By Brian Massie, Citizen Journalist, independent
We have sent an email to our State Representative, Jamie Callender (R), and asked why he voted with the Democrats to not approve Senate Joint Resolution 2. We will report to our readers, if and when he responds to our inquiry.
*****
May 10, 2023
Breaking: Ohio Lawmakers Vote to Approve August Election to Amend the Constitution
Columbus, OH – This afternoon, the Ohio House of Representatives voted to pass Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). The Senate then approved it shortly thereafter. SJR2 would allow for a special election in August 2023 and enable voters to determine our state’s constitutional standards. If passed, SJR2 would require over 60% of the electorate’s approval for a constitutional amendment to pass.
The measure passed easily in the House by a vote of 62-37. All Republican representatives voted “yes” with the exception of Reps. Jamie Callender, Jay Edwards, Brett Hillyer, Jeff LaRe and Tom Patton, who joined minority Democrats in voting “no.”
“We are grateful to Speaker Jason Stephens and the other courageous House Republicans who did the right and moral thing and voted to entrust Ohio voters with the decision of how many votes should be required to amend the constitution,” said Kate Makra, Executive Director of Cleveland Right to Life. “A big ‘thank you’ also goes out to the many concerned citizens who contacted their representatives and let their voices be heard on this issue. It should not be easier for voters to amend our state constitution than it is to pass the same law by going through the legislative process–particularly a law that will kill countless pre-born babies. Now, we have the opportunity to debate this issue in the public square and cast our ballots accordingly.”
If your representative voted in favor of SJR2, we would encourage you to call or email them to thank them for standing strong in the face of immense adversity and pressure.
Ohio Value Voters was pleased that the Ohio House voted to place the right of Ohioans to vote this August on changing the threshold to 60% for any state constitutional amendment. The Ohio Senate passed this resolution last month under the leadership of Senate President Matt Huffman.John Stover, President of Ohio Value Voters stated, “House Speaker Jason Stephens is commended for the leadership shown for finally passing this important resolution.”
*****
Advertisements
*****
Categories: State of Ohio