The Big 3 Issues

1. Education

Ohio faces many challenges, but none more important than addressing the issues surrounding schools. Our schools have the responsibility to work alongside parents to help educate and prepare children for success. Smartphones, social media, and culture wars, have reshaped childhood and the critical school years. Academic proficiency is at the lowest levels in decades. It is time for a reset for Ohio’s schools. Like in other top-scoring nations, academic rigor needs to be our number one priority.

• Gifted & Talented: School districts should be required to serve gifted and talented students. Currently, districts are only required to identify the brightest students.

• Elementary: Tech use should be limited in elementary school

• Secondary: Students need access to programs that prepare them for their future, including college-level courses (CCP), hands-on training in the trades, and practical experience from internships.

• Ohio History: School districts should be required to offer a course in Ohio History at the secondary level

• Artificial Intelligence: While there is a place for using Artificial Intelligence in school, it must not replace Organic Intelligence.

2. Tax Relief & Reform

It has been said that taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society, but it is clear that taxes are too high. Property, sales and income taxes have pushed many of Ohio’s citizens into financial hardship, with the elderly often carrying the heaviest burden. There are no easy answers when it comes to taxes. Everyone wants to keep more of their earned money; however, we also depend on the services paid for through taxes. State lawmakers must continue to work together to find a solution that strikes a balance. Common sense and moderation must prevail in Ohio. Currently Dublin and Hilliard are not part of the conversation regarding tax relief and reform and they need to be.

• Government Services: Many government services are vital and necessary.

• Government Spending: Many government organizations are too big and can be reduced.

3. Affordability

The American Dream is becoming increasingly difficult to reach for many Ohio families as the cost of basic necessities continues to climb. From the grocery aisle to your electric bill, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the Buckeye State’s middle class. While global economic factors play a role, state-level policy must focus on making Ohio an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. We cannot allow our state to become a place where only the wealthy thrive while young professionals and young families are priced out of their own communities. Striking a balance between growth and affordability requires a disciplined approach to spending and a commitment to lowering the barriers to entry for homeownership, essential services and basic necessities. Common sense dictates that when the cost of living rises, government must look for ways to lighten the load on its citizens, not add to it.

• Housing Accessibility: We must address the housing shortage by reducing burdensome regulations that drive up construction costs for new homes.

• Energy Independence: Ohio should leverage its own natural resources to lower energy costs for residential consumers and small businesses.

• Protecting Seniors: We can implement safeguards to ensure that rising costs do not force those on fixed incomes out of their homes.