Press Releases

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2006
For More Information Contact: Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Linda S. Woggon, Vice President, Governmental Affairs
Julie Wagner Feasel, Vice President, Communications
614-228-4201

Ohio’s Legal Reforms Improve State’s Ranking
As a leading advocate for tort reform in the state of Ohio, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is pleased that its work and that of the Ohio General Assembly has allowed Ohio to move up seven spots to number 19 in the 2006 Harris State Liability Systems Ranking Study. The study released today by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Justice Reform (ILR), shows that much has been accomplished in the way of ensuring that Ohio has a fair and predictable legal system.

In the ILR 2005 study, Ohio ranked 26 out of 50 states, while the 2004 study ranked Ohio a dismal 32 out of 50. However the work of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on supporting passage of such legislation as comprehensive civil justice reforms (SB 80), liability protections from obesity lawsuits (HB 350), a response to Ohio’s asbestos litigation crisis (HB 292), and protections against frivolous lawsuits based on exposure to silica and mixed dust (HB 342), makes Ohio a national leader when it comes to civil justice reform.

“Our number one goal is to continually improve Ohio’s business climate so that all Ohioans benefit,” said Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Linda S. Woggon. “Passing much-needed tort reform legislation in 2004 and 2005, helped Ohio businesses gain the competitive edge they need to compete in the global marketplace. We are very proud of what we have accomplished to date and look forward to working with the Ohio General Assembly on future legislation that helps further ensure the fairness of Ohio’s judicial system.”

With 4,000 members ranging from small businesses to international companies, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce represents Ohio’s business voice. As the state’s leading business advocate and resource, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce aggressively champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans.

For more information on the ILR study visit: http://instituteforlegalreform.com/