2005 – Ohio Issue 3
Onto state issue #3 – this one is all about campaign financing, which has been a big topic nation-wide, much less just in Ohio. Which is probably what the backers are hoping to play on: promising Ohioans “campaign financing reform.” Well, that’s what we’d get – big changes in who can give what amount of money and how. The arguments for are almost as long as the actual wording of the ballot text! And, once again, it ends with the line ââ¬ÅRESTORE CONFIDENCE\\END CORRUPTION\\VOTE YESââ¬Â.
Since the actual wording contains a ton of legalese, the arguments against this article help to clear up the text:
* The proposed amendment would change how Ohio political campaigns are funded to benefit the wealthy and labor unions, to the disadvantage of all other Ohioans.
* The proposed amendment allows labor unions to funnel unlimited amounts of money into the political process through a new type of political organization that is deceptively labeled a ââ¬Åsmall donorââ¬Â action committee. In addition, there would be no obligation placed on labor unions to provide full disclosure regarding the source of this money, which could even be given people outside Ohio.
From the ballot text:
Permit labor unions, and other nonprofit unincorporated membership organizations, to contribute funds from regular membership dues paid by the organizationââ¬â¢s individual members to a small donor action committee. The small donor action committee is not required to report the names of individuals who contribute in this fashion.
So basically, labor unions can contribute on the behalf of its members (not new I guess), but the small donor PAC doesn’t have to report the names of these members. The union could donate money for EVERY member – essentially leaving it an unlimited fund source.
But, don’t take my word for it – go read about it, ask questions, and educate yourself!
