Banner

QUOLKE’S CORNER 3/3/11

 

I know that we were all disappointed with the vote of the Senate that took place yesterday.  Today is a new day and there is new hope.  There will be plenty of next steps and we will be calling on you all again.  Please see the Quolke's Corner below.  I have also attached a summary from our Attorney.  DQ
 
QUOLKE’S CORNER #87
SB 5 NEXT STEPS
 

Yesterday, we all learned that the State of Ohio Senatepassed Senate Bill 5 by only a one vote margin, 17-16. Today, I am asking that everyone take a collective deep breath. The information that follows will give you some hope and provide the breath that we all need.

 

Yes, it is likely that the version of SB 5 that is sent to the House will pass. Yes, CTU does encourage you to call your State Representative to share your concerns regarding this legislation. Your lawmaker needs to know how his/her constituents feel before this comes to vote. A legislator is supposed to be the voice of the people that he/she represents. Let your legislator know how you feel about this legislation. Michele Pomerantzand her outstanding Mobilization Team will be getting information to you regarding who the Ohio House Representatives are for areas in Northern Ohio.

 
If this legislation is passed in the House then it will be signed into law by Governor Kasich. However, (and here is where the deep breath comes in) a new law does not go into effect for 90 days. In these 90 days citizens can attempt to put a referendum on the ballot. According to most sources, referendum language will be developed by a coalition of SB 5 opponents to be taken to the ballot in November. In order to get this on the ballot, hundreds of thousands of signatures of registered voters from all 88 counties will be needed and then submitted to the Secretary of State. As I understand it, all of this will need to occur within the 90 day window, beginning when the Governor signs SB 5 (or a modified House version) into law.
 

This means that at the very least, SB 5 will not become law for another 90 days after Kasich signs it. It also means that if enough signatures are gathered to put a referendum on the ballot in November – SB 5 cannot become law while waiting for a vote in November. Then in November the citizens of Ohiowill have their say and a vote. They will vote to keep or reject SB 5. If they keep it, then it will become law. If they reject it, it will not become law. This puts the light back on at the end of the tunnel – not a light that is an oncoming train, but the light that can put the power back into the hands of the people.

 
Please continue to check your emails daily for updates. We will come to you to ask for help as we move forward.
 

In Union,

 
David
 
Additional Resources

Share This