Four Powers on the Chopping Block
by Paul Jacob, Contributing Author: A group of Ohio citizens isn't leaving the maintenance of ethical standards in government to the politicians. Smart. Forming a political committee, "Ethics First-You Decide Ohio," the group filed an initiative to amend the state constitution unsurprisingly called, "Ethics First."
What does the ballot measure do?
"Ethics proposal would cut state lawmaker's pay and power," said the segment on Cleveland's NBC affiliate, WKYC-TV 3.
The initiative limits base pay for the state's part-time legislators to the median household income of full-time Ohioans. Because Ohio is one of only six states in which legislators pay themselves more than median household income, the measure, if in effect today, would mandate cutting legislators' base pay from $60,584 annually to $49,644.
"The purpose is not to cut their pay," explained spokesman Jack Boyle. "The purpose is to make their pay related to what happens to all of us in Ohio. If we're doing well, their pay will go up. If not, it will go down."
What legislative "power" will be cut?
The amendment takes away four powers:
How would you vote: Yes or No?
This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.
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Paul Jacobs is author of Common Sense which provides daily commentary about the issues impacting America and about the citizens who are doing something about them. He is also President of the Liberty Initiative Fund (LIFe) as well as Citizens in Charge Foundation. Jacobs is a contributing author on the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Paul Jacob, Common Sense, Ohio, powers, chopping block To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
What does the ballot measure do?
"Ethics proposal would cut state lawmaker's pay and power," said the segment on Cleveland's NBC affiliate, WKYC-TV 3.
The initiative limits base pay for the state's part-time legislators to the median household income of full-time Ohioans. Because Ohio is one of only six states in which legislators pay themselves more than median household income, the measure, if in effect today, would mandate cutting legislators' base pay from $60,584 annually to $49,644.
"The purpose is not to cut their pay," explained spokesman Jack Boyle. "The purpose is to make their pay related to what happens to all of us in Ohio. If we're doing well, their pay will go up. If not, it will go down."
What legislative "power" will be cut?
The amendment takes away four powers:
- The power of legislators to exempt themselves from laws and taxes other Ohioans must follow and pay,
- The currently unlimited power of legislators to raise their own pay,
- The power to be a paid lobbyist before the legislature within two years of leaving office as a state legislator, and
- The power of legislators to destroy legislative records, including electronic records, within four years.
How would you vote: Yes or No?
This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.
-----------------
Paul Jacobs is author of Common Sense which provides daily commentary about the issues impacting America and about the citizens who are doing something about them. He is also President of the Liberty Initiative Fund (LIFe) as well as Citizens in Charge Foundation. Jacobs is a contributing author on the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Paul Jacob, Common Sense, Ohio, powers, chopping block To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
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