1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concern about the recent changes in Ohio House rules that limit public participation in the legislative process. In a time when many constituents feel unheard and unrepresented, it is more important than ever to ensure that our legislative processes are transparent and that the public has the ability to engage meaningfully. A healthy democracy depends on open government and public participation. When the public is excluded from key moments in the legislative process, it undermines trust in our institutions and reduces accountability. Transparency allows citizens to understand proposed legislation, provide feedback, and participate in shaping the policies that affect their lives. I encourage you to advocate for measures that promote transparency and public involvement, such as ensuring that all legislative hearings are accessible to the public, providing clear summaries of bills, and offering opportunities for public testimony and engagement. We need a legislative process that invites participation from all Ohioans, not just a select few, so that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can ensure that Ohio’s legislative process is open, transparent, and inclusive of all voices.