increase educational funding

I believe that with increased K-12 Education funding and wider access to early childhood education, Ohio can provide access to stronger public education. I fought hard as a member of the Senate Education Committee to reverse state takeovers of our public school systems and provide a fair school funding plan to make public education equitable for all of Ohio’s children.

Obtaining a college degree is imperative to securing a job in today's job market. However, the cost of college tuition has increased, making the possibility of earning a college education unattainable for lower class citizens. I believe that every Ohioan should have access to high quality and affordable education. As a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I was able to secure additional funding in our operating budget for all Ohioans seeking to obtain a higher education.

access to affordable Healthcare

The healthcare and health insurance market is an incredibly complex industry with a multitude of issues that must be addressed in our lifetime. Regardless of costs, I believe that every Ohioan should have access to high quality, affordable health care.

Healthcare providers need to be equipped with the skills to serve the state’s diverse populations, which are continuing to increase. With more than 60 languages spoken in Ohio, it is increasingly important to be culturally and linguistically competent in order to better serve our state’s residents. I introduced Senate Bill 88 during my first year in office to require healthcare professionals to complete cultural competency training in order to better serve Ohio’s increasing population.

supporting Veterans

My generation is currently the third generation in my family who has served the United States Armed Services. The transition back to civilian life can be difficult for combat veterans returning home and their families. Serving those that served our country should always be a priority of our state.

As ranking minority member of the Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee during the 133rd General Assembly, I lead our committee to focus on making sure the bills we pass put workers, our veterans, and their families first in order to build opportunity for all Ohioans and improve their lives.

develop economic opportunities

We need to provide better access to jobs for Ohioans by preparing them for the workforce. I would like to strengthen training programs to invest in education to prepare graduates for existing jobs in the workforce and union apprenticeships in the skilled trades.

During my first year in office, I introduced Senate Bill 91 to implement a paid family leave program. Economists have found that with paid leave, more people take time off, particularly low-income parents who may have taken no leave or dropped out of the work force after giving birth. Paid leave raises the probability that parents return to employment later, work more hours and subsequently earn higher wages.

investing in Opioid crisis

Opiate abuse and heroin addiction have reached every community in Ohio. Ohio has more opioid deaths than any other state in the country. Ohio is currently facing an opioid epidemic crisis. We must address this issue with comprehensive solutions such as investing in their access to drug addiction and mental health services. I worked across the aisle for an operating budget that secured adequate funding to support additional access to drug addiction and mental health services.