Ohio Considering Tenth Amendment Resolution

There is a growing understanding that the federal government has become too big, to demanding and exceeds the enumerated powers listed in the Constitution, and to that end, more and more states are reaffirming their sovereignty through resolutions based on the Tenth Amendment.

The main thrust of SCR 24 is “To reassert the principles of federalism found throughout the Constitution of the United States of America and embodied in the Tenth Amendment, to notify Congress to limit and end certain mandates, and to insist that federal legislation contravening the Tenth Amendment be prohibited or repealed.”

The bills primary sponsors Senators Obhof, Faber and cosponsors Senators Balderson, Burke, Daniels, Hite, Hughes, Jordan, LaRose, Patton, Schaffer, Seitz, Widener further declare that;

RESOLVED, That the State of Ohio hereby acknowledges and reaffirms its residuary and inviolable sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this resolution serves as notice to the federal government to end federal mandates that are beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That compulsory federal legislation that directs States to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalty or sanction or that requires States to enact legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed;…

While a resolution does not carry the force of law, it serves as a gateway to more aggressive state action against unconstitutional federal acts down the road. The general often leads to the specific. Passage of the Tenth Amendment Resolution would send a message to Washington D.C., and if supported by the citizens of Ohio, would likely embolden lawmakers in the state to support specific nullification bills in the future.

“Some people argue that these resolutions don’t really matter because they have no teeth. They don’t change anything from a practical standpoint. But we’ve seen a pattern since 2008. States pass these kinds of resolutions and it’s kind of like the proverbial gateway drug. It reminds state lawmakers that they do have not only the responsibility, but also the power, to interpose and stop the federal government from shoving unconstitutional acts down the peoples’ throats. While they certainly aren’t a cure-all, Tenth Amendment Resolutions serve an important function and send an important message. We’re glad to see the Ohio Senate take this up and we hope they get it passed,” Tenth Amendment Center communications director Mike Maharrey said.

To see the TAC Tenth Amendment Commission model legislation, click HERE.

Visit the TACs legislative tracking page HERE

ACTION ITEMS

If you live in Ohio – act NOW. Not tomorrow or next week. Today, not tomorrow – right now.

1. Visit the link below for contact information for your Senator:
http://www.ohiosenate.gov/

2. Click on your senator’s name and get their email address and TWO phone numbers – capitol and district offices.

3. CALL them. Best option – respectfully, yet firmly urge them to pass this bill. Let them know that you want them to stand up for the Constitution of the United States AND the Constitution of Ohio – they took an oath to both.

4. EMAIL them – even if call, you can still email too. Or just send them a firm but courteous email urging them to vote yes on this bill.

5. Do the same for the Governor’s office – (614) 466-3555
http://governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx

6. Report Back – when you get responses, let us know! We want people to be informed of what their delegates are saying and doing.