We reported to you last week that the substitute state budget bill contained three provisions targeting faculty: one establishing a one-size-fits-all post-tenure review policy, another reducing sick leave for university employees by 1/3 and prohibiting institutions from offering more or agreeing to more in a CBA, and a new mandate for every faculty member who assigns textbooks to file an annual financial disclosure form with the state.

We would like to thank all of you who took the time to contact State

Representatives to express concerns over these provisions. Additionally, we are grateful to our president, John McNay, for delivering testimony to the House Finance Committee last Thursday and taking questions from legislators for nearly 45 minutes. 

Unfortunately, despite our efforts, the amended substitute bill (Am. Sub. HB 49) passed the House earlier today by a vote of 58-36 with the aforementioned provisions intact. 

Am. Sub. HB 49 now will move on to the Senate for deliberations, and we will refocus our efforts there on the real issues affecting quality, access, and affordability. The full Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to receive presentations from various departments over the next two weeks, and then subcommittee hearings will begin. 

OCAAUP will testify to the Senate Finance Higher Education Subcommittee when that opportunity presents itself. We will continue to meet individually with Senators to press for changes that will make genuine improvements in Ohio higher education. 

You can aid our efforts by sending a message to your State Senator through our Action Network page. We will keep providing updates and let you know of other ways that you can help. Please keep an eye on your e-mail over the next couple of months.