OEA Members Advocate at the Statehouse for Fair School Funding and Respect for Educators’ Voice
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, nearly 100 OEA members and allies from across the state gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for OEA’s second Member Lobby Day of the 136th General Assembly. Educators met directly with their legislators to share firsthand stories about how decisions in Columbus impact their students, schools, and communities. The focus of the day was advocating for the full and fair implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, opposing harmful provisions in House Bill (HB) 96, and defending Educators’ voices at the State Board of Education and State Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees, and supporting the Future Educators Support Act.
Throughout the day, members urged lawmakers to reject arbitrary budget caps, restore evidence-based funding, and ensure accountability for all institutions receiving public dollars—including private school voucher programs. Legislators heard loud and clear that educators are united in their demand for a budget that reflects the actual cost of educating every child and supports the vital role of public schools in Ohio’s communities.
OEA thanks all the members who took time to travel, speak up, and make a difference. Your voice is essential to shaping policy that puts students first and strengthens public education.
If you were unable to attend the lobby day, please consider using OEA’s virtual lobby day alert to engage your state senator and/or representative and request a meeting to discuss these critical issues.
Other ways you can engage in OEA’s HB 96 advocacy include:
- Send a letter using OEA’s action alert
- Use Policy Matters Ohio’s local school district or legislative district fact sheets with your colleagues, friends, family and neighbors and ask them to engage your elected officials.
- Urge your local school district to pass a school board resolution in support of the Fair School Funding Plan using All in for Ohio Kids campaign resources.
Immigration Status Reporting Bill Raises Alarms for Public Schools
On May 20, 2025, the Ohio House Government Oversight Committee held a second hearing on House Bill (HB) 42, legislation mandating public schools and other state agencies to collect and report data on individuals’ citizenship and immigration status. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Tex Fischer (R-Howland Twp.) and State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.), has drawn sharp criticism from education and civil rights advocates who warn it could lead to discrimination and funding cuts for districts serving immigrant communities.
Under HB 42, school districts would be required to gather and disclose information about students’ immigration status, which opponents argue is both unnecessary and harmful. Critics contend that the bill targets schools with large immigrant populations, potentially leading to reduced funding for already under-resourced programs. Under the Plyer decision, schools have a legal responsibility to educate all children, regardless of immigration status. HB 42 could undermine that mandate.
In response to the bill’s progression, the Honesty for Ohio Education, a nonpartisan statewide coalition in which OEA is a leading partner, has introduced a model resolution for local school boards to formally oppose HB 42. The resolution emphasizes the importance of protecting students’ rights and maintaining inclusive educational environments. Honesty for Ohio Education urges school boards across the state to adopt this resolution to send a clear message against policies that could harm vulnerable student populations.
OEA stands in solidarity with educators, families, and community leaders who oppose HB 42. We encourage members to contact their local school boards to support the adoption of the resolution against HB 42 and to reach out to their state representatives to express concerns about the bill’s potential impact on public education.
For an archive of past Legislative Watch releases, visit the Legislative Watch archive.