Rep. Joyce Beatty Addresses Legislative Priorities at Columbus Metropolitan Club Forum

COLUMBUS, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, who has represented Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District since 2013, headlined a special forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club (CMC) on Wednesday. The discussion, moderated by Karen Kasler, chief of the Statehouse News Bureau, provided an in-depth analysis of federal politics and legislative priorities.

The event, presented by The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation and live-streamed in partnership with The Columbus Dispatch, drew a standing ovation for Beatty. Attendees praised her decades of public service, which she humorously noted began at birth.

Addressing Legislative Challenges

Throughout the discussion, Beatty addressed the current political climate in Washington, emphasizing the role of Democrats in combating what she described as “chaos and confusion” within communities. “We are in a critical time, not only in our community but across this amazing America that we live in,” she said.

Responding to concerns about tangible action beyond speeches and rallies, Beatty detailed her outreach efforts, including a recent telephone town hall where she and fellow legislators reached tens of thousands of constituents. “We had some 24,000 people streaming it, and 8,400 people stayed on for most of the event,” she said, highlighting the importance of direct communication.

She also stressed the necessity of engaging audiences beyond traditional media. “We’re reaching people where they are—on Instagram, X, TikTok, and other platforms—because that’s where the conversations are happening,” Beatty explained.

Fighting for Healthcare and Education

In the midst of a volatile political climate, Beatty shared deeply personal reflections on the state of current issues, particularly the proposed cuts to healthcare funding and public education. “When you start talking about slashing healthcare, when you start talking about taking away funds to the tune of $800 billion—when you talk about dismantling our public educational system—it becomes very personal,” she said, drawing from her own experiences as a product of public schools and state-supported universities.

With her signature unapologetic stance, Beatty recounted her history of fighting for voting rights, including her own arrest in support of these efforts. She described the pivotal role that standing in solidarity with mistreated communities had played in her career, including her protests against unfair treatment of public employees. “It’s not about me; it’s about those people who were fired and laid off without notice, lied to for months. When they went over to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, they found $21 billion owed to people like the ones in this room,” she said.

Taking on Political Adversaries

Beatty did not hold back in discussing the challenges posed by political opponents, particularly former President Donald Trump. “We don’t want to be performative and theatrical only, but we do know it grits at Donald Trump,” she said. “We do know that he can’t take the same game he puts out there.”

She explained that legislative and legal action were both on the table. “One of the things that we’re trying to do is litigate and legislate as much as we can,” she said. “Whether it is looking at impeachment, whether it is the Strike Team, whether it is the media team—we are saying to them we are not afraid. And I’ve used those words: we’re coming after you.”

Her remarks highlighted the personal risks she faces due to her outspoken stance. “Nobody from the administration should be calling little old Joyce B back, but they have several of us as members on their list. That’s a good sign,” she said, acknowledging the heightened security presence around her. “My staff thinks it’s a bad sign because I have to have so much security in big public places, and they come to my home. But it works.”

Beatty also noted efforts to challenge tech billionaire Elon Musk in a strategic move to disrupt Trump’s influence. “Right now, we’re going after Elon Musk to make sure that upsets Donald Trump,” she said.

Mobilizing Voters and Pressuring Leaders

Addressing audience concerns about engaging with political leaders, Beatty encouraged Ohioans to pressure elected officials, particularly newer senators. “You call them and say, ‘Hey, look, John Houston, you’re not even in your own term, you’re fulfilling a term. You need to be really strong with them,’” she said.

She emphasized that grassroots activism remains a critical tool for advocacy. “You email them, you call them, you protest them. They have offices in Ohio. You send them letters with big markers—big red—that say we are not standing for this,” she said. “You do things to get their attention.”

Advocating for Disability Rights

A powerful moment came when an audience member raised concerns about the political participation of individuals with disabilities. Beatty recognized the activism of disability rights advocates, who have consistently made their presence known in Congress. “They have been fearless. They have come into the House chambers in wheelchairs, on crutches, and everything else and refused to leave,” she said.

She called on all Americans to support those with disabilities, saying, “It is unfair if you come after me because I’m a female, over 40, or a Black American. But when you come after people with disabilities and our veterans, everybody in this room ought to be writing a letter for his father.”

Beatty urged consistent action. “Every organization you work for is in jeopardy if these policies move forward,” she warned. “It’s not a partisan letter—it’s a survival letter. Everybody ought to be writing a letter to our two senators every day. Write it in red for anger, in blue for justice, in black for power, and in green because they’re messing with our economy.”

Closing Remarks

In her closing statement, Beatty invoked the famous Holocaust-era poem by Martin Niemöller. “First they came for the Socialists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the federal jobs, Medicare, Medicaid, and mortgage holders, and there was no one left to speak for me,” she recited.

She left the audience with a final call to action. “I hope you found today’s forum has made you ready to activate—ready to make a call, write a letter, stand up, speak up, legislate up, and don’t give up.”

The Columbus Metropolitan Club continues to host weekly forums addressing pressing local and national issues, fostering civic dialogue across the region.