In a survey released this morning by Scioto Analysis, 7 of 15 economists agreed that the twice yearly clock change harms Ohio’s economy.
In July, the Sunshine Protection Act was passed in the United States House of Representatives and is currently awaiting approval from the United States Senate. The Sunshine Protection Act would make Daylight Saving Time, which is traditionally observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, permanent across the United States. Proponents of the bill argue that more sunlight in the evening would provide more usable time for shopping and recreation during the winter. Opponents argue that less daylight in the morning would create safety concerns for schoolchildren and productivity losses for agriculture and construction workers.
7 of 15 economists agreed that the twice yearly clock change harms Ohio’s economy. According to Bill LaFayette of Regionomics, “The big impact comes from throwing off people’s circadian rhythm when the time changes. There are more traffic crashes, more strokes and heart attacks, and errors at work that could have financial implications.” Of the remaining economists, 6 disagreed and 2 were uncertain.
7 of 15 economists were uncertain if permanent Daylight Saving Time in Ohio will increase consumer spending on leisure, dining, and retail. Of the remaining economists, 4 agreed that consumer spending would increase and 4 disagreed. Jonathan Andreas of Bluffton University agreed, explaining, “The morning hasn’t been as much of a time for spending as the evening, so retailers like this proposal!” However, according to Kevin Egan of the University of Toledo, “If there is any small increase in spending in the extra hour at night during the winter, it will be offset by less spending somewhere else.”
8 of 15 economists were uncertain if permanent Daylight Saving Time will improve the health and quality of life for Ohio residents. According to Kathryn Wilson of Kent State University, “There are conflicting results that I would expect. Research shows that the time change disrupts sleep patterns. [...] However, when permanent daylight savings was implemented in the 1970s, there were a number of children killed on their way to school in the morning.” Of the remaining economists, 2 agreed that health and quality of life would improve for Ohio residents, and 5 disagreed.
The Ohio Economic Experts Panel is a panel of over 30 Ohio Economists from over 30 Ohio higher educational institutions conducted by Scioto Analysis. The goal of the Ohio Economic Experts Panel is to promote better policy outcomes by providing policymakers, policy influencers, and the public with the informed opinions of Ohio’s leading economists. Individual responses to all surveys can be found here.
