In 2008, the votes cast by Ohioans once again had significant implications for the future of both our state and the nation. Perhaps the biggest news of the 2008 election, however, was the change in party control of the Ohio House of Representatives. For the first time since 1993-94, the Democrats are now the majority party.

While the withdrawal of the job-killing mandated paid sick leave proposal from the ballot in early September was a great relief, as it represented a massive and unwelcome intrusion into Ohio economic life that threatened employers and employees, voters still were asked to weigh in on five statewide ballot issues. In fact, the 2008 election marked the third time in the past four years that at least four state issues appeared on the ballot for voters to decide.

Will this trend of special interests seeking to utilize ballot issues to pursue their narrow, selfish public policy objectives continue? And what else might be in store politically for 2009 and beyond? That remains to be seen, but you can be sure that OhioBusinessVotes will once again be your most valuable source for information about all the candidates and issues.

Both employers and employees have a stake in educating themselves about the policies and political candidates that impact their company. Visit OhioBusinessVotes as the next election approaches to find everything you need to encourage effective political participation and to make an informed voting decision.