Stephanie Riccobene, Garfield Heights, Ohio — HB 188

Summary

Testimony from Stephanie M. Riccobene, who identifies as a tax-paying resident of Garfield Heights, Ohio, opposing HB 188. The testimony states that the bill would send millions of Ohio taxpayer dollars to the State of Israel at a time when Ohioans face the loss of SNAP food assistance and cuts to libraries and schools. It states that the bill gives Israel a blank check with no independent oversight or accountability and states objections to Israel's conduct in Gaza. It asks readers to vote NO on HB 188.

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“Stephanie Riccobene, Garfield Heights, Ohio — HB 188.” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-10-29-development-testimony-testimony-12200-a86a81249e/, SHA-256 9ff961d6656a3b1d29f92779e1ef024c6b6120e92b65346f263d2d6e3702e164.

Full text

My name is Stephanie Riccobene, a tax-paying resident of Garfield Heights, Ohio, and I
vehemently oppose HB 188. This bill would send millions of Ohio taxpayer dollars to the State
of Israel at a time when Ohioans are facing the loss of their SNAP food assistance, cuts to
libraries, schools and other programs that address human needs, as well as rising healthcare
costs. As your constituent, I am mortified that our lawmakers would make such a proposal in
this dire moment.

Furthermore, not only does this bill give Israel a blank check with no independent oversight or
accountability, but I find it morally repugnant that my lawmakers would seek to make itself
complicit in Israel’s crimes against humanity in this way. Indeed, it is unequivocally clear that
Israel is using humanitarian aid as a weapon against innocent, starving, suffering, dying
Palestinian civilians, for example, as it openly announces its decision to withhold humanitarian
aid from these civilians, in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and international law.

Ohio’s resources should stay in Ohio to address the human needs of our communities HERE.
Ohio should not be aiding and abetting Israel’s crimes against humanity in Gaza; it is immoral
and unethical. Vote NO on HB 188.

With all due respect,
Stephanie M. Riccobene
Garfield Heights, Ohio

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