Issues
Ensuring Fair Districting:
In November, a resounding majority of Ohioans, spanning across party lines, voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to prevent the government from interfering in medical decisions regarding reproductive healthcare. Yet, almost immediately afterward, current legislators introduced legislation attempting to sidestep the expressed will of the people.
Consider what could happen when we successfully strip away their authority to gerrymander. Their very positions will be at stake, likely prompting a flood of legislation aimed at circumventing the amendment should it pass.
You play a pivotal role in this solution. Only with your support can we bring balance to the state legislature. By sending me to represent you in the state legislature, we can foster genuine bipartisan collaboration to address the needs of all Ohioans.
Protecting Reproductive Freedom:
Protecting reproductive freedom is a fundamental aspect of ensuring equality and autonomy for all individuals. The recent attempts to infringe upon reproductive rights in Ohio undermine the principles of bodily autonomy and personal choice. It's essential to uphold the constitutional amendment established by the people of Ohio, which safeguards individuals' right to make their own medical decisions regarding reproductive healthcare.
We must stand united in defending reproductive freedom and resisting any legislative efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. By enacting policies that protect reproductive rights and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. Together, let's protect reproductive freedom in Ohio and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals by sending me to Columbus.
Advocating for Quality Public Education:
It's essential to examine school funding in Ohio. Over the past decade, the Republican statehouse and governor's office have consistently increased funding for the state's private-school voucher programs. According to Policy Matters Ohio, these voucher expansions are projected to cost the state nearly $2 billion over the next two years alone. Unfortunately, this means that taxpayer dollars—exceeding a billion dollars as of last year—are being directed to private schools without any financial accountability to taxpayers. These schools can deny admission to students with special needs and discriminate based on various factors, including gender, religion, sexuality, and academic ability. This diversion of funds directly impacts already underfunded public schools, which are obligated by law and ethics to admit all students and be answerable to the state for their performance. Notably, a study by the Cincinnati Enquirer revealed that in 88% of cities analyzed, public school districts outperformed private schools in state testing. This blatant discrepancy highlights the urgent need for a more fiscally responsible approach to education funding, a topic further explored on the public education page.
The current administration has implemented some concerning policies, with more on the horizon. While a few commendable pieces of legislation have been introduced by the Democratic minority, they face significant obstacles in advancing beyond committee. In stark contrast, my opponent has consistently supported every Republican-backed bill that has come to a vote. It's crucial to examine the impact of Republican policies on public education in Ohio. I encourage you to visit Ohio's Honesty for Education Legislation page to see for yourself.
https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/legislation-tracker.html
Encouraging Fiscal Responsibility in Government:
In the interest of fiscal responsibility and ethical governance, it's imperative to reassess Republican corporate tax breaks, such as the recent $2 billion incentive package granted to a corporation with a gross profit exceeding $20 billion last year. Notably, this corporation's affiliates contributed roughly $2 million to political activities during the same period.
Policy Matters Ohio highlights the introduction of 15 new tax breaks in Ohio, primarily benefiting affluent individuals and corporations. This expansion is projected to elevate the total cost of tax breaks to a staggering 37% of the state's annual revenue. Such fiscal measures ultimately burden individual citizens with increased taxes or necessitate cuts to vital services.
Advancing Policies for Environmental Sustainability:
Environmental sustainability and infrastructure are not just buzzwords; they are crucial pillars for building a resilient future. With the increasing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, prioritizing sustainable infrastructure is paramount. Unfortunately, the current administration's policies neglect these critical needs, jeopardizing our environment and infrastructure.
It's imperative to advocate for legislation that not only promotes environmental sustainability but also invests in resilient infrastructure. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing robust pollution control measures, and fortifying our infrastructure against the effects of climate change, we can ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our communities. Together, we can hold our policymakers accountable and demand action that prioritizes the health of our planet and the resilience of our infrastructure.
Let's unite in the fight for environmental sustainability and infrastructure investment. By working together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for Ohio and beyond.
Supporting Political Collaborating:
I had a very interesting conversation with a friend a while back, during which she told me about a phenomenon she witnessed while visiting Appalachia. Apparently, there are a few areas and a few weeks per year where fireflies light up in synchronicity. When I see fireflies, feelings of youthful nostalgia create a perhaps hyper-inflated sense of wonder at each little light. To think of them sending a unified signal of light would seem actually profound.
In a way, this phenomenon serves as a poignant analogy for the potential of political discourse—a potential that, sadly, seems distant from memory. Just as individual fireflies emit modest lights on their own, so do individual politicians with their ideologies and goals. However, their impact is limited and fails to inspire. Yet, if politicians could come together, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions, their collective light could grow, inspiring trust in the political process. If only such unity could occur, even if only in certain areas, for a few weeks of the year.
Reflecting on Martin Luther King Day, I attended a celebration of his life and teachings. One speaker likened holding a candle to unity, emphasizing that extinguishing another's candle doesn't make yours shine brighter. Rather, it's the shared light of many candles that illuminates the world. Inspired by Dr. King's legacy, I recently met with Representative Sharon Ray, the incumbent I'm challenging for her legislative seat. Despite our policy differences, we recognized the opportunity to demonstrate mutual respect, regardless of the election outcome. This spirit of collaboration and respect is the cornerstone of my campaign and the approach I'll bring to the state legislature if elected. My goal is to represent all Ohioans, embracing diversity of perspective, creed, and party affiliation, and fostering collaboration to address the state's needs effectively.
My Top Issues Are:
Ensuring Fair Districting
Protecting Reproductive Freedom
Advocating for Quality Public Education
Encouraging Fiscal Responsibility in Government
Advancing Policies for Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Political Collaboration
Explore further details regarding my positions on these matters below.