Update on Ohio Senate Bill 5

Ohio Senate Bill 5, which would limit unions' collective bargaining rights in the state, is another step closer to being approved. 

The Ohio House of Representatives Commerce and Labor Committee approved an amended version of the bill this afternoon, The Plain Dealer reports. The article notes that the entire House is expected to vote on the legislation tomorrow. 

Locally, if the legislation passes both the House and the Senate and is signed by the governor, it would affect the union the is part of, the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, and the Brecksville Education Association. 

The Brecksville Education Association has been watching the bill carefully, and its members are ready to collect signatures for a referendum if that becomes necessary, President Bonnie Monteleone said earlier today.

That means this debate could be far from over. 

To catch up on how the bill is viewed locally, check out our coverage from the Stand Up for Ohio rallies in Strongsville and Akron two weeks ago. The rallies attracted hundreds of individuals, who spoke out against the bill:

The bill has also been a topic of discussion at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Board of Education meetings. , with Board President George J. Balasko ultimately noting that while it would change the way business is done in the district, it wouldn’t automatically save dollars.