Thousands of teachers, firefighters, police officers, students, community members and other public service workers from across Ohio have united today at the Statehouse to express opposition to the Republican-led attempt to weaken the middle class, and instead ask lawmakers to focus on creating good jobs.

At issue is Senate Bill 5, which would eliminate collective bargaining rights and salary schedules for public workers. They are joined by thousands of private sector union members, including UAW members, steel workers, building and construction trades members and others.

Unfortunately Republican legislators have silenced the voices of the Ohioans they were elected to represent. Testimony before the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee today has been limited to those who met a deadline that was never publicized.  And while thousands are still standing outside in peaceful protest, only 1,200 have been allowed access to the Statehouse. Senate Democrats have filed a court order to the Republicans to open the hearing.

The actions are viewed as an effort to silence the voice of working families and push through legislation without having a fair and open debate.