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Testimony — Betty Sterling on HB 188

Summary

Testimony from Betty Sterling, who identifies as a resident of Peninsula, Ohio, opposing HB 188. The testimony 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 public services. It states that the legislation includes no clear benchmarks, performance reporting requirements, or community input mechanisms and contains no independent oversight or competitive process. It asks readers to vote NO on HB 188.

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“Testimony — Betty Sterling on HB 188.” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-10-29-development-testimony-testimony-12197-7caffde282/, SHA-256 100ce7abe72e899cc538577b2f9b9964d5bc854bc01798d45e38d8b08c43015a.

Full text

       My name is Betty Sterling. I am a resident of Peninsula, 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 taxpayer currently dealing with economic hardships (along with millions of other

Ohioans), I am appalled at the idea that my constituents 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,


       Betty Sterling

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