Issues
Lowering Costs for Families
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Central Ohio is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, but too many people are burdened by high property taxes, soaring rents, housing shortages, and out of state investors purchasing homes that should be available to Ohio Families. I have supported practical solutions including targeted property tax freezes for qualifying homeowners and homestead exemption expansion to keep seniors in their homes. I have collaborated with community partners to raise awareness and address the issue of homelessness and housing right here in Columbus. As a state legislator, I remain dedicated to seeking real solutions to the issue of affordable housing through private-public partnerships, supporting affordable housing development, and holding out-of-state investors accountable so that the dream of homeownership is possible for Ohioans.
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Today, childcare is one of the largest expenses for families. When Ohioans do not have access to quality and affordable childcare, our families and our economy suffers. I have been supportive of initiatives to increase the workforce and invest in our childcare providers, so that access to quality childcare is available. We need to expand who qualifies for publicly funded childcare is critical in bridging the gap for working families.
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Too often, consumers are left paying the price for corporate practices. I have supported commonsense safeguards on the use of price-setting algorithms that can contribute to higher costs, as well as stronger utility billing transparency requirements so Ohioans receive clear information about fees, rate increases, and charges. We deserve honest pricing, fair competition, and the tools to make informed financial decisions.
Protecting Public Education
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For decades, Republicans in power have been underfunding public education and directing public dollars towards private school vouchers.
At the Statehouse, I have fought for fair funding for public education and supported legislation to ensure educators are paid fairly, including proposals to establish minimum teacher salaries. I have also championed efforts to grow Ohio’s education workforce by encouraging more teachers, counselors, and administrators to enter the profession and help address the critical shortages facing our schools.
Strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities. Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for success, whether they choose college, a skilled trade, military service, or another career path.
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Ohio’s public universities and community colleges are under attack. Some lawmakers are trying to cut funding, force schools to merge, and limit what students and teachers can discuss and study.
I believe we must expand access to higher education. We must make college more affordable, reduce student debt, and increase support for public universities and community colleges. At the same time, we must recognize that a four-year degree is not the only path to success.
Ohio’s skilled trades are critical to our future. They help build our roads, bridges, and buildings, make the products we use every day, power our economy, and strengthen our communities.
Creating Safer & Healthier Communities
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Preventive healthcare is one of the best investments we can make in our communities. When people can access regular checkups, mental health services, prescription medications, and early treatment, we improve health outcomes, lower long-term healthcare costs, and help families avoid medical crises before they happen.
I have worked to strengthen our healthcare system by supporting and sponsoring legislation to maintain high standards of care in hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring patients receive the quality care they deserve. I have also sponsored legislation to protect patients from skyrocketing costs for essential medical care during shortages, and have fought to cap prescription drug costs, support medical debt forgiveness, and reduce the financial barriers that prevent people from seeking treatment. No one should be forced to choose between their health and their financial security.
Healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and patient-centered. That is why I have supported reforms that eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens through prior authorization protections and advocated for the expansion of preventative services covered by Medicaid, helping patients receive timely care without excessive delays. By investing in prevention, lowering costs, and expanding access to care, we can build a healthier Ohio where every person has the opportunity to live a healthier, more secure life.
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The opioid addiction epidemic has touched families in every community, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and saving lives. I have supported legislation to expand access to naloxone and other overdose-reversal medications, including in schools. Additionally, I am committed to increasing access to fentanyl test strips and other harm-reduction tools that help prevent fatal overdoses. I have