By creating a healthier economic climate we can continue to reverse the job growth stagnation that Ohio has experienced in recent years.

• We need to work with our talented workforce to ensure that we are creating avenues for workers to find jobs and providing opportunities for our workers to stay in Ohio. We need to promote those industries that utilize the skill sets of our labor force and also those industries to which our workers skill sets are transferable.
• We need to focus our training dollars in job training that leads to a better career path for our economically disadvantaged workers.
• We need to develop greater coordination and partnerships between our business community and our community colleges and technical schools. I want to encourage our business partners to assist in the development of training curricula with the education community so that job seekers can obtain training in the specific skill sets needed by businesses. This will increase the employability of our job seekers and help businesses remain competitive with a well trained workforce.

As our economy continues to change, Ohio needs to evolve with it.

• Bringing new business and industry to Ohio is critical in these changing economic times. I want to reach out to new companies and encourage them to make Ohio their home. My focus will be on those industries that present the greatest growth potential offering jobs at a living wage.
• While change is happening, it is also important to bring everyone along for the ride by bolstering our existing economic structure. This means helping employers retool to take advantage of new technologies and to encourage innovation and business expansion.
• Small business growth will create pathways for future success and growth. These small businesses need the tools to succeed; including tax incentives, workforce development partnerships, and access to basic business resources - including the expertise of our university system.

All Ohioans, particularly our state’s children, deserve affordable health insurance.

• There are over 1.3 million uninsured individuals in Ohio and that has got to change.
• Even for those with insurance, the cost of health care continues to outpace paychecks and employers struggle to keep up with rising costs.
• In order for Ohio to be competitive it is essential that we find ways for Ohio citizens to get health care coverage while allowing Ohio employers to compete.
• I want to create an environment where citizens have access to primary care while also focusing on prevention and wellness.
• Without these changes, Ohio cannot continue to move forward.