Some Democrats in the Ohio Legislature are sponsoring a bill that they say would provide more protections to whistleblowers.
State Rep. Jack Cera is a sponsor of a new bill that would provide more protections to people who report wrongdoing involving taxpayer funds.
“No one should be silenced for fear of losing their job, be demoted or intimidated,” Cera said. “And these reforms we are putting forth today will make sure that no one will have to second guess doing the right thing.”
The bill would simplify the reporting process for whistleblowers, would provide broader coverage of the types of reports that may be covered and provide more protection against retaliation.
In a press release, state Rep. Kathleen Clyde connected the bill to the ECOT scandal. In April, a former employee of the now-closed online charter school said officials deliberately manipulated student data in order to game state funding.
Sponsors say they want bipartisan support for the bill and are willing to make changes in order to win support from majority Republican lawmakers.