Testimony — Jack Johnson on HB 188

Summary

Testimony from Jack Johnson, who identifies as a resident of Cleveland Heights, opposing HB 188. The testimony states that the bill would funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into a foreign partnership with the State of Israel. It states that the legislation includes no clear benchmarks, performance reporting requirements, or community input mechanisms, and that the bill creates a board of political appointees tied to pro-Israel organizations. It asks readers to vote NO on HB 188.

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Full text

My name is Jack Johnson, a resident of Cleveland Heights, and I strongly oppose HB 188. This
bill would funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into a foreign partnership with the State of Israel.
This funding would be sent overseas at a time when Ohio communities are facing deep cuts to
libraries, schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services.

As a concerned citizen of Cuyahoga County, I am appalled by our lawmakers' will to make such
a proposal during these trying times. I have serious concerns about this bill’s lack of
transparency, oversight, and return on investment for Ohio taxpayers. The legislation includes no
clear benchmarks, performance reporting requirements, or community input mechanisms. The
bill creates a board stacked with political appointees tied to pro-Israel organizations, explicitly
excluding Palestinian, Arab-American, Muslim, and neutral voices. It contains no independent
oversight, no competitive process, and no clear safeguards to ensure accountability or public
benefit.

This is not just about trade. This is about values. Israel is currently under international
investigation for crimes against humanity. A trade partnership now makes Ohio complicit.

I strongly believe Ohio’s resources should stay in Ohio, to build up the economy of our own
communities. Please stand for transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility, and consider the
people of Ohio who elected you—not foreign lobbyists—and to vote NO on HB 188.

Sincerely, Jack Johnson


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