While the need for SB5, or something quite close to it, seems to be a necessary component of getting Ohio back on track, the way it was passed in the Senate is no cause for celebration.
According to reports, Republicans on two committees had to be replaced to assure the bill got to the floor. How different is this from the Democrats who have left their states to prevent a vote on a bill they don’t like? Not very.
And let’s face it, this has moved quickly. That wouldn’t be a bad thing if it was relative minor legislation. However, since it’s a substantial change in a decades-old law and 475 pages long with a 99-page amendment, it’s been too fast. How different is this from the way the Democrat-controlled Congress pushed through Obamacare? Not very.
If you don’t have the guts to let the chips fall where they may on a vote, and if you fear letting legislation be examined thoroughly, at the least you diminish the perception of the legislation. At the worst, you essentially admit that the legislation is not ready for prime time.
Looks like some things will never change.
