In the April edition of Gender on the Ballot, a newsletter from American University’s Women and Politics Institute, our Research and Advocacy Manager, Maddie McClung, shares our latest research about women running for office. She talks about how having more women in office helps all of us build wealth.
Click here to read Electing More Women Helps All Of Us Build Wealth (And Vice Versa)!
Our latest research report focuses on the resources and tools women need to thrive and build wealth in Central Ohio. Women’s Fund President and CEO, Kelley Griesmer sat down with Amy Juravich for WOSU’s All Sides program to discuss what our latest report tells us about what women need to achieve economic freedom. In the second half of the program, Kelley was joined by Keena Smith, CEO of the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, to talk about how we can work together to remove barriers to wealth building in Central Ohio.
Our President and CEO, Kelley Griesmer sat down with NBC4 reporter Cierra Johnson to talk about our latest research report. Kelley highlights the importance of having comprehensive data that reflects the lived experiences of Central Ohio women and discusses the key findings from our report.
Columbus Dispatch reporter Danae King sat down with our President and CEO, Kelley Griesmer, and our Research and Advocacy Manager, Maddie McClung, to talk about our latest research findings, how we can help women build wealth, and what women need to thrive in Central Ohio.
Dear Friend,
The leaves and the seasons may change, but you can count on The Women’s Fund to continue advocating for women and girls as we head into fall! Keep reading to learn more about our work on paid leave, the Citizens Not Politicians Campaign, and important policies to know about in Ohio and beyond.
Creating social change takes all of us. Your continued support and commitment will change the lives of Ohio women and girls for the better.
In Solidarity,
Maddie McClung, Research & Advocacy Manager
Earlier this month, we teamed up with The Women’s Fund of Cincinnati and Collaborate Cleveland to host a Paid Leave Policy Institute! 40+ organizations gathered to discuss research, policy, coalition building, and next steps for expanding this critical policy in Ohio.
Whether it’s becoming a new parent, providing care to a loved one, or taking care of your own medical needs, paid leave ensures that you can access the time and resources you need. When women and their families have access to paid leave, it’s better for families, businesses, and our economy.
Vote YES on Issue 1 to end gerrymandering and put power back into the hands of Ohioans
Issue 1 bans lobbyists and politicians from the redistricting process and establishes the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, empowering citizens to draw fair districts using an open and transparent process. Issue 1 would ensure that voters, especially women and other marginalized people, have the power to elect representatives who reflect their values and implement the policies that Ohioans support. Click here to learn more about the campaign and get involved.
Vote YES on the COTA levy to support accessible public transit in Central Ohio
Ensuring Central Ohio women can move around the region safely and easily is essential to closing the gender wealth gap and achieving gender equity. This levy will create a dedicated funding stream for expanded, modernized public transit as well as hundreds of miles of sidewalks, bikeways, and pathways throughout our region.
The levy would generate the public funding portion of the revenue to begin the LinkUS Initiative, an extensive transportation plan to address growth, affordability, sustainability, and opportunity in Central Ohio. The LinkUS plan was created through a partnership between COTA, the City of Columbus, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Learn more about the levy here.
10/7 Deadline to register to vote in Ohio
10/8 Early voting begins in Ohio. Absentee ballots start going out to voters who requested them.
10/29 Deadline to request absentee ballots in Ohio
11/4 Absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date to be counted by poll workers
11/5 Election Day! This is also the last day you can hand-deliver your absentee ballots to the Board of Elections.
Polling places are open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm on Election Day. If you are in line at 7:30 pm, stay in line to vote!
To learn more about the upcoming election and what will appear on your ballot, visit the 2024 Ohio Election Hub created by our friends at Innovation Ohio.
Columbus City Council approved $4 million for the Central Ohio Community Land Trust, in an effort to create more affordable housing. Affordable housing is critical for women, especially women of color who are often the ones most impacted by rising housing costs.
The 24-hour waiting period, ban on certain medical providers prescribing abortion pills, and ban on telemedicine for abortion medication are all examples of “trap laws” that restrict the reproductive freedom of Ohioans. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of partners like Planned Parenthood, these pre-existing laws have now been blocked by the courts because abortion rights are now enshrined in the Ohio constitution.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Biden Administration announced more than $690 million in grant funding to support survivors of gender-based violence.
