Local
Thursday, November 19, 7-8pm, this event will be occurring via Zoom
Why and to whom are tax incentives given and who is benefiting from them? This month’s Move to Amend Central Ohio virtual presentation will explore the quid pro quo of campaign contributions from developers, the Columbus Partnership, and other corporations in Columbus that in return receive tax abatements and city income tax exemptions. This presentation will also consider the adverse impacts of such agreements on affordable housing, educational opportunities, and efforts to fight poverty. Our guest presenter will be Joe Motil, a longtime Columbus resident and activist who is a leading expert on tax abatements in Columbus.
Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
Start your holiday shopping guilt-free on Black Friday at Simply Living’s annual Gift To Be Simple – a virtual auction of new and gently used items donated by members and supporters that runs Friday, November 27 through Saturday, December 5. The event includes a special screening of the new documentary Kiss the Ground, followed by a panel of local experts and farmers practicing regenerative agriculture in Central Ohio.
Simply Living members are scouring their homes to donate items they no longer need but could be just right for someone else. Real examples: a $100 espresso maker donated because the owner switched to instant coffee; a worm compost maker because the owner preferred a backyard option; a beautiful landscape oil painting that doesn’t quite fit now. One member loves the True Rest Float Spa and donated the “immersion tank” experience so others can enjoy it.
When it comes to our rural-urban divide in Ohio, and anywhere USA for that matter, our nearest county to our northeast – Licking County, with its largest town being Newark – might as well be Mars. And after Biden defeated Trump, will the divide be bridged or become worse?
As for wearing masks, there’s a clear separation. This Free Press reporter noticed in a recent trip to Newark and further east to Zanesville fewer and fewer masks being worn the farther you go into rural Ohio.
Nevertheless, the Licking County Democratic Party was confident things would be different in 2020. The county in many ways reflects rural Ohio as it has a record amount of kids in foster care due to their parents drug addiction, but at the same time on the verge of a potential renaissance if and when its Native American Earthworks are designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations.
And even though numerous Trump flags flew on their country roads, there were tangible signs Licking County would have a strong turnout for Biden.
From Ohioans Against Gun Violence
More than a dozen members of the Ohio business community and regional developers came together yesterday for a virtual panel discussion to share their perspectives on the need to repeal House Bill 6, the coal and nuclear bailout legislation at the center of a $61 million bribery scandal currently under federal investigation.
“House Bill 6 was a blow to Ohio’s economy, livelihoods, and clean energy future,” said Alli Gold Roberts, director of state policy for Ceres and moderator of today’s event. “We urge lawmakers to heed the call for action from a diverse group of businesses and stakeholders on Ohio’s clean energy future.”
With no opportunities available for virtual testimony on House Bill 6 repeal legislation, yesterday’s panel offered a safe option for business leaders to deliver remarks. Representing businesses from every corner of Ohio, participants highlighted the impact of House Bill 6 on job creation, economic development, and future clean energy investment in Ohio. Ohio lawmakers received an invitation to attend the discussion and hear from these businesses directly.
Did you miss the November Free Press Cyber-Salon? If so, here's a run-down of what happened and how you can be involved next time! View video recording here.
Our speakers were Dr. Bob Fitrakis, Free Press Editor, political scientist and Dr. Marilyn Howard, historian, Black Studies professor and author discussing the general atmosphere in the country now, racism, election integrity concerns and hopes for the future. Points of discussion were how some black males and again, white women, came out for Trump this election, and Kamala Harris’ record.
Mark Stansbery called for a “Peoples’ Forum on Political Economy and the next Regime.”
Monday, November 16 and 23, 2020, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Sunday, November 15, 3pm, Ohio Statehouse
Facebook Event
Due to recent shifts in our Supreme Court, the protections currently in place for marriage equality have been put into question. Our request is for state legislature to provide marriage equality protections for LGBTQ+ individuals on a state level in Ohio.
Now is our time to step up to the plate and show the unshakable perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community. Our voices matter and we will be heard. Join the movement, your voice could be the difference.
Hosted by Shane Teegan and Kyle Rubin.
Join us ONLINE for the Free Press Second Saturday Cyber-Salon
Saturday, November 14 from 7:00-8:00PM EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83906590837
Meeting ID: 839 0659 0837
The election is over (we think). But there are still a lot of questions and there's a lot of analyzing going on.
Speakers:
Dr. Bob Fitrakis, Free Press Editor, political scientist and
Dr. Marilyn Howard, historian, Black Studies professor, author
will discuss the general atmosphere in the country now, racism, election integrity concerns and hopes for the future.
Jasmine Ayres will discuss the Columbus Civilian Review Board workgroup.
Q & A included.
If you have any announcements for the progressive community, contact us:
614-253-2571
colsfreepress@gmail.com