CPA interests face a political challenge in 2009.

• Position: Advocacy

Largely due to term limits, many state representatives and senators who have understood and backed issues important to CPAs and the business community will be leaving the Statehouse at the end of 2008. That means that there will be almost 40 seats filled with new legislators starting in January--almost a third of the House and Senate. Many of those who will be departing office are staunch supporters of issues important to CPAs--tax reform, tort reform and CPA/client testimonial privilege.

For the November 2008 election, many Ohio CPAs across the state strongly supported candidates who will champion CPAs and the business community by providing their time, expertise and Ohio CPA/PAC financial contributions. The depth of PAC support necessary to help elect officials who understand the need for a simple and fair tax system and a regulatory structure free of unnecessary red tape has significantly depleted funds for Ohio's only political action committee dedicated to protect the interests of CPAs in Ohio--Ohio CPA/PAC. Coupled with the decline in the number of CPAs investing in Ohio CPA/PAC, your profession needs your help now to ensure that our collective strength in numbers and support matches the importance of legislative and regulatory issues CPAs will face in 2009.

With Ohio's expected significant budget shortfall for 2010 and 2011, an...