❌ HB291
Create the Ohio International Trade Commission
Summary
The bill creates the Ohio International Trade Commission to promote trade and investment between Ohio and specific nations, facilitate joint research agreements, and support business and academic exchanges. The commission will consist of appointed members from the legislature and representatives from designated communities, and it will issue annual reports on its activities. Members will serve without compensation and can raise funds for the commission's purposes.
Rationale
The bill establishes a government commission to facilitate international trade, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. Both LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and free market operations, suggesting that this bill could be seen as government overreach.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government involvement in trade
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism
- Misallocation of resources away from private sector initiatives