Witness Statement — Bonnie Edwards on HB 188
Summary
Witness statement from Bonnie Edwards, who identifies as a resident of Athens, Ohio, opposing HB 188 and stating that the statement is in written form only. The statement states that the bill would funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into a foreign partnership with the State of Israel at a time when Ohio communities face deep cuts to libraries, schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services. It states concerns about lack of transparency, oversight, and return on investment, and that the bill contains no independent oversight or competitive process. It asks readers to vote NO on HB 188.
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“Witness Statement — Bonnie Edwards on HB 188.”
Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-10-29-development-testimony-testimony-12194-44266e1094/
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Witness statement from Bonnie Edwards, Athens, Ohio 45701. 740-541-2417. Bonnieedwards1@gmail.com My statement is in written form only. My name is Bonnie Edwards a resident of Athens, Ohio 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 licensed mental health therapist, I am shocked our lawmakers would make such a proposal in this dire moment. 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, Bonnie Edwards
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