Liza Colon Zayas is the first Latina to win the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Anna Sawai is the first actress of Asian descent to win Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
You’re Wrong About Podcast: The Jane Collective, with Moira Donegan
Don’t miss the new Citizens Not Politicians ad in support of Issue 1!
Dear Friend,
It’s summer in Ohio, but the heat isn’t slowing us down! The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is advocating for women in our region in fresh and exciting ways as we head into June.
In the second edition of our advocacy newsletter, you can learn more about the work we’ve been doing to help women in Central Ohio thrive, read more about the ballot initiatives we are excited to support ahead of the November election, and catch up on the current state of policy and legislation in Ohio.
Creating social change takes all of us. We are so grateful for your continued support and commitment. Together, we will change the lives of women and girls for the better.
With solidarity,
Maddie McClung, Research & Advocacy Manager
We were thrilled to have four partners attend our Advocacy Village pre-party to kick off our Keyholder event on April 25th! Policy Matters Ohio, RISE Together Innovation Institute, YWCA Columbus, and Groundwork Ohio shared important information about their work for Ohio women and families with Keyholder attendees.
Maddie McClung, our Research and Advocacy Manager, and Monique Kamara, our Programs and Administrative Associate, hosted a conversation on financial empowerment and caregiving as a part of the YWCA’s Racial Justice Challenge on May 10th. They spoke with advocates from across the city about gender and financial education; the impact of systemic racism and sexism on wealth; and the barriers women, particularly women of color, still face in reaching a place of financial thriving.
It’s time to return power to the people of Ohio! We are endorsing the ballot initiative called the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission Amendment because unfair districts have negatively impacted Ohio women for too long.
This November, Ohioans may vote on this anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative that would create an independent commission to draw fair legislative maps. Previous maps have been deemed unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court, and the current maps are still seen as unconstitutional by those supporting this initiative.
If the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission Amendment makes it onto the ballot in November and passes, it would create a 15-member, citizen-led redistricting commission that consists of five Republicans, five Democrats, and five Independents. The amendment ensures that voters, especially women and other marginalized people, have the power to elect representatives who reflect their values and implement the policies that most Ohioans support. Putting political power back into the hands of Ohio citizens is a positive step towards ensuring Ohio women can get what they need to thrive.
Ohio women deserve a living wage. We are excited to endorse the ballot initiative called the Ohio Minimum Wage Increase ahead of the November election.
We know that women, especially women of color, make up a disproportionate number of low-wage workers. The gender pay gap and the gender wealth gap are exacerbated by outdated minimum wage laws that haven’t kept up with inflation. In Ohio, tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers earn just $5.25 an hour, which means they have an annual salary of $10,920. Additionally, workers often cannot rely on tips to raise their wages enough to cover the costs of necessities like housing, transportation, healthcare, and childcare. Ohio women and their families deserve a wage that allows them to meet their basic needs, save for retirement, pay off debt, and have a good quality of life.
If the Ohio Minimum Wage Increase Initiative is on the ballot in November and passes, it would instate a $15 minimum wage for all workers in Ohio. It would also end the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers, bringing their hourly wage to $15 an hour. The initiative takes an incremental approach that continues the process Ohio voters put in place in 2006. In 2025, the minimum wage would rise to $12.75/hour and in 2026, it would increase to the full $15/hour.
Closing the pay gap is critical to closing the wealth gap. When women are financially stable, their entire communities prosper. It’s time to pay Ohio women a living wage.
You can learn more about the proposed amendment and opportunities to get involved here.
Red: Legislation that could negatively impact women
Yellow: Legislation we are watching to determine impact
Green: Legislation that would positively impact women
Legislation Signed into Law:
House Bill 161 Green
Sponsored by Rep. Miranda and Rep. Hudson Hillyer
A bipartisan bill that eliminates the spousal rape exception that protected a married person from rape charges as long as there is no threat of force or violence. The Ohio House passed the bill in November, and the Ohio Senate passed the bill in April. Governor DeWine signed the bill into law on May 10th, 2024.
Bills Moving Through the Legislature:
House Bill 30 Green
Sponsored by Rep. Humphrey
The bill would require correctional facilities to supply feminine hygiene products to all inmates. With unanimous support in the Ohio House, the bill passed on May 22nd and has now been introduced in the Ohio Senate.
House Bill 114 Green
Sponsored by Rep. Humphrey and Rep. Seitz
A bipartisan bill that allows candidates running for office to pay certain childcare costs with campaign funds. The bill passed out of the Senate on May 8th, 2024. Next, the bill will go to Governor DeWine’s desk for a signature.
