Testify Against House Bill 188 — Development Committee

Summary

Testimony against House Bill 188 addressed to Chair Hoops, Co-Chair Lorenz, Ranking Member Brownlee and members of the Development Committee, with no author named in the text. The testimony states that, under HB 188, the program would put $10 million of Ohio taxpayer dollars into an international, political project as the Trump Administration announces it will not fund food assistance (SNAP) during the federal shutdown. It states that HB 188 lacks accountability, with no performance reporting requirements or independent oversight. It states that Ohio's resources should remain in Ohio and opposes HB 188.

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Full text

Chair Hoops, Co-Chair Lorenz, Ranking Member Brownlee, and honorable members of the
Development Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify against House Bill 188.

The program proposed in HB 188 would place $10 million Ohio taxpayer dollars into an
international, political project even as the Trump Administration announces it will not fund food
assistance (SNAP) during the federal shutdown. Ohio’s response indicates the state may not
step in to help struggling families. Tens of thousands face hunger. This is the worst possible
time to commit millions of Ohio taxpayer dollars to an international venture.

HB 188 lacks accountability, with no performance reporting requirements, independent
oversight, or safeguards to ensure the sound use of funds and concrete public benefit. No $10
million expenditure—no expenditure whatsoever— should be considered without guardrails to
ensure accountability and public benefit.

HB 188 proposes an undefined series of hearings and activities centered around a partnership
with Israel. While Israel is an important nation and of great interest to many Ohioans, it is also
currently under international investigation for crimes against humanity. There could hardly be a
worse time to consider this political proposal.

I believe Ohio’s resources should remain in Ohio to build our own communities' economies. I
oppose HB 188 for the reasons stated.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony.


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