Major Child Labor Victory in Ohio, Governor DeWine Vetoes Senate Bill 50
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League’s Child Labor Coalition is very pleased to announce a significant victory in our fight to strengthen child labor laws in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed SB 50, legislation that would have weakened Ohio’s child labor protections by allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights.
“The Child Labor Coalition, in partnership with Policy Matters Ohio and the Economic Policy Institute, strongly urged this veto, and we commend additional allies—including the Ohio AFL-CIO and many other organizations—who stood up to protect the well-being and educational success of Ohio’s youth,” said CLC Director, Reid Maki. “We are grateful to the Governor for bravely bucking the legislature and putting the interests of teens before profits and will continue to advocate for our nation’s children.”
Last month, NCL lead numerous advocacy organizations in writing a letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urging him to veto Senate Bill 50, the legislation would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds in Ohio to work on school nights until 9 p.m., extending the current cutoff from 7 p.m. It is an additional danger to our nation’s most vulnerable to be out late while partaking in jobs that put their safety at risk.
“Learning to work is an essential part of growing up. Businesses across Ohio each day give young people the opportunity to learn the so-called soft skills that will serve them well when they become adults. In analyzing this bill, it is important to define what it would do and what it would not do,” said Governor DeWine. “I believe it unwise to provide 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night. I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law.”
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