House Bill 178 Green
Sponsored by Rep. Brent and Rep. Callendar
The bipartisan House bill known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act would prohibit discrimination against an individual based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. The bill would also allow someone who alleges that a school has racially discriminated against them the ability to sue. On June 4th, the bill was voted out of the Ohio House Civil Justice Committee.
Legislation in Committee:
House Bill 245 Red
Sponsored by Rep. King and Rep. Williams
This bill would prevent drag performers from performing in places that aren’t designated as an adult entertainment facility in Ohio. The bill would contribute to the further criminalization and policing of LGBTQIA+ people in public spaces. On June 5th, the House Civil Justice Committee heard proponent testimony on the bill.
House Bill 580 Green
Sponsored by Rep. White and Rep. Ray
This bipartisan House bill would make foster caregivers and kinship caregivers eligible for publicly funded childcare in Ohio. The bill was referred to the House Finance Committee on May 21st.
House Concurrent Resolution 16 Green
Sponsored by Rep. Somani and Rep. Ray
House Concurrent Resolution 16 calls for investing in programming and support for perinatal mental health for Ohio women. The resolution received its second hearing in the Behavioral Health Committee on May 21st, 2024.
Councilmember Shayla Favor is sponsoring Ordinance 1079-2024, which will help build a new apartment building in downtown Columbus for low-income residents.
Columbus City Council began public hearings regarding the proposed new Zoning Code and map for the city of Columbus. The hearings are part of Council’s Zone In Initiative, which is a multi-phase effort to update the Zoning Code and map for the first time in 70 years. Hearings will continue until June 27th, 2024, and can be watched via live stream on the Council’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
On May 9th, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America amended their complaint in an existing lawsuit that challenges a law banning telehealth medication abortion services. The amended complaint argues that the law is unconstitutional because of the reproductive rights amendment passed by voters in November 2023. Enforcement of the law has been on hold since a temporary injunction went into effect in 2021.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a new NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Research on the Health of Women 2024-2028 to guide and inform NIH-supported research on the health of women.
Read: Amid lawsuits on Ohio abortion laws, researchers study impacts on care by Susan Tebben
Watch: Shonda Rhimes’ acclaimed Netflix show Bridgerton returned for its third season with Part One on May 16th and Part Two on June 13th. The show is known for featuring a diverse cast of characters in Regency-period England and this season is no exception. Irish actor Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls, Barbie, Big Mood) stars as the lead in Season Three.
Listen: The Money with Katie Show: The Truth About the Wage Gap Featuring Ellevest founder & CEO, Sallie Krawcheck
Us when people ask if women really want fair districts and equal pay ^
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio and The Center for Community Solutions will work together to shed light on Central Ohio women’s wealth barriers and advocate for policy change.
Columbus, OHIO — The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is excited to announce a groundbreaking research project in partnership with The Center for Community Solutions. JPMorgan Chase has invested the significant funding necessary to launch the effort with additional support provided by The Columbus Foundation and Huntington National Bank.
Driving this research is a major question: how does a lack of wealth and economic security impact the daily experiences and economic resiliency of Central Ohio women? All women, particularly women of color and other marginalized identities, face specific and intersecting gender, racial, educational, and socioeconomic barriers, among others. This research will discover the extent and impact of those barriers and highlight opportunities to invest in improving the economic state of women. The final report will inform advocacy and grantmaking efforts and drive social change through a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners.
“The fastest and most effective way to strengthen Central Ohio’s economy is to acknowledge women’s lived experiences and trust them to lead us in designing better systems where women not only survive, but thrive,” said Women’s Fund President and CEO Kelley Griesmer. “This research project will unearth data that vividly depicts the systemic barriers that women face and offer concrete, practical ways for replacing those barriers with equitable policies and investments that create true progress for women.
JPMorgan Chase’s substantial funding for this research project is part of its overall strategy to unlock economic growth for the entire region.
“This research investment will provide our community with a strong foundation to design and implement sustainable, effective solutions to the issues that women disproportionately face,” said Corrine Burger, Columbus location leader for JPMorgan Chase. “Women, especially women of color, are the backbone of our economy. This needed work will help strengthen Ohio communities and create a more inclusive economy for all.”
JPMorgan Chase is also advancing its work to support women through a $1.5 million systems-change investment in an equity design institute led by and for women of color, an initiative that embeds designing for equity into the core of Central Ohio’s economic development efforts. That separate investment is a collaborative effort led by Zora’s House, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, and CCAD in partnership with four additional organizations led by and serving women of color in the region: Affordable Housing Trust, Columbus Urban League, Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, and YWCA Columbus.
The Center for Community Solutions is excited to employ its deep expertise in data analysis and nonpartisan public policy development to support the research effort.
“We are thrilled at this opportunity to dig into data to uncover the stories of women’s economic challenges and tenacity. We will hear directly from women throughout Central Ohio on the financial choices they have made and the impact of those decisions on their financial stability. We expect our findings will have both policy and practical implications for women throughout the state,” said Emily Mutillo, the Director of Research and Williamson Family Fellow for Applied Research at The Center for Community Solutions.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is a nonprofit public foundation focused on gender equity. It creates social change through groundbreaking research, trust-based investments in women and girls, and intersectional advocacy.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.9 trillion in assets and $317 billion in stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2023. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
The Center for Community Solutions is a nonpartisan think tank with a mission to improve health, social, and economic conditions through nonpartisan research, policy analysis, communications, and advocacy.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio signed onto a letter of in support of the Central Ohio Transit Authority’s (COTA) request for funding under the Pilot Program for Transit Oriented Development (TOD).
Dear Secretary Buttigieg,
On behalf of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, I am writing in support of the Central Ohio Transit
Authority’s (COTA) request for funding under the Pilot Program for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
to conduct comprehensive capacity, economic, and market analysis as well as resource and policy
recommendations for the remaining transit stations along the West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
corridor.
The West Broad Street BRT corridor is the first rapid transit corridor that will be constructed as part of
the regional LinkUS partnership. LinkUS is Central Ohio’s comprehensive mobility initiative to help
address growth, affordability and opportunity gaps in our community. In 2022, LinkUS was awarded a
Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Grant from the Build America Bureau and the West Broad Street BRT
was accepted into the Small Starts FTA CIG program.
Central Ohio is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and is on track to increase by 726,000
more residents over the next 25 years. The average Central Ohio household spends more than $12,000
on transportation and the median home sale price is up 68% since 2020. More than 40,000 Franklin
County households lack access to a personal vehicle and 1/3 of Franklin County residents live in areas of
low opportunity. To address these challenges, LinkUS will build faster and more reliable public
transportation, create safer and expanded bike and pedestrian paths, and enable truly walkable
communities with more affordable access to work, home, and entertainment. Implementing LinkUS will
also advance numerous existing initiatives that are working to improve housing, poverty, safety, and
climate action in our community. By 2050, LinkUS plans to construct: 5 rapid transit corridors and
increase transit service hours by 45%; 500 new miles of sidewalks, bikeways, and trails; and $250 million
in complete streets roadway improvements. LinkUS will move our region forward, together.
The three LinkUS corridors in design will utilize bus rapid transit (BRT) and have dedicated lanes for
transit with premium stations in the center lane where possible. It will also run on 15 minutes or less
intervals and have many of the same amenities as light rail such as off board fare collection and level
and multidoor boarding.
COTA’s West Broad Street BRT Corridor includes 17 stations and will run approximately 9.3 miles along
West Broad Street connecting Prairie Township, Franklin Township, Hilltop, and Franklinton to
Downtown Columbus. This investment will greatly improve the opportunity gaps in our community.
One-third of the residents along the corridor live below the poverty level, 16% of households lack access to a personal vehicle, 36% are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color, and 76% of residents live within an
area of persistent poverty. Concurrently, the West Broad BRT is projected to connect residents to
100,000 jobs while adding 40,000 more residents by 2040. The corridor will also connect the workforce
to Columbus State Community College, a federally designated anchor institution for one of the nation’s
five regional Workforce Hubs announced this year.
The Pilot Program for TOD is essential to implementing the LinkUS Equitable Transit-Oriented
Development Action Plan that will build connected, walkable, and bikeable communities where the
existing residents benefit from new residential and commercial development and are not displaced by it.
The LinkUS ETOD strategy aims to preserve existing housing affordability, existing jobs and businesses,
and valued community resources and amenities. It will create new housing with an emphasis on
affordability, attracting new business investment, and job creation, and encourage new or enhanced
community resources and amenities. At the same time, ETOD will be inclusive in ensuring diversity in
housing options and price points, ensuring access to jobs, services and amenities for all residents.
The West Broad Street BRT is the first fixed guideway BRT project in Central Ohio and the additional
resources that the grant could provide would be a large step toward helping our community address the
challenges noted above. Columbus is concurrently seeking Capital Construction and Regional
Partnership Challenge Grants within the USDOT Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program for the
West Broad BRT.
The strong partnership of COTA, the City of Columbus, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and
Franklin County and the major impact that the West Broad BRT will make in our community perfectly
aligns with Pilot Program for TOD. Our organization wholeheartedly encourages USDOT to fund this
application and thank you for your consideration.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio signed onto a letter of opposition written by Equality Ohio regarding House Bill 68, which aims to ban gender-affirming care for youth and ban the participation of transgender students in sports. House Bill 68 has passed out of the Ohio House and will now receive hearings in the Ohio Senate.
The very essence of Ohio, our shared home, lies in the inclusivity and diversity of its residents. Our state has always been a home for the LGBTQIA+ community, and should be a sanctuary where every individual, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can live free from discrimination and fear of harassment, violence, or losing their existing legal rights.
Ohio Is Home, and no one should be forced to leave their home because of extreme laws that undermine their freedom and safety.
We, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio unite in strong opposition to House Bill 68 and any legislation that threatens to displace LGBTQIA+ Ohioans and their families. House Bill 68 (HB 68), which aims to ban gender-affirming care for youth and ban the participation of transgender students in sports, infringes on the rights and livelihood of our transgender and greater LGBTQIA+ community. The sudden movement of HB 68 through the Senate Government Oversight Committee in the final months of 2023 has increased the urgency of protecting Ohio families and speaking out.
The potential ramifications of this bill would be so severe that its passage would force families to leave the state to protect access to essential healthcare for their children. Of course, some without means won’t have the resources to leave and will be forced to live in a state without access to lifesaving medical care and in an increasingly hostile environment. This is not what we want the future of Ohio to look like. HB 68 is one of the most extreme anti-personal liberty bills in the nation.
We stand united in strong opposition to any legislation that forces Ohioans to choose between their homes and their fundamental rights.
Ohio voters know that we deserve bodily autonomy and reject government intrusion into personal and private medical decisions, but HB 68 would put politicians right back into our doctor’s offices.
We call on all elected officials to reject HB 68 and any legislation that fosters discrimination, division, and the forced displacement of our fellow Ohioans. Ohio is our home, and we’re united in protecting all Ohioans’ freedom and liberty.
For Immediate Release
October 5, 2023
Columbus, OH — On Wednesday, in the heart of Columbus, an art movement came to life,
transforming our urban landscape overnight. In a passionate collaboration between Catalyst
Columbus and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, artists, visionaries, activists, and
community enthusiasts embarked on a powerful mission to ignite conversations about
femininity, diversity, and empowerment through the vibrant medium of street art.
This visionary project, titled “Intersections,” revolves around the theme “what does femininity
mean to you?” Ten exceptionally talented artists were commissioned to channel their
creativity into unique artworks, each offering a personal interpretation of femininity. These
compelling narratives were then reproduced into over 250 posters, enlivening our city’s
visual tapestry.
During the remarkable overnight transformation, the dedicated collective descended upon
downtown Columbus and neighboring areas , embellishing urban canvases from Franklinton
to the Brewery District, Downtown to Olde Towne East. Armed with organic and
environmentally friendly “wheat paste,” these artists brought the posters to life, seamlessly
weaving them into the fabric of our city.
Intersections beckons commuters and passersby to seek out these vibrant artworks,
encouraging them to pause, reflect, and engage in a fresh exploration of femininity. This
collaborative project is designed to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and
celebrate the multifaceted nature of what it means to be feminine.
“Public art has the power to transcend boundaries and provoke dialogue,” said Mandi
Caskey, co-founder of Catalyst Columbus. “The Intersections project is an open invitation to
all artists to start making statements that lead important conversations in our community.”
“The Women’s Fund is proud to support this team of diverse artists in pushing for a new
conversation around what it means to be feminine in Central Ohio, said Kelley Griesmer,
President and CEO of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. “To make progress for women,
we must let go of harmful norms and stereotypes. Intersections offers new perspectives
that encourage us to change how we think about femininity, women, and gender.”
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