Consortium.

The Lantern reported today that the university has decided not to participate in the establishment of a Designated Supplies Program – a program that would help end OSU’s use of sweatshop labor for its athletic gear, logo apparel, etc.
The university cast doubt on whether sweatshop practices were really occurring. From the article:

"The administration is concerned about 'overreacting,' since it is not certain how much sweatshop labor is really used in garment factories, said William Shkurti, senior vice president for Business and Finance.

A few weeks ago, workers from Honduras talked to Ohio State administrators and students about labor and human rights abuses in factories operated by Russell Athletic.

From a May 11 Lantern post by OSU Public Policy grad student Rajeev Ravisankar:

“They spoke about long hours, high work quotas, unlivable wages and health problems related to working conditions. In addition, when workers started unionizing to demand better wages and basic benefits, Russell fired workers and eventually shut down those factories, leaving 1,800 people without jobs. Union workers received death threats and were blacklisted, preventing them from securing employment elsewhere.”

The visit by the Honduran workers was part of a campaign by United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) to get universities to cut their contracts with Russell.

"The devil is in the details,” said Shkurti. “What we want to make sure we are doing are things that are effective in helping these issues," he said. "What are legitimate sweatshop issues?  Lawyers will tell you that eyewitness testimony can be the most unreliable."

In an opinion piece that appeared in the Ohio State University Lantern yesterday, a student wrote about the university’s decision not to sign on to the Designated Suppliers Program – a plan led by United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) to eliminate contracts with companies that exploit workers.

According to Rajeev Ravisankar, a student in Public Policy:

The Designated Suppliers Program seeks to create a pool of factories that pay a living wage, respect workers' right to unionize, and produce mainly collegiate apparel. Apparel brands would source from these factories, pay them adequately to meet labor standards, and sign contracts to ensure long-term viability and industry stability. More than 40 colleges and universities have signed on to the Designated Suppliers Program.

Unfortunately, the OSU administration has decided against signing on, despite recommendations by a labor standards task force assembled by the administration. This is also in spite of the overwhelming 76 percent student support for the Designated Suppliers Program ballot initiative in last year's USG elections.

This decision is at odds with OSU's supposed commitment to "improving the working conditions and labor practices in the manufacturing of licensed products," and also with statements by OSU President E. Gordon Gee.

Currently, The Ohio State University has contracts with Russell Athletic, which has come under fire from USAS and other organizations for labor and human rights abuses in Honduras.

“On the sweatshop issue, students are clearly way ahead of administrators,” Ravisankar writes. “They understand their position in an exploitative global economic system and have joined in solidarity with marginalized workers across national boundaries. They recognize that there is something fundamentally wrong when the price of a sweatshirt is more than an entire week's salary for the workers who made it.

As student efforts seek to gain tangible victories and shift students from apathy to activism, it is important to heed the message of Honduran union organizer Norma Mejia Castellanos. Castellanos said factory managers tried to pay off unionizers, but "we'd never accept this because we know we must keep speaking for workers who are unable to do so."

Progress Ohio and ACORN activists delivered over 350 letters to Senator Sherrod Brown's Columbus office today, thanking the Senator for his leadership on healthcare reform – specifically for his advocacy of a public plan option.

The letters (last names removed) from the Progress Ohio community are available here:
http://www.progressohio.org/page/-/Documents/Thank_You_Senator_Brown.pdf

Last week, Senator Brown circulated a letter announcing support for the inclusion of a public health insurance option in comprehensive health care reform. As of yesterday, a total of 21 Senators have signed on to the letter, which outlines how reform with a public health insurance option could lower health costs, improve quality of care, and ensure access in rural and other underserved areas.

 “As we take steps to make coverage more affordable and accessible, we must heed past experience that private insurance alone cannot accomplish our goals,” wrote the senators today in a letter to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT). “To achieve meaningful reform, insurers must compete based on quality and affordability – but clearly that has not always been the case.  Indeed, history suggests that the insurance industry will build a business model at least in part around pushing government subsidies upward.  A public option that sets the standard for quality, efficiency, and cost will create incentives for healthy competition that will serve the interests of all Americans."

Senator Brown was the keynote speaker at an April 17 Cleveland Heights event that drew over 400 attendees. The event was organized by Progress Ohio, ACORN, the Ohio Faith and Democracy Collaborative, and other Health Care for America Now (HCAN) coalition partners. 

Video of the event here: http://www.progressohio.org/page/community/post/daveharding/CqnD