Some state lawmakers want to crack down on public officials who knowingly use public funds for political purposes. Currently, Ohio’s Auditor can find problems like that in an audit and issue a finding for recovery. But, this bill would make it a first degree misdemeanor, similar to other violations of campaign finance laws. Secretary of State Jon Husted says that should make people think twice before trying to mix public funds and politics.
Husted says,"I think sometimes people think that the ends justify their means in campaigns and what I believe will happen as a result of this legislation is that people will begin to see that they will be held accountable on a personal level if they do these things and I think that it will serve as a swift deterrent from misuse of public dollars for political purposes."
Ohio Auditor Dave Yost says the issue recently came to light in an audit of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority. Findings of recovery were issued after it was discovered that agency loaned money to the organization that was in charge of the regional transit authority’s levy campaign.