On May 1, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 33, the critical infrastructure bill that we support and designated a Key Vote. Passage came after significant opposition from environmental groups opposed to building the infrastructure necessary to a well-functioning economy.

Retailers, hospitals, schools, and homes all rely on electricity, safe drinking water, telecommunications networks and the efficient transportation of products that this infrastructure provides.

Ohio’s abundant natural resources, such as Lake Erie and the Ohio River, lead to ports and rail facilities that businesses rely on. The continued growth of Ohio’s economy depends on businesses being assured that capital investments in infrastructure in our state are safe from physical damage.

Deterring and punishing those who seek to tamper or destroy these, or any piece of critical infrastructure, is necessary to allow job growth to continue and to protect the communities and residents. Tampering with this infrastructure could lead to disruptions in the services and comforts that have come to define life in a modern economy.  

The bill now moves onto the House. The Ohio Chamber urges the House to quickly pass Senate Bill 33.