Lawmakers push back against Dewine
COLUMBUS – Ohio lawmakers quickly passed legislation to curb Gov. Mike Dewine administration’s ability to close nonessential businesses during a pandemic.
Lawmakers in the Gop-controlled House passed House Bill 621, 75-11, on Wednesday. The bill would allow businesses ordered to close or limit operations to remain open if they observe the same safety precautions imposed on “essential” businesses.
“All business should be able to compete. All business should be able to be open,” said state Rep. Jon Cross, R-kenton. “We need our economy open.”
In March, Dewine closed many businesses to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, forcing people into unemployment and crippling certain businesses.
Dewine’s decision made winners and losers. Walmart was able to remain open while local retailers were not. Many small-business owners were frustrated they had to close their doors while others remained open.
Last week, Dewine threatened to close restaurants, bars and fitness centers if Ohio’s COVID-19 situation didn’t improve. Instead, he announced Tuesday that Ohioans would be under a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for three weeks.
The bill would need to pass the Senate and be signed by Dewine to take effect.
But Dewine said he would veto the bill, which would diminish public health in Ohio.
“This is a direct attack on public health. It’s a direct attack on the safety of the people in the state of Ohio,” DeWine told reporters. “It’s very, very sad.”
Speaker Bob Cupp, R-lima, said the goal was to protect small businesses that sell the same things as businesses permitted to remain open.
“Our members think it’s important to protect the small business and to allow them the same opportunity to remain open that large businesses do,” Cupp said. “I think it’s really good public policy.”
Republican lawmakers said they need to act quickly because Dewine is unpredictable.
“The rules are one thing today. They are going to be another thing next week,” said state Rep. George Lang, RWest Chester Township.
State Rep. Brigid Kelly, D-hyde Park, said “nobody has a perfect roadmap,” but Ohioans would not visit businesses if they feel unsafe.
“We need to strike a balance between having a healthy economy and keeping Ohioans healthy,” Kelly said.
Columbus Dispatch reporter Rick Rouan contributed.