· October 11, 2011

Ohio Chamber: Wrong on Issue 3

Today we read the Ohio Chamber’s newsletter, in which they endorse GOP-backed ballot Issues 1, 2 and 3. They explain their support for Issue 3 as follows:

A “Yes” vote would exempt Ohioans and Ohio businesses from costly elements of the federal overhaul, including the requirement that individuals or employers participate in a health care plan.

It seems the Chamber is badly misinformed. Issue 3 – an amendment to the Ohio constitution – will have no effect on the implementation of the federal healthcare law. As we discussed in our report on Issue 3, state law does not trump federal law, so at best, Issue 3 is irrelevant. In reality, as our report points out, it’s actually badly drafted and dangerous. And if the Chamber doesn’t believe two law professors who coauthored our report, they may want to consult with Ohio’s Republican Attorney General — whom they endorsed — who was quoted yesterday saying:

“If you have a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States that validates the Obama health-care law, I’m not sure how passage of this act would roll that back based on the Supremacy Clause.” (Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine, Toledo Blade, October 10, 2011)

Unfortunately, Issue 3 backers are spreading misinformation about the real consequences of the proposal. We urge you to read our report and get the facts.