House Bill (HB) 290, the “Backpack Bill” is sponsored by Reps. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Marilyn John (R-Shelby). The bill expresses the intent to develop legislation that provides a voucher for every student in Ohio to attend the public school, charter school or private school of a family’s choosing. The legislation notes, “This formula will ensure Ohio maintains strong funding for public and nonpublic schools while cultivating innovation and opportunity for all children.”
If implemented, HB 290 would undermine Ohio’s system of public education and erode communities across the state whose identities are grounded in the rich history and quality educational contributions of their public schools.
Click here to see the legislative text.
To see the letter from McClain and John asking their House colleagues to co-sponsor the Backpack bill, click here.
Please reach out to your House of Representatives member, McClain and John, and the House members listed below who have signed on to co-sponsor HB 290. Contact information for the sponsors and co-sponsors is below. You can find contact information for your House member here.
In response to the legislation, share your district’s story. Tell legislators about:
- the amazing accomplishments of your students and staff;
- programming and opportunities you provide that produce high standards for all students;
- what your district has done throughout the pandemic to meet the educational, social and emotional, and physical needs of your students.
Invite these House members to visit your school to see these practices in place.
Thank you for your advocacy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sponsors of HB 290:
Co-sponsors of HB 290:
- Rep. Adam Bird, rep66@ohiohouse.gov, 614.644.6034
- Rep. Thomas Brinkman, rep27@ohiohouse.gov, 614.644.6886
- Rep. Gary Click, rep88@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.1374
- Rep. Bill Dean, rep74@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.1470
- Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, rep99@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.1405
- Rep. Jennifer Gross, rep52@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.8550
- Rep. Kris Jordan, rep67@ohiohouse.gov, 614.644.6711
- Rep. Darrell Kick, rep70@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.2994
- Rep. Kyle Koehler, rep79@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.2038
- Rep. Derek Merrin, derek.merrin@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.1731
- Rep. Jena Powell, jena.powell@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.8114
- Rep. Craig Riedel, rep82@ohiohouse.gov, 614.644.5091
- Rep. Jen Schmidt, rep65@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.8134
- Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus, rep50@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.9078
- Rep. Scott Wiggam, rep01@ohiohouse.gov, 614.466.1474
- Rep. Paul Zeltwanger, rep54@ohiohouse.gov, 614.644.6027
Important Resources
Legislator Contact Lookup Resources: