July Meeting, Max Miller Town Hall, Protests, Editorials, and Much, MUCH More!!
June and July Meeting!!
We had a great meeting on Tuesday night! Great insight on the courts from Matthew Ahn and we were glad to welcome our guests Mary Ellen Hemann, who is running for Clerk of Courts for the Rocky River Municipal Court, and our Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne!!
Please see Matt Ahn’s presentation on the courts!
Please RSVP for our next meeting HERE, July 29th, at the Rocky River Library–6:30 pm for social time, 7pm meeting start. Speakers to be announced soon!!
Save Our Libraries!!
We wanted to take a moment to share that Gov. DeWine vetoed the provision from the state budget that would have required public libraries to restrict access to materials related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
This is a win for libraries and a win for equitable access.
And it would not have happened without those of you who joined public libraries and library supporters across Ohio in making our voices heard at the Statehouse.
Rocky River Public Library thanks you for your efforts this past weekend and for supporting public libraries throughout this budget season.
Happy reading!
Max Miller Town Hall!!
In a surprising turn of protocol, Max Miller, our Congressional representative, will be present, in-person, at the August meeting of the Parma Republican club. While we firmly do NOT endorse ANY of the views of the Republican Party or any of their local representation and stand in FIRM AND FERVENT opposition to anything and EVERYTHING that they espouse…it does not change the fact that Max Miller is our representative. This is your chance to address our national representation, make your voice heard, and tell him that you do NOT agree with anything that is happening in Washington and throughout the country. The event will be on August 13th at 6:30 pm at McJames Sports Pub in Brookpark (13450 Snow Road). This is not something that was publicized to us, but was published in the Plain Dealer in a Letter to the Editor. Read the letter HERE.
We want to reiterate again–this is a not a meeting that we would ever encourage anyone to attend, and if you do not feel safe or comfortable in that environment, we completely understand and support you. But, while we still live in a democracy, we might as well take advantage of what freedoms we have left, and have a direct redress of grievances to our elected representatives. Please comport yourselves in a respectable manner–we are DEMOCRATS after all, and please keep in mind, that once this Fascistic timeline concludes, we still have to live in this country with our brothers and sisters…at the end of the day, we are all Americans.
Stand Up Saturdays!!
Good Trouble Virtual Event!!
Join this virtual event on July 17th, the anniversary of John Lewis’ passing. Details HERE!!
Good Trouble Lives On Rally in Cleveland—Thursday, July 17, 5:30 pm at Market Square Park (across from the West Side Market)
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.
On July 17, the anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s passing, we’re taking action across the country to defend our democracy and carry forward his legacy of Good Trouble.
In Cleveland, we will hold a rally with a special, uplifting Good Trouble activity to kick off the evening at Market Square Park at 5:30 pm
From voter suppression bills like the SAVE Act to the criminalization of protest, the Trump administration is launching a full-scale attack on our civil and human rights. But we know the truth: In America, the power lies with the people, and we’re rising to prove it.
This is more than a protest; it’s a moral reckoning. A continuation of the movement Lewis helped lead, and a new front in the struggle for freedom.
Please note: A core principle behind our Good Trouble Lives On actions is a commitment to nonviolence in all we do. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Message from Dave Brock!!
The following message below is from Dave Brock, Cuyahoga County Democratic Chairman regarding the recently passed Republican budget–
The disgraceful budgets passed by Republicans in Washington D.C. and Columbus show the callousness and cruelty of the Republican party. Essential programs have been slashed meaning fewer people will have health care. No one will be moving up to the middle class. The rich will be richer. Doctors’ offices and hospitals will literally be closing. Buying a home, a car, a phone, a sandwich, or even a beer will not be cheaper. The only thing that has become easier to buy is a legislature. Especially if you own an NFL team.
Also, we don’t need to congratulate Mike DeWine too much for his vetoes. He’s a member of a corrupt party that lies, deceives, and hurts people. We don’t need to thank them on the rare occasion they do what is right. Democrats need to exercise real power and stop worrying about what Republicans think about us. They have shown time and time again they don’t care about you or the people you care about: greed and cruelty are their goals.
