Ohio deserves better. Protect our libraries and stop the unnecessary censorship.

A new law passed in the state budget (House Bill 96) includes a harmful, expensive and unnecessary requirement that public libraries move any materials related to sexual orientation or gender identity to areas not primarily visible to anyone under 18. There's plenty wrong with that: - It limits my freedom to choose what’s right for my family. -It’s expensive. Libraries will need to reclassify books, redesign spaces, retrain staff and buy new equipment, costing millions of dollars. The budget does not provide any funding for this work. In fact, this budget cuts funding for libraries in the short term and has eliminated the dedicated Public Library Fund for the long term. This means essential programs and services could be reduced to pay for this policy. -It raises serious legal concerns about censorship and access to information. -It’s vague and confusing, making it hard for libraries to apply the law fairly or consistently. The Columbus Metropolitan Library already offers tools like kid’s library cards and parental controls to help families make informed choices. This new law isn’t needed and diverts resources away from the services we rely on. Since those that already voted for it do not care about Ohioans and their access to information, I am urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto this provision.