Issue Position: Economic and Education Reform

Issue Position

A fruitful economic future for Ohio will be the result of current policies that nurture a safe and welcoming environment for businesses to grow. Clearing the way for jobs to stay in Ohio, House Republicans passed JobsOhio as a top priority. JobsOhio helped to keep 60,000 jobs in Ohio created 21,000 new jobs. It's getting better. The Kasich Administration and JobsOhio have secured 245 new investments, expansions, and relocations. It is no wonder that Ohio's unemployment rate is down to 7.3%! While the nation's credit rating was downgraded, Ohio's credit rating improved from "negative" to "stable" by Standard & Poor's last year. This year Moody's upgraded Ohio from "negative" to "stable" and Fitch's hold Ohio at AA+. These revolutionary economic reforms combined with spending cuts and tax incentives will make Ohio the #1 business friendly state and #1 place to raise a family. There is more work to be done to get us there.

The economic future of Ohio hinges upon how our children and grandchildren are educated today. Education reform needs to go further. Our young people need to be equipped with real-world

skills for the workforce, prepared to participate as informed citizens, and inspired with the confidence that "With God All Things Are Possible" -in order for their future innovations to become a business reality, right here at home.

Real --world skills: In order for students to make the best choices of elective study they need to connect with the world outside of school. More collaboration of businesses/industry with schools and colleges will facilitate those connections and get those hard-earned degrees working for them sooner.

Prepared citizens: House Republicans have passed about 10 pieces of legislation that affect education in Ohio. For example, this school year students will learn American history, American government -including Ohio government and the Ohio Constitution- along with our significant founding documents. This reform replaces one of the three units of social studies. This is a step in the right direction, but we can do better.

"With God All Things Are Possible": Our state motto that reflects an optimism that we may find strength to succeed in spite of grim circumstances and hardship. Many of our young people have suffered broken homes, bullies, peer pressure, and disability. Among my six children, the two that are still in school have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Do they have confidence to take action to make their dreams realities? In spite of suffering all of the above, yes. I have set that example for them in my own life. The reality for the need of inspiration from our founding documents, our state motto, and our enabling source of freedom (which is our faith), did not go away in the 1960s when the US Supreme Court banned prayer in public schools. Our children need to be affirmed with all of the inspiration that we can give them. When they leave their studies, they will be ready to handle difficulties responsibly and succeed in the pursuit of their dreams.

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