Week of June 1: Tell DeWine to get his priorities straight

We need Governor DeWine to get his priorities straight to help Ohioans deal with the economic fallout from Coronavirus. Instead of focusing on the coming wave of evictions, foreclosures and utility shut offs, Ohio's General Assembly prioritized taking away local municipal rights to ban single-use plastic bags. We're counting on Governor DeWine to veto the plastic bag bill, and get focused on the issues that matter to Ohioans. And we're counting on you to help us build the power we need to win statewide moratoriums on evictions, foreclosures and utility shut offs.

Here are the top 3 actions you can take this week:

Call or email Gov. DeWine and ask him to veto the ban on plastic bag bans and issue moratoriums on residential evictions, foreclosures and all utility shutoffs. Call his office at: (614) 644-4357 or email him at: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/contact
Sign onto the CUFA Coronavirus Response Platform to support our demands for access to healthcare for all, utility shut offs moratoriums, eviction and foreclosure moratoriums and more.
Help us build the power we need to WIN on these issues by inviting a friend, neighbor or family members to join CUFA. Memberships are discounted to $5 now through June 30. Become a member or renew AND get a CUFA tee for only $16!
Click here to donate for Membership only.
Click here to join or renew & get a CUFA tee.

What's happening this week:

Ban on Plastic Bag Bans: The Ohio Grocers Association and the Chamber of Commerce don't want any city in Ohio to be able to ban single-use plastic bags. So, the Ohio General Assembly last week passed a ban on plastic bag bans for them. In addition to doing a favor for their friends in the grocery industry, our elected officials short-changed the democratic process by taking the bill to the Senate floor with no public notice. Governor Dewine must stand up for local rights and veto the bill.

Before the Coronavirus pandemic hit, Cincinnati Council Member Chris Seelbach was set to introduce a local ban on single-use plastic bags. While the pandemic put the brakes on its passage, the Ohio Legislature has moved to ensure no city in Ohio can pass an outright ban on plastic bags by passing House Bill 242. The bill is opposed by the Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Mayors Alliance, County Commissions Association, and environmental groups, but Ohio Senate passed the bill May 27, and it will soon be on Governor Dewine's desk to sign into law or veto.

Utility shutoffs, eviction, and foreclosures: On March 31, Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued an executive order to reconnect water service and stop water shut offs during Ohio's State of Emergency. This reconnection order expired on May 31.

On April 1, DeWine issued a moratorium on commercial evictions and foreclosures for 90 days, meaning residents are out of luck now that the courts are opening again.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 14 announced it would extend the moratorium on federally-backed mortgage foreclosures through June 30. But that doesn't help if you don't have a federally-backed mortgage, and it does nothing to help renters.

Here's a script you can use for making your call or writing your email to Governor DeWine:

"I'm an Ohio resident concerned about my family, neighbors and friends who are dealing with the economic fallout of the Coronavirus. Ohio must get its priorities straight and focus on the things that matter most right now. Governor DeWine should veto the ban on plastic bag bans, a corporate power grab, and instead, immediately issue moratoriums on residential evictions, foreclosures and utility shut offs for all Ohioans. This crisis is not a time to focus on the desires of corporate interests - we need Gov. DeWine to stand up for Ohioans like me. When will you inform me of Gov. DeWine's position on these issues?"

The Census is still happening! Make sure you are counted! Federal funding and how much representation we get in Congress is determined by Census results, so help CUFA spread the word about the importance of filling it out. The Census is collecting responses over the phone or online. You can fill yours out here.