Yesterday, the Ohio legislature got back to business with the start of “lame duck”—a time when some legislators return to finish their terms before their successors begin the 131st General Assembly in January. Despite the rap lame duck sessions have as unpredictable, we still are pursuing critical legislative priorities before the end of this session:
Institute Municipal Tax Uniformity: Pass House Bill 5
Ohio’s current municipal income tax system is one of the most complicated in the country. The lack of uniformity costs businesses and harms Ohio’s economic competitiveness. Ohio needs to establish one set of rules and regulations that apply to all of the nearly 600 cities that impose business and individual income taxes to make it easier to do business in Ohio. Take action now and contact your senator to urge them to vote yes on House Bill 5.
Bring Transparency to State Contingency Fee Counsel Arrangements: Pass House Bill 238 or Senate Bill 344
State attorneys general across the nation are utilizing a new litigation model: teaming up with personal injury lawyers to sue businesses. To protect taxpayer money and fight against potential abuses stemming from this practice, Ohio needs more transparency and accountability. House Bill 238 and Senate Bill 344 subject contingency fees awarded to outside attorneys to tiered limits and ensure state attorneys retain ultimate control of the litigation and make the major decisions. These reforms will make it less likely that this sort of litigation will damage the reputation of Ohio’s legal environment while ensuring maximum benefit to taxpayers.
Stop More Health Care Mandates
Health care mandates contribute to rising employer health care premiums and stifle innovation and flexibility in health care plan design. Unfortunately, legislation that contains additional health care mandates may get consideration. Lawmakers need to look beyond politically expedient solutions and consider the true consequences of mandates for health care providers.
There are just 15 legislative business days scheduled before the end of the year – not many, but enough to address some important matters that will make Ohio a better place to do business and keep our state moving in the right direction.