There is plenty of information about SB 33. The best general document on this type of legislation is available from the Defending Dissent organization – web page rightsanddissent.org.
Go tohttps://rightsanddissent.org/resource/critical-infrastructure-bills-toolkit-for-activists/
Another more focused treatment of SB 33 is provided by Earthwatch’s written statement and analysis of SB 33 that is available at the Buckeye Environmental Network’s web page under resources. Earthwatch, an environmental organization in DC, made several trips to Ohio to inform themselves about what may happen to protesters if the bill is passed.
You can also go to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission at www.lsc.ohio.gov to find all the information you want on the bill, including the text of the bill and an analysis.
Number 1
There is no substitute for a personal phone call or e-mail to your Ohio senator to get their attention. According to one legislator, if they get thirty or more contacts, they pay attention. For where we are at right now, the Ohio Senate is the priority. To make sure you have the correct information on who your senator is go to http://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators. Then you will be able to look up further contact information and do this vital work. Democrat or Republican, they all pay attention to this input. Tell them that you want them to vote against Senate Bill 33 when it comes to a vote. The rights and freedoms you have, must be protected – by you.
Number 2
We encourage all who wish to personally testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee to do so. It is an education in how the State House runs, and it can be fun to get in the face of the Man. Just get your words together ahead of time and realize that you will have three minutes to deliver your statement. I figure that means double spaced about three pages hard copy.
The schedule and requirements for presenting oral testimony is always up in the air, so if you are interested in presenting oral testimony e-mail me at randino49@gmail.com, give me a phone number and I will get back with you on the latest.
Now, while oral testimony can be fun, what really counts to the committee is written testimony. Such testimony becomes part of the official record of the committee on the bill. Oral testimony, while good theatre, ends the minute you step away from the podium. If you want some ideas on what to say, go to the Buckeye Environmental Network’s web site at www.benohio.organd click on resources.
Be sure at the start or end of your written piece to put down your name, address and phone number or e-mail. Make it as long as you need to make your point. And then submit to Eklund’s email address at Eklund@ohiosenate.gov and say that you want this to be added to the written testimony.
Finally, the best way to keep abreast of what is happening is to check periodically at the www.benohio.org web site. Or you can just contact me at randino49(at)gmail.com and put in the subject heading SB 33. That will get my attention. Good luck. Randy Cunningham
