April 2012

State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio

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America, Land of the Free and Home of the Brave

Celebrating our history, securing our future
This year marks the 237th anniversary of our countrys independence from Great Britain. Families across America are growing eager for the chance to start up the grill, attend a parade, and join together to gaze at the beautiful displays of fireworks that light up the sky in an array of hues. July 4th is one of the few days where time ceases to move and our troubles are postponed for just one more day. Watching the community fireworks with many of you has always given me great pride and a sense of comradeship. I feel fortunate to live in a country that, while not perfect, strives to achieve equality and provide opportunities for all. There are many countries where political activists fear for their lives, where women are still treated as property and have no rights, where people have to go in hiding just to practice religion, and where civil wars have carried on for thousands of years. One such area is in regards to voter suppression. Recently, Secretary of State Jon Husted released a report claiming that Ohio had no cases of voter suppression last year. The Democratic Caucus conducted a study and had very different findings. Last year over 47,000 ballots were rejected, and volunteer attorneys took over 2,000 complaints on Election Day. While suppression is no longer occurring in the form of poll taxes or reading tests, I believe it is clear that suppression is still occurring. We have shown our findings to Secretary Husted, who still has done little to address these concerns. I will continue to raise awareness of this issue, and fight for the voice of those whose votes were rejected.

I also want to bring to your attention another injustice occurring in the form of individuals being denied drivers licenses in Ohio. Last year President Obama ordered that undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children can avoid deportation for up to two years by meeting criteria designed by the I am thankful our forefathers stood on Department of Homeland Security (DHS). the principles of life, liberty and the Under this order, immigrants are able to pursuit of happiness. Because of their guidance, the receive their drivers license, provided they meet strinAmerican Dream is more than a dream, it has begent criteria outlined by DHS. It appears that some come a reality for many. There is no doubt, however, BMVs are issuing licenses, while others are arbitrarily that there is still much work to be done. The truth is, turning down eligible applicants. Democrat-sponsored inequalities continue to exist in our society, and unless House Bill 155 was recently offered and would prevent we challenge these injustices, they will continue to per- discriminatory, arbitrary drivers license decisions. It meate our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and would ensure that a person who qualifies for the progovernment. gram be able to obtain a drivers license provided they have the necessary documents. As my term in office progresses, I remain devoted to upholding the Democratic principles that value individ- I urge you to stay abreast of these issues and consider uals and their families regardless of economic standjoining-in as a voice for those who are being opings. In this current General Assembly, there are some pressed. Lets use Independence Day as a time to celeareas for improvement that I am committed to help brate our beginnings, and look to the future for what change. we can improve on.