Budget Rallies

As HB66 worked it's way through the House Finance Committee and Senate Education Committee there were several rallies at the Statehouse and one in downtown Cleveland. Student voices were present at each of the Statehouse rallies which drew thousands of people from across the state who were concerned about funding cuts to public education and other important social services. The rally in Cleveland was organized by a group of students from Cleveland School of the Arts, to speak out about Ohio's school funding crisis.

On Tuesday April 12, 5,000 people gathered at the Statehouse for a rally to protect funding for social services. Later that evening the House passed their version of the state budget. Crystal Ramos from Success Tech High School was one of the featured speakers. As she spoke about her concerns over funding cuts, her classmates worked the crowd circulating copies of OUR VOICES.

On May 17th, a group of students from Cleveland School of the Arts, organized a rally in downtown Cleveland. Over 100 students who were concerned about cuts in programs and losing even more or their teachers, attended the event which featured student speakers, poems, singing, and skits. Student artwork was also displayed.

On May 24th 15,000 people came to Columbus to rally for fair school funding. The event, organized by the Ohio Education Association, was the largest crowd we've seen on the Statehouse lawn. Many legislators attended, and were impressed with the passion and concern expressed. Ericka Fields, from Success Tech in Cleveland was one of the speakers, and did a great job.

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