Faith Leaders Standing for Unity in Ohio

NO on SB 5
Over the past few years, people throughout the nation have experienced an
onslaught of economic difficulties. Foreclosures and unemployment have led to major bud-
get shortfalls for the nation, for states, for communities, and for families. One way to respond
to this economic and budget crisis is to come together, seek common solutions, and commit
to shared sacrifice. The other option is to blame, attack, and scapegoat. Unfortunately, Ohio
Senate Bill 5 takes the low road by attacking public sector employees. We are disappointed
and frustrated that some of our leaders are pointing fingers and participating in partisan bick-
ering instead of seeking common ground to move Ohio forward. Senate Bill 5, a bill that
will not save Ohio any money, is an outright attempt to attack hard working people in Ohio
rather than seriously address Ohio’s future.

As faith leaders, we firmly believe that all people offer something to advance prosperity in
Ohio. All people, made in the image and likeness of God, deserve fair compensation for the
fruits of their labor. Collective Bargaining, a fair approach for workers to join with govern-
ment leaders, helps ensure responsible pay and benefits in addition to monitoring workplace
safety.

We are reminded of Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. As some in our state are intent
on bullying and casting aside hard-working public sector employees, we as faith leaders re-
fuse to pass by on the other side of the road. Instead, we are committed to follow the road of
healing and shared prosperity marked out by the Good Samaritan, who stood in solidarity
with the wounded and vulnerable.

Forty-three years ago, in late winter 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. decided he could not
walk by the plight facing public sector sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. The Af-
rican American workers wanted a union to ensure safety and protection and fair wages for
their difficult task. The slogan of the Memphis effort was “I am a Man” trumpeting their hu-
man dignity and value. King sacrificed his life in Memphis standing with public sector work-
ers. As partners in the redemptive work of Dr. King, we as faith leaders in Ohio commit our-
selves to standing with public sector workers today.

We call on Ohio’s Governor, State Senate, and State House of Representatives to solve our
state’s budget challenges not through blaming and division, but as King’s “I Have a Dream
Speech” suggests, by sitting down together at “the table of brotherhood.” Our elected lead-
ers need to bring people and sectors together, not divide. Senate Bill 5 is an attempt to di-
vide, and should be voted down. Ohio needs real solutions, shared sacrifice, and unity, and
we therefore stand with workers during these challenging days.