Checks and Balances: Join us for this important Civics Essential virtual discussion

The Ohio Civics Essential event series will come to a close July 22 with its final panel “Checks and Balances” set to occur at noon.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer BrunnerOhio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner, and University of Cincinnati College of Law Professor A. Christopher Bryant will serve as panelists.

It’s an “all-star lineup of thought leaders across Ohio,” says Lucia Walinchus, who serves as executive director of Eye on Ohio, a nonpartisan and nonprofit news outlet focused on promoting public good and seeking solutions.

Walinchus is moderating the series, which she says has been great so far, but it’s the July 22 event that she’s most excited about. 

“We are going to tackle our biggest issue yet,” she says. “How exactly do we balance power?”

The one-hour panel will invite participants to engage and better understand how government works, as it explores the evolution of Senate Bill 22 which, per The Ohio Legislature, “establishes legislative oversight of certain orders and rules issued by the executive branch,” and creates the Ohio Health Oversight and Advisory Committee.

Chris Bryant, Rufus King Professor of Constitutional Law, UC College of Law"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join Ms. Walinchus and Justice Brunner in exploring the important and timely topic of the role that the separation of powers plays in preserving our most cherished freedoms," says Bryant.
 
Senator Matt Dolan, representing Cuyahoga County, supported the initial version of Senate Bill 22, yet ultimately broke party lines to vote against its March 24 passage. Previously scheduled to appear on this panel, Senator Dolan has unfortunately had a conflict arise on the day and time of our live event and will not be able to join this discussion. 

“The Internet and the coronavirus have re-shaped the way that we function as a society,” Walinchus says. “Discussing how we can have strong checks and balances while maintaining our public safety is such an important and timely topic.”

Previous panels have explored themes like “Your Power as a Citizen,” and “How Your Courts Work,” with specific events focused on offender reentry and the opioid crisis.

“Ohio Civics: Checks and Balances” is free and open to the public. It will be hosted via the digital platform hopin. Participants are invited to ask questions and contribute to the conversation if they’d like. Sign up here today.

Support for Ohio Civics Essential is provided by a strategic grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation to improve civics knowledge of Ohio adults.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Ohio State Bar Foundation.