The Ohio House Democrats have just unveiled their proposed version of Ohio’s new two-year state operating budget.

With your help, we can keep critical environmental protections in the budget – for healthier air, land, and water for all Ohioans.

Contact your Ohio State Representative today and urge him or her to:

• Keep the proposed $6 million increase for public transportation – this will help save energy, reduce harmful air pollution, and save commuters money.
• Keep the proposed new Office of the Advocate for Environmental Justice – this will help protect public health in communities struggling with industrial pollution.
• Reject the proposed reduction in construction and demolition debris disposal fees; instead, accept the full increase as proposed by Governor Strickland – this will help ensure full funding for critical clean air and water programs.

Your State Representative in Columbus will vote on the budget bill next week. Be sure your voice is heard!

E-mail your representative today to protect Ohio’s environment!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As you prepare to vote on Ohio's new two-year state budget (House Bill 1), please vote to:

1. Keep the proposed $6 million increase for public transportation - this will help save energy, reduce harmful air pollution, and save commuters money. - Public Transportation - Each day, public transit buses deliver half a million Ohioans to work, school, and other locations. Public transportation uses less energy, reduces greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions, eases traffic congestion, and saves commuters and businesses money. Visit http://www.apta.com/media/facts.cfm to learn more.

2. Keep the proposed new Office of the Advocate of Environmental Justice - this will help protect public health in communities struggling with industrial pollution. - Environmental Justice - Thousands of Ohio families live in highly industrialized communities. They need an Environmental Justice Advocate when even more emissions from new and expanded industrial facilities are proposed near their neighborhood. Visit http://www.theoec.org/PDFs/EJDocs/EnvironmentalJustice09.pdf to read more.

3. Reject the proposed reduction in construction and demolition debris disposal fees; instead, please accept the full increase as proposed by Governor Strickland - this will help ensure full funding for critical clean air and water programs. - Construction and Demolition Debris Disposal Fee - In the past 10 years, there has been a slow and steady increase in out-of-state waste disposed in Ohio. With the increased waste disposal fees, other states would contribute millions more each year to programs in Ohio. Visit http://www.theoec.org/PDFs/LobbyDay/BudgetFees09.pdf to learn more.

Thank you for standing up for Ohio's air, water, and soil.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 23, 2009