The Ohio "Founding of America" Bill

Awaiting debate in the Ohio State House's Education Committee is the "Founding of America" bill (HB-461). This bill was crafted by the Ohio Conservative Coalition and Gerry Poulos. Gerry served as the Ohio State Coordinator in the 2000 Presidential campaign of Ambassador Alan Keyes. Inspired by the success of the Declaration Alliance in making "Celebrate Freedom Week" in Texas a reality, OhioCC has forged ahead to make the introduction of this bill a priority. This legislation, if enacted, would establish a requirement in the Ohio Revised Code that Ohio's high school students must study the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill or Rights, in their 18th century context, as a requirement for graduation, and as part of newly-established courses in American History and American Government.

As of the week of March 25th, this bill has 18 co-sponsors and as many as 20 national and state organizations pledging, not only their support, but their willingness to lobby on behalf of the bill. Among the list of supporters are: Family Research Council, Heritage Foundation, American Conservative Union, and the Christian Coalition of Ohio.

Declaration Alliance has pledged its support for this effort, and as in Texas, we are confident that we will effect the passage of the bill in committee and gain the necessary support for its passage by the Ohio House of Representatives.