“Be in the Know, Ohio: 2025 Policy and Budget Impacts” will be on October 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:00). This free community event will be located at the UAW 2120 Baltimore Street, Defiance. Free onsite childcare will be available beginning at 5:45 (reserve at rjkirkland.dcdp@gmail.com).
This is a panel discussion and townhall gathering. NWOhioans, of all political affiliations, who care about their community and wish to know more about the NW Ohio communities are welcome. Panelists have first-hand knowledge of our local communities and are experts in various fields: Education, Family Finances, Food and Healthcare, Immigration Law, and the Farming Industry. Presentations:
- Kristie Reighard, Elected Member of the State Board of Education: “Public Education on the Line: How Policy Decisions Affect Every Student”
- Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio: “Family Economic Well-Being”
- Dr. Bryan Hambley, an Ohio Democratic Candidate for Secretary of State and leukemia specialist: “Healthcare, Health Coverage, and Food Insecurity in Ohio”
- Eugenio Mollo, Clinical Associate Professor of Law at the University of Toledo and founder of the Immigration Justice Clinic: “Immigration Law and Deportation”
- Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio’s 9th Congressional District Representative will attend remotely to discuss our local farming industry.
- Chris Gibbs is the panel moderator. He is the Democratic Chair for Shelby County, elected chair of the ODP Rural Caucus, and a farmer who worked for the USDA for 30 years, administering federal agricultural policy to farmers.
During the townhall portion of the event, attendees will be invited to ask the panelists questions (either verbally or anonymously on written cards). This gives local people a chance to raise personal concerns and hear those of fellow community members.
Every sector rooted in our private and public lives will be touched by the state and federal budget bills. Our schools. Our finances and wages. Our healthcare, insurance, hospitals, and nutrition. Our immigrant neighbors and local workers. Our farms and farmers…these are the collective framework of NWOhio. Our local communities would fall apart without this framework and the individuals who work to support it.
This is an important opportunity for community members to learn about issues central to their lives. Our knowledge is essential for action. Please join us on October 2nd, to “Be in the Know.” Help equip our communities with the tools necessary to take care of home, our own, and one another.
Ed Singer
Rural Defiance
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