LIBERTARIAN PARTY'S PLEDGE FOR OHIO'S FUTURE:

THE POSITIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTE THE LIBERTARINA PARTY'S PLEDGE FOR OHIO'S FUTURE. THE PLEDGE IS A SOLEMN PROMISE TO THE PEOPLE OF OHIO TO PASS AT LEAST THE LEGISLATION SPECIFIED, IF A MAJORITY OF LIBERTARIANS IS TO THE STATE HOUSE, OF IF ELECTED LIBERTARIANS HOLD A "BALANCE OF POWER" POSITION IN THAT BODY ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES. FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL LIBERTARIAN ELECTED TO EITHER THE OHIO STATE HOUSE OR THE STATE SENATE, THE PEOPLE OF OHIO MAY REST ASSURED THAT HE/SHE WILL TREAT THIS LIST AS A MINIMUM PERSONAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.

NOTHING IN THIS PLEDGE FOR OHIO'S FUTURE SHOULD B E READ AS CONTRADICTING THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY'S DEDICATION TO THE FULL ACHIEVEMENT OF ITS STATED PRINCIPLES. INSTEAD, THEY SHOULD EB UNDERSTOOD TO BE THE MINIMUM THAT WE PLEDGE TO ACHIEVE TOWARD THAT GOAL IN TWO YEARS, GIVEN THE CURRENNT OHIO CONSTITUTION, APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW,  AND PRACTICALITY.

     1. Child Centered Education Act
     -   Let the dollar follow the scholar, redefine schools based on children, not on buildings (e.g. home schooling) We should do this with a Property Tax Equity Plan. Property Tax could be designated as a co-payment of tuition for a particular child. Parents could apply it for their children, as could relatives or any other benefactors, as long as it was earmarked for a particular child. This would be a Tax Credit- meaning it would never pass through state hands. This addresses concerns for funding equity. Homeschoolers would also be eligible for this plan.
    -   Also grant tax credits to single individuals and childless couples, to reflect their non usage  of the public schools. End unfunded mandates on schools, including School-to Work, state level standards and testing. Push non-cooperation with Federal mandartes, as far as practical.
   -    Return/increase local control of public schools- reduce state involvement in local education to as close to zero as possible.
   -    Exempt all school textbooks or educational programs from sales tax, and end state approval/requirement of these materials.
   -    Repeal compulsory attendabce laws.
   -    Repeal certification requirements for homeschoolers.

   1. Drivers' Bill of Rights
   -    Repeal E-Check- pass a resolution instructing a the Governor to stand up for Ohio's rights under the concept of federalism. (Note: E-Check is forced upon Ohio by the Federal Government, through threat of refusal to return highway funds to us which were collected in this state.)
   -    End "random insurance checks".
   -    End the practice of suspending licenses for failure to send "Accident Reports" to the state- particularly for non-cited/inocent driver.
   -    End seatbelt laws.
   -    Oppose helmet laws and any other restrictions placed on motorcyclists for their own safety. Allow cyclists to make their own.

   1. Compassionate Use Act/ Decriminalization

   -    Legalize Medical Marijuana, and pardon all non-violent inmates charged only with possession of illegal substances, who can demonstrate a need for ANY medication, regardless of state approval.
   -    Decriminalize marijuana possession and decriminalize possession of narcotics to the extent allowed by Federal Law.

   1. Job Creation and Wage Enhancement Act

   -    Cut the state income tax to ZERO over three years.
   -    Implement corresponding budget cutes in the discretionary budget.

   1. Crime Reduction Program

   -    Right-to-carry law, Vermont style.
   -    End jail time (mandatory or otherwise) for "victimless crimes" (e.g. possession).
   -    End Asset Forfeiture
   -    Implememt Restitution as an alternative means of sentencing for property crimes.
   -    Ban warrantless searches.

   1.  Property Rights Restoration bill

   -    End the hiring or the use of "fair housing checkers" at the state level for any property owner without the use of a warrant showing probable cause.
   -    Eliminate state housing laws that interfere woth private property rights and freedom of association.
   -    End mandatory inspection, fees and licensing of residential rental property and residential home construction and repair by local or community government.


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