1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I'm writing as a concerned and frankly heartbroken Ohioan. The state budget that just passed feels like a slap in the face to working families, teachers, students, and communities like mine. It's hard to understand how we can claim there isn’t enough money for public schools, libraries, and vital services—and yet somehow find hundreds of millions for a new football stadium and more tax breaks for the wealthy. That doesn’t feel like good governance. It feels like the people who need the most help are being asked to sacrifice yet again, while those with the most continue to benefit. I was raised to believe that leadership means protecting the vulnerable and making choices that serve the common good—not just the powerful few. And I know that your faith plays an important role in how you approach your responsibilities. With that in mind, I want to share a verse that speaks to the heart of the issue:“He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” — Proverbs 22:16 (KJV) This budget feels like a living example of that warning. Governor, you have the power to make this right. Please use your line-item veto to reject the most harmful parts of this bill—starting with the $600 million stadium handout and the cuts to education, libraries, and basic services. Ohio deserves better. We are better. I’m asking you to lead with compassion, humility, and courage.