Since Republicans took power in Ohio 30+ years ago, our state is worse off in every important category. Ohio ranks 45th in employment, 44th in health outcomes, 41st in higher education, and 30th in infrastructure. Most importantly, in the last 20 years, we are 41st in population growth. If people aren’t going to move here, neither will good jobs, nor a bright future.
Democrats must center our goals around improving peoples’ lives. Ninety percent of the country shouldn’t be forced to live their lives to improve the lives of the richest ten percent. If we have the money to cut taxes for the wealthy and burden future generations with crippling debt, we ought to get something for it. For instance, all Americans deserve health care without going into debt. Instead of cutting taxes for billionaires, handing them money they don’t need, we should eliminate income taxes for those making less than $200,000 per year. If Ohio can give $600 million to billionaires, we can do the same for first-time homebuyers and our schools.
The government should be there to help in times of need. These budgets do the opposite, as they will simply create more people who need financial help.
David Brock
Chair
Cuyahoga County Democratic Party
School Funding Bill!!
The Rocky River School District has come out in opposition of HB 335, which would reduce the amount of money school districts across the state of Ohio can collect for public education. This would have destructive effects across the landscape of public education and further satisfy the Republican statehouses’ aims of coming for our education and breaking the backs of the teacher’s unions. Read more HERE!!
Editorial Articles!!
Please take a moment to read this insightful article HERE from Robert Reich that was shared by one of our members–it’s important to make sure that we continue to demand more from our leaders…beyond just NOT being Trump!!
A very insightful article HERE about the meaning and value of protests!
A Note from Matt Diemer
Some words some of you may have received from our former Congressional Candidate Matt Diemer–certainly encouraging words in these troubling times…
My friends, let’s be clear: the fight for our future is far from over. In fact, it’s only just begun — and you are the key.
We are living through a moment of overwhelming complexity. The headlines are heavy. The stakes are high. Despair is easy. Apathy is even easier. But the only thing that has ever changed the course of history — the only force that has ever bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice — is ordinary people refusing to give up.
I know some of you are tired. I’ve felt it too. I’ve taken a step back these past few months — not because I’ve lost hope, but because even those who fight need time to breathe. And yes, I’ve seen more people tuning out, turning off their phones, stepping away from the noise. That may be good for your peace of mind — and I encourage it when needed — but understand this:
Democracy doesn’t rest. Freedom doesn’t pause. Progress doesn’t wait.
So take your rest. Then rise.
Speak out. Stand up. Organize. Agitate. Advocate for what you believe with every ounce of strength you’ve got. Because if you don’t, who will?
Too often, we confuse compromise with surrender. Cooperation is noble. But sacrificing your truth — silencing your convictions for the sake of comfort — that is not compromise. That is capitulation. And it erodes the very foundation of the world we are trying to build.
Be bold in your beliefs. Be unwavering in your pursuit of justice. Be unafraid to ruffle feathers or challenge the status quo. Your voice matters now more than ever — not just for you, but for the communities that need you, for the future that depends on you.
Over the past few months, I’ve been meeting with candidates, community leaders, and everyday people across this state. And I’ll tell you what gives me hope: there are still people in this fight. Still people stepping up, running for office, raising their hands, and saying, “Put me in.” Even in the face of vitriol. Even when the odds are long.
I believe in them. And I believe in you.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. It is messy. It is hard. But when more people get involved — when more voices join the chorus — we move forward. We build something better.
I’ll have more to say soon about what’s next. But know this: I’m not done. Not even close. And neither are you.
Reach out. Ask me anything. Share your thoughts. If you want to talk, send me your number — I’ll call you myself. Because this isn’t about one person. This is about all of us.
In solidarity, always.
Matt
Senate Bill 1!
Passed earlier this year, SB 1 (The Higher Education Destruction Act) bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, regulates classroom topics and discussion, and bans faculty strikes at Ohio’s public colleges and universities.
The good news?
There is a ballot initiative campaign to repeal this law, but help is needed to get this referendum on the ballot.
Time is extremely short, please make an effort to sign this weekend and consider a donation.
SAVE Act!
SAVE Act (National Level):
- Call Senator Moreno: DC (202-224-2315), Columbus office (614-469-2083), Cleveland office at (21- 522-7272), and Cincinnati office (513- 684-1021.
- Call Senator Husted: DC (202-224-3353), Columbus office (614-369-4925), and Cleveland office at (216-539-7877).
Here is a 1-pager to share, and here is a SAVE Act fact sheet with specific details on how SAVE would impact Ohioans.
Meanwhile…
HELP PROTECT OHIO’S DIRECT DEMOCRACY!
Ohio’s version of the SAVE Act:
Tell our Ohio General Assembly: NO on SB 153 & HB 233
The “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” Act would require citizenship documentation (a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document) to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering. It is already illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections.
The act would also burden people who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation, or to better align with their gender identity.
Women are especially vulnerable to being disenfranchised, as millions change their name when they get married or divorced, so their birth certificates would not show their current name.
The SAVE Act would create huge barriers to voting.
It would require all Americans to prove their citizenship status by presenting documentation in person when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. This would be the end of registering to vote online or by mail for most voters. What’s more, many eligible voters don’t have easy access to the necessary documents. State driver’s licenses, REAL ID, and veterans IDs would no longer be accepted.
Ohio Senate Bill 153 and Ohio House Bill 233 are a pair of radical, massive, and unnecessary election bills now in the Ohio General Assembly. Not only would these bills make it harder for statewide initiatives, local issues, and candidates to make it onto the ballot, these bills would make it harder for Ohioans to cast a ballot and would add unacceptable, unfunded burdens to local Boards of Elections.
The power of the vote and the citizen initiatives are the strongest tools Ohioans have to push back on government overreach, hold politicians accountable, and allow us to play a real role in shaping policy in our communities. Once again, corrupt politicians are trying to limit the power of everyday Ohioans.
Here’s a snapshot of who these bills would hurt:
- Ohio citizens trying to make changes that an out-of-touch Statehouse won’t make: These bills have new rules to make collecting signatures for citizen initiatives and referendums much harder and more expensive, and even tries to intimidate citizen organizers and volunteers with politically motivated investigations to make making it to the ballot even more challenging.
- Local governments, businesses, and citizen groups in Ohio trying to put issues onto their community ballots: These strict rules would apply to everyone trying to get something on the ballot, like a liquor ordinance for a small business, proposed zoning change for affordable housing, or new charter amendments for better government.
- Grassroots and independent candidates in Ohio who want to run for office: Candidates rely on volunteers to collect the signatures they need to qualify for the ballot, and grassroots and independent candidates who don’t have the funding and infrastructure support from party and corporate donors would be especially hurt by the rules in this bill that would needlessly invalidate signatures and create fear for volunteer organizers.
- Ohio voters: This legislation would ban all drop boxes, which are a secure, direct method for voters to submit voter registration forms, absentee ballot request forms, and absentee ballots. Thousands of voters could also be forced to vote provisionally– even if they haven’t moved or changed their name.
- Ohio county Boards of Elections, election officials, and election workers: These bills would bury our Boards of Elections with unwarranted and excessive busywork and take election officials and election workers away from their important work of supporting voters and keeping our elections secure. This bill is the definition of “unfunded mandate”: obligation without resources.
SB153 and HB 233 are a cynical attempt to rewrite election law and crush Ohio’s direct democracy. This attack on voters, our petition process, and our elections is just one more cynical ploy to rig the system in favor of powerful special interests, taking power away from Ohio citizens.
Tell our Ohio General Assembly: NO on SB 153 & HB 233
A toolkit has been created by Ohioans Against Extremism that also explains Ohio’s SAVE Act (SB 153 & HB 233) and provides actions you can take to stop it. Download the toolkit!
Membership Drive!
We are currently in our membership drive for 2025! If you have not renewed your membership, see one of us at the next meeting, or you can renew online HERE
Due to the rising costs of postage, scheduling of events, and other club duties, we unfortunately have had to raise our membership rates only slightly–individual memberships have increased to $30 (from $20), and family memberships have increased to $40 (from $30)–senior and student memberships will remain the same, at $10 and $5, respectively. While we hate to have to raise rates, it will go a long way to help us stage events, including postcard parties and community gatherings, maintaining the website, room rentals, printing, and sponsoring get-out-the-vote events and yard sign drives!
As always, if you can add more, it will cover someone who can afford less. Everyone is welcome at the amount you are comfortable contributing.
