Vote 'No' on Issue 2

The proponents of the Drug Price Relief Act, known as Issue 2, say they are taking on the powerful drug companies for the benefit of all Ohioans.They say, if approved, Issue 2 could save the state of Ohio up to $400 million in drug expenses by requiring state agencies to pay no more for prescription drugs than what the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs pays.They say government retirees would be covered under such a plan.Sounds great, right? Even the name of the measure — Drug Price Relief Act — is enticing. Who doesn't want to pay less for prescription drugs?Well, the saying 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is' has never rang truer than with Issue 2.Despite proponents' claims, Issue 2 will do very little in terms of cutting drug prices for the majority of Ohioans. In fact, it could have a reverse effect as drug companies offset any price cuts by raising drug prices for workers covered by private company insurance plans, veterans and senior citizens relying on Medicare. Two-thirds of Ohioans could very well see their health care costs go up as the result of Issue 2.Another troubling fact in the fine details of Issue 2 is it would give petitioners a right to intervene in legal challenges, and Ohio taxpayers would have to pay for their legal costs. So if the state of Ohio opposed any aspect of the act at any time, taxpayers would be paying for the lawyers on both sides. That alone would be a bitter pill to swallow, potentially costing the state millions of dollars.An identical measure was proposed in the state of California — one of the most progressive states in the nation — and was soundly defeated, 53 percent to 47 percent last year with every major newspaper in the state in opposition.In addition, Issue 2 is opposed by more than 70 organizations in Ohio, including many medical providers, veterans groups and business and labor organizations.Count us among them. There are simply too many red flags with Issue 2, making it dangerous to Ohio's, and most taxpayers' wallets.Vote "No" on Issue 2.