Wayne County Today

State Representative Scott Wiggam (R-Wayne County) has taken a strong stance against drug cartels, human trafficking, and illegal immigration by proposing legislation that aims to target their financial resources. The Ohio Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug (WIRED) Act, introduced by Wiggam, seeks to combat these issues by imposing a 7% remittance transfer fee on all money sent outside of the United States.

Wiggam emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of drug cartels and illegal activities beyond the border states, stating, "Citizens believe the United States’ boarder states are the only ones that have worry about the Cartel drug trade." He further explained the rationale behind the legislation, affirming, "So, we have to help put an end to their crimes and this legislation will attack the heart operations by taxing the transfer of this money in an effort to put an end to money laundering in Ohio."

The funds collected from the wire-transfer fees will be channeled into a state fund dedicated to supporting law enforcement initiatives aimed at combating drug and human trafficking as well as illegal immigration within Ohio. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for individuals engaged in legitimate international money transfers, offering them a tax credit that can be claimed on their state tax returns.

As of now, the legislation has not been assigned to a House committee, but it represents an important step in the ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by drug cartels, human trafficking, and illegal immigration in Ohio.