Healthy Families Act would burden businesses

Over the past several months, a coalition of labor and social service organizations has canvassed the country, working to rally support for a proposal called the "Healthy Families Act". This initiative would require businesses to grant their employees a certain number of paid sick days each year.

In Ohio, which is one of several states in which the scheme is being promoted, the issue has been at the heart of much discussion and debate, and I have received dozens of letters from constituents in the 1st Senate District and other areas of the state, who have voiced their support or opposition.

In December 2007, backers of the Healthy Families Act wrapped up a campaign in communities across Ohio to collect signatures from enough registered voters to put an initiative before the General Assembly that would mandate Ohio businesses with 25 or more employees provide at least seven paid sick days a year.

Part-time employees could earn a prorated number of sick days based on the number of hours they work. The legislature has until May 8th to approve the measure. If it does not pass, the coalition could circulate another round of petitions to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

Those in favor of the proposal argue that a lack of mandatory paid sick days forces millions of Ohio workers to make the difficult decision between collecting a full paycheck and staying home to take care of themselves or their ill children. Supporters cite stories of parents who have lost income because their sick days wouldn't cover a trip to the hospital for their child. Others talk about friends or coworkers who choose to come to work sick because they do not have paid leave, putting fellow employees at risk of infection.

While these poignant arguments are compelling, the General Assembly's role is to consider all the possible ramifications of a proposal, including its long-term impact on our economy and communities. The Healthy Families Act is one of these emotional issues that may appear like a good idea on the surface but, in reality, would do more harm than good to our state.

As your state senator, I have placed my highest priority on improving Ohio's economy and job climate. Ohio must be prepared to compete with other states and nations around the world. The need for this focus could not be clearer as our economy faces troubling times.

More mandates, without any measurable benefit, that make Ohio a less attractive place to grow a business must be rejected. Passing a bill that would put more restrictions on Ohio businesses would hinder growth and threaten the strength of Ohio's economic future.

I have heard from several business owners who have expressed tremendous concern with the Ohio Healthy Families Act. Many companies are already struggling to survive, while others may be on the verge of investing in a new facility or hiring new employees.

Government-mandated paid sick days could stall these important development projects or force struggling businesses to make cuts in staff or reduce non-mandated benefits like health care and vacation. Ultimately, the impact on workers could be less flexibility and less benefits.

While I sympathize with the stories told by supporters of the sick day proposal, I am also committed to furthering policies that will produce jobs in our communities and lead to economic development projects across Ohio. Therefore, I oppose the Ohio Healthy Families Act. It is an unnecessary government mandate that would cost Ohio jobs and opportunity.

I encourage all residents of the 1st Senate District to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns, or if you need assistance working with a state government agency. You can write me, Senator Steve Buehrer, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, or contact me by phone at (614) 466-8150. In addition, I can be reached by email at SD01@mailr.sen.state.oh.us.