House Dems Unveil Ohio Promise to Taxpayers
Say Ohioans deserve better jobs, brighter futures and
economy that works for everyone
Special to The Truth
House Democratic Leader
Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) last week joined Democratic
lawmakers to unveil the Ohio Promise, a blueprint to renew
the Buckeye State's promise of better jobs and brighter
futures.
"For many, Ohio's promise of
good-paying jobs and the opportunity to get ahead has
faded," said Leader Sykes. "Democrats are committed to
restoring Ohio's promise of better jobs and brighter futures
by working together to expand opportunity and create an
economy that works for everyone."
The Democratic blueprint to
restore the Ohio Promise includes a five-point compact to
build opportunity for working people, to strengthen families
and the communities they live in, and to hold government
accountable to taxpayers.*
"The promise of Ohio is our
promise to you," said Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper
Arlington). "It's a framework for the future that puts
families first, giving them the tools they need to get
ahead. We do it by lowering taxes, making education
attainable and promoting job growth by making it easier for
Ohioans to start and grow a business."
The announcement comes amid
declining quality of life metrics in Ohio, which currently
ranks 44th in unemployment and 41st in population growth.
Working Ohioans continue to fall behind, seeing $147 less in
wages than the average American at the end of each week. In
addition, Ohio has fallen from fifth to 23rd in education
and ranks among the worst for both infant mortality and
overdose deaths.
"Years of broken promises
have rigged the system against everyday Ohioans. They are
working harder, but seeing less at the end of the day. They
can't get ahead," said Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon). "To
restore Ohio's promise, we need to keep our promises and
work together to make sure that if you work hard you can get
ahead in Ohio. It's about creating good jobs and an economy
that works for everyone-not just those at the top."
The plan includes a number
of bipartisan priorities, including plans to protect
healthcare and Medicaid expansion, invest in education,
expand public transit and improve children's services, in
addition to reforming the state's tax system and reducing
the price of prescription drugs.
"We are committed to working
together to deliver real results for taxpayers," said Rep.
Jack Cera (D-Bellaire). "Better lives and brighter futures
begin with good-paying jobs, a growing economy and the
chance to get ahead. That's the Ohio Promise."
Democrats plan to expand on
their policy priorities in the coming weeks as the House
debates the governor's first two-year budget.
Here is what other House
Democratic lawmakers are saying about the Ohio Promise:
"We need to make Ohio an
opportunity state again. That will happen if State
Government focuses on helping to grow good paying, community
building, middle-class jobs. When the Ohio middle class is
healthy, the economy grows for everyone." - House Democratic
Whip and state Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid)
"Everyday Ohioans see an
economy that's rigged against them, where they work hard and
do everything right, but still can't get ahead," said "We
need to restore the Ohio promise, that if you work hard, you
can get ahead. We're committed to working together to build
opportunity so that every Ohioan has a real shot at the
American Dream." -Assistant Democratic Whip and state Rep.
Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo)
"It is up to the legislature
to fulfill Ohio's promise as we look to attract new
residents to Ohio and keep our families, friends, and
neighbors in this great state. We need diverse opportunities
that help hard working families thrive, not just survive,
investment in education that supports our youth from cradle
to career, and fair treatment and access to services for all
Ohioans." - Rep. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus)
"My husband I moved back to
his hometown because of the promise Ohio offered for quality
fair-wage jobs to help grow our family, the beautiful
landscapes especially overlooking Lake Erie, and outstanding
opportunities.
Sadly, we're stuck as a
state and we haven't lived up to the promise for thousands
of Ohioans. Potential is there for Ohio to be a place where
someone can live the American Dream, work hard to get ahead
and retire comfortably. Everyday my colleagues and I are
focused on ensuring Ohio is a brilliant place to work, live,
raise a family, and we pledge a new promise to all Ohioans
to help craft a better tomorrow." -Rep. Lisa Sobecki
(D-Toledo)
"I am delighted that
Democrats in the Ohio House are speaking in a unified voice
as this decade draws to a close. We stand proudly to offer
this Ohio promise because we believe you have the right to a
good education, good jobs, secure housing, access to
affordable health care, and the ability to save for
retirement." - State Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville)
"Ohio's Veterans and
military families understand the importance of making and
fulfilling promises. As service members, we promise our
families we will do whatever it takes to secure their safety
and freedom.
"We promise our spouses and
our children that we will return when we are called to duty.
As legislators, we promise Veterans that we will ensure the
benefits they have earned are there when needed. I am very
pleased to see the Democratic Caucus adopt the Ohio Promise
with the same sense of duty and purpose that Ohio's military
families make every day." -State Rep. Adam Miller
(D-Columbus)
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