On Nov. 7, Ohioans will vote on the Ohioans against the Deceptive RX Ballot Issue, Issue 2.
Issue 2 requires the state to purchase prescription drugs at prices no greater than what the V.A. pays. Examples of the state entities which would be affected include Medicaid, state employees, and state departments providing health care. Issue 2 would not apply to anyone with Medicare or private insurance.
Issue 2 sounds good. The proponents say it will save Ohio taxpayers $400 million a year.
The opponents say the issue may raise drug prices for veterans, people with insurance, and the uninsured.
The Office of Budget and Management completed an analysis of the estimated expenditure of public funds with the passage of Issue 2.
The budget office reported it cannot estimate the change in expenditures and suggested Issue 2 may cause problems.
Issue 2 neither provides direction for the state to implement this mandate nor obligates drug manufacturers to change their pricing practices. Let’s not pass a law that “sounds good” but will do nothing but create confusion within the state and raise prices for all.
KAREN WEHMAN
Swanton
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Stop puppy mills across the state
In the coming months, volunteers will be circulating petitions to place “The Ohio Puppy Mill Prevention Amendment” on the November, 2018, ballot. Your signature will give the voters a chance to decide if Ohio will be off limits to puppy mills.
Puppy mills are notorious for producing sick puppies who are then sold for thousands of dollars in pet stores or through slick web sites that misrepresent the conditions the animals endure. Families then foot the bill to fix medical problems. Local shelters, the Humane Society of the U.S., and even Petland endorse the ballot measure. You can learn more at stopohiopuppymills.com.
WAYNE PACELLE
President and CEO, Humane Society of the United States
Gun lovers: Read the Constitution
I challenge the National Rifle Association, the U.S. Supreme Court, or anyone else to point out where in the Second Amendment it says that an individual American has the right to keep and bear arms — a militia of the people, yes, but an individual, no.
MARLAND SMITH
Dorr Street
First Published October 22, 2017, 12:15 p.m.
