The OVLA maintains a high level of involvement in Ohio’s governmental process and monitors the federal government. The association speaks out for the rights and interests of its more than 200 members. This is in keeping with the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws or Code of Regulations of the parent corporation, CATRALA of Ohio Inc.

To communicate with members of The OVLA on state and federal governmental affairs issues, the Association publishes a biweekly fax newsletter called Executive Fax. The OVLA utilizes faxes to communicate with and coordinate lessor action on important governmental affairs issues.

The Bylaws call upon The OVLA to:
• promote sound public policy with respect to leasing of motor vehicles;
• collect and disseminate information concerning present and proposed national, state, and local legislation and regulations pertaining to all phases of motor vehicle leasing;
• present the views of motor vehicle lessors to national, state, and local legislative and regulatory bodies; and
• cooperate with other organizations and groups having similar objectives.

The OVLA is the only Ohio association dedicated exclusively to representing lessors of cars, vans, and light trucks. It is involved on a daily basis with Ohio government, both administrative agencies and The Ohio General Assembly. Contact is maintained with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and its divisions, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Highway Patrol; the Ohio Department of Insurance; the Ohio Department of Taxation; the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and the Office of the Ohio Attorney General.

Through its lobbyist and legal counsel, The OVLA maintains a constant watch over pending Ohio legislation -–including a review of all bills introduced – to guard against punitive measurers that would involve the rights of or effect lessors and their lessees. The OVLA also testifies on issues pending before The Ohio General Assembly at hearings held by its committees and submits written comments.

The OVLA also monitors – utilizing the Internet and other resources – not only the work of federal administrative agencies such as the Federal Reserve Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Trade Commission, but issues pending before The U. S. Congress. It communicates its position on issues to members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation and to the appropriate federal agency, including The White House.

The OVLA’s governmental affairs policy is established by the Executive Committee based on the recommendations of the Association’s Standing Committee on Governmental Affairs and Staff. Therefore, by calling, faxing, or emailing The OVLA, members play an important and direct role in shaping the issues and policies that concern lessors.

The OVLA strongly urges members to maintain direct contact with the members of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate in whose district their business is located as well as those who represent them where they live. To learn the name of your state representative or state senator, contact your county Board of Elections.

Below is a handy list of important Governmental links that you may want to 'copy and paste' for future surfing: