Campaign spending on Ohio’s Issue 2 could break state records, but a majority of Ohioans are unclear on exactly what the issue does.
According to a phone survey conducted by Cleveland’s 19 Action News, six out of 10 Ohioans don’t know much about Issue 2 despite more than $22 million in combined campaign contributions from both sides.
Issue 2, if passed, would require state agencies to pay the same amount of money for prescription drugs as the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to official ballot language.
According to Ballotpedia, the Department of Veteran Affairs currently pays 24 percent less than other government agencies.
Supporters of Issue 2 say it would save Ohio a substantial amount of money by reducing drug prices.
“Issue 2 changes Ohio law to ensure we pay the lowest known price for medicine,” states an official explanation of the support for Issue 2. “Ohioans would save $400 million, which would help fund schools, police departments, and cut taxes.”
Critics say the $400 million figure isn’t based on fact, and argue
“An Ohio budget director says the claim that the ballot issue would save $400 million annually is ‘simply false’ and based on an assumption that Ohio does not already receive substantial prescription discounts,” states an explanation of the opposition’s stance on the ballot.
Elections are on Nov. 7, and the deadline to register to vote in Ohio is Oct.10.
@leckronebennett
bl646915@ohio.edu
