7.7 Who Influences Legislation in Ohio?

In Ohio, the policymaking process involves several key actors, each playing a role in shaping legislation. Some have formal roles (e.g., legislators and staff); others wield informal influence over the process (e.g., the press and special interests):

• Legislators – Ohio’s lawmakers include members of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. They are the official actors who introduce, debate, and vote on bills.

• An Unengaged Public – Many Ohio citizens pay little attention to legislative activities, but legislators must consider which bills and votes might draw attention from their constituents, especially when elections are approaching. You might be here.

• Staff – Each Ohio legislator, as well as legislative committees, employs staff members who assist with researching legislative proposals, addressing constituent requests, performing administrative tasks, and generally supporting the legislative process.

• State Bureaucracy – Ohio’s state agencies provide crucial information and support to legislators.

• The Executive – The governor of Ohio can sign bills into law, veto them, or allow them to become law without a signature.

• The Press – Media coverage can impact the legislative process by shaping public perception and influencing the trajectory of bills.

• Special Interests – Interest groups, or lobbies, consist of organized individuals who aim to influence public policy. Lobbyists represent these groups and work to sway legislators in favor of their interests. A lobbyist is an individual who seeks to influence lawmakers and government officials on specific legislation or policy decisions, often representing the interests of a particular organization, industry, or advocacy group.

• Big Donors – Wealthy individuals and organizations can influence state law by making substantial financial contributions to political campaigns. These donations can provide greater access to lawmakers and help shape policy priorities.

• Policy Think Tanks – Policy think tanks in Ohio, such as the Buckeye Institute and Policy Matters Ohio, influence public policy by conducting research, providing analysis, and advocating for specific policy positions. The Buckeye Institute focuses on free-market solutions and limited government, while Policy Matters Ohio emphasizes economic equity and social justice. These think tanks provide policymakers with data, reports, and recommendations that shape state policy debates.

• Local Governments – Local governments in Ohio, including city councils and county boards, can influence state legislation by advocating for laws and policies that benefit their communities. They often work closely with state legislators to address local issues.

• The Courts – Courts can shape state law through their interpretations and rulings. This can result in courts invalidating existing laws, creating new legal standards, or compelling the legislature to address issues through new legislation.
  • For example, courts might strike down laws they find unconstitutional or not in alignment with contemporary values, effectively creating new legal precedents. These decisions can lead to significant changes in public policy and often prompt legislative action to address the issues raised by the courts. While courts cannot directly force the legislature to pass specific laws, their rulings can create legal and political pressure that encourages legislative action.

By understanding the roles of these various actors, one gains insight into the complexities of the legislative process and the multitude of influences that shape state law in Ohio.