When people say they hate politics, they usually can’t tell you why. So, as a public service, the editorial board will explain it with a real-life example.
This is the story of House Bill 568.
While this particular bill doesn’t affect most Ohioans, the moral of the story is still troubling.
The bill is simple. There’s some math, but it’s easy to follow. On private construction jobs worth more than $1 million, it would cap what’s known as “retainage” at 5%. That’s the money owners hold back until the job is done. Right now there’s no limit, so contractors who finish their work can wait months to get paid.
Last winter, the parade of supporters for HB 568 was long: the Ohio Chamber, the Ohio Business Roundtable, and just about every contractor group in the state. Not one person testified against it. That’s called unanimous. Hands were shaken. Somebody bought a round and toasted good government.
The bill’s last hearing was Feb. 17. Then nothing. For eight months.
Usually, a bill with that much support becomes a brand-new law. This one is a document waiting to be executed (and not in a good way).
There’s a name for this: Old Yellering a bill. Apparently, sometime after Feb. 17, HB 568 caught a case of political rabies. We’re told most of the Old Yellering happens in the Speaker’s office. Leadership can be a lonely job, so it’s usually Mr. Speaker who is forced to raise his legislative double-barrel, look HB 568 right between its dotted i’s and crossed t’s and pull the trigger.
Sad, but it’s for the best ... unless you’re a contractor who just wants to get paid on time.
The General Assembly ends Dec. 31, and after next week’s election, it’s lame-duck season. Bills that don’t move by then die a quiet death, out of the public eye.
Plenty of popular bills are put to bed feeling safe and secure. But then, on the next General Assembly morning, they wake up lying next to a lame duck in the early stages of caucus rigor mortis. It’s “The Godfather,” only with poultry instead of a horse.
So the next time someone says they hate politics, now you know why.
This editorial reflects the views of The Pennant Editorial Board. Questions or comments are welcome at [email protected].