Arcane Construction Law Blocks Ohio Budget Fix

Tying Improved construction law efficiencies to tax legislation would seem reasonable in a state budget balancing movement.  But it isn't working in Ohio.  Democratic Governor Ted Strickland wants to delay a scheduled individual income tax reduction to plug an $851billion hole in the biennial budget.  This gambit would generate nominal political fallout, as voters are not likely to view the proposed delay as a tax increase.  It would also blunt shortcomings that many see in Strickland administration performance.

But of course, some Republicans in the Buckeye state's Senate have their own agenda.  However, reforming a 132-year-old construction law seems like a rational cause under any circumstances.  Yes - it's political...  Republicans had been in full control for a dozen years, and never raise the issue when they were in the driver's seat.  But the existing law requires "multiple prime contracting" in public projects, meaning that general construction, electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning work must be assigned to separate contractors. 

No other state has such a requirement - Ohio stands alone.  Ohio State University President Gordon Gee - for one - desparately wants action on long overdue construction reform.  He maintains it could save hundreds of millions on construction projects - just for university projects!  If Gee's assertion is accurate, doesn't this look like the right thing to do?

Not surprisingly, though, various political interests throw a wrench into the works.  For example, reform could create disadvantages for minority contractors, who may not be sufficiently represented on the Construction Reform Panel.  Another concern lies with tying the budget fix to a reduction in non-violent prisoner sentences.  

No wonder it's so hard to get anything meaningful done! As usual, the taxpayers are left holding the bag...