COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine made it plain that he will veto a bill in the Statehouse restricting the authority of the state health department and director Dr. Amy Acton to issue directives closing schools and businesses and restricting the movement of Ohio residents.
But, DeWine also a Republican, says that health concerns historically are the responsibility of the executive branch of the state government.
“Any bill or any attempt that gets in the way of our ability to protect the people of the state of Ohio is a bill that I will be forced to veto,” he said during his televised Statehouse coronavirus briefing Thursday.
DeWine and Acton have both been praised nationwide for their handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Ohio.
Republicans were upset with the Acton’s orders due to what they said was DeWine’s unwillingness to listen to their concerns.
DeWine blasted the decision, saying it creates more uncertainty over public health and employee safety.
DeWine adds that is the last thing the state needs while trying to restore consumer confidence.
He cited outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease or E. Coli or radiation leaks as examples of health emergencies when the state should step in and take quick action.
The bill includes a provision that would allow any Ohio resident to sue to reverse an order – whether to restrict activity or restore it after the state is deemed to be out of danger — which DeWine said would create “chaos” in the courts.