Issue 1 Bad for Business
NFIB, the voice of small business in Ohio, has announced our opposition to State Issue 1, the Drug and Criminal Justice Policies Initiative.
NFIB is the voice of small business in Ohio because our positions originate with our member ballot. After surveying the Ohio membership, it was clear that entrepreneurs were strongly opposed to Issue 1. Following the ballot, NFIB’s state Leadership Council in Ohio heard arguments for the initiative from both the proponent and opponent sides, and after discussion voted to oppose the issue formally.
“Issue 1 has the potential to significantly damage Ohio’s job development efforts, impacting our state’s economy. A constant theme heard from Ohio employers is they cannot find workers who can pass drug tests to fill vacancies. Issue 1 will further exacerbate this situation,” said Roger Geiger, vice president and executive director for NFIB in Ohio.
If Issue 1 passes, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor sees Ohio ending up with some of the most lenient drug crime laws in the nation, making our state a magnet for substance abuse activity as there will be very little criminal justice consequence to engaging in such behavior. Issue 1 poses a significant risk to community safety which plays a huge role in the success of Ohio’s small businesses.
Geiger continued, “Issue 1’s passage places it in the Ohio Constitution where it can be changed only through another lengthy process and vote of the electorate. We are a representative democracy and issues such as this belong in the state legislature where they can be debated, amended, and receive the necessary input from fellow Ohioans.”
Most NFIB members have strong ‘drug-free workplace’ policies. Passage of Issue 1 makes these policies less effective and dilutes the message to employees that drugs do not belong in the workplace.
“The membership of NFIB believes Ohio does not need outside interests telling our citizens what belongs in our Constitution and hurting our state’s economy. NFIB strongly urges a no vote on Issue 1,” Geiger concluded.
More information on Issue 1 can be found here: https://votenoprotectohio.com/
