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If You Want to Speak In-Person at the Committee Hearing

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Step 1: Write What You Want to Say

  • Keep it to 2-3 minutes when read aloud

  • Say your name and where you live.

  • Say if you support (like) or oppose (don't like) House Bill 225

  • Share a personal story, professional insight, or data that supports your position.

  • Ask them to vote "yes or no on HB 225."

 

Step 2: Fill out the Special Witness form

  • You need a special paper called a "witness form"

  • You can find it online at: 

 

Step 3: Get Ready to Go

  • Practice reading it aloud, stay calm, clear, and respectful.

  • Print your speech to bring with you.

  • Go early and wait to be called.​​​

If You Want to Send Your Speech Instead:

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Step 1: Write Your Speech (Testimony)

  • Keep it short, 10 or 2 pages (PDF format preferred)

  • Include your name, and where you live, and what you think about House Bill 225. 

  • Use clear words and facts if you have them.

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Step 2: Fill Out the Special Witness Form

  • Even for written-only testimony, this form is required. 

  • Send it with your speech (testimony) when the meeting is planned. â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

What You Can Do Now

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Watch for the Date

  • The committee meeting isn't set yet

  • Be ready to send your speech when it is.

  • Monitor the Ohio House Committee Schedule for updates.

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  • Read House Bill 225 and understand its impact.

  • Write your speech (testimony).

  • Fill out the Witness form. 

  • Practice or get ready to send it. 

#HB225

#OhioLegislation

#TestifyOhio

#GetReadyBeReady

#YourVoiceMatters

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My Journey Beyond Subminimum Wage

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 I worked in a sheltered workshop where I was paid far below minimum wage. I made $4.00 an hour. I was told it was “training,” but the truth is, I was doing real work, sorting, packaging, cleaning, just like anyone else. I wanted to contribute, to earn, to be independent. But the pay made that impossible.

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I couldn’t afford basic things like groceries, transportation, or even a phone bill. I relied heavily on my family.  It made me feel stuck, like I wasn’t allowed to grow or be seen as capable.

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Everything changed when I got the chance to work in the general workforce. I was hired at a local business that believed in me as a disabled person. They paid me above minimum wage. I was nervous at first, but with support and training, I learned new skills, made friends, and felt respected.

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The impact on my life has been huge:

  • I can now pay my own bills.

  • I save money each month.

  • I feel proud of the work I do.

  • I’m more confident and independent.

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Fair wages didn’t just help me financially, they gave me dignity. They showed me that I’m worth investing in. That I belong in the workforce, not on the sidelines.

 

HB 225 matters because it gives others the same chance I had. 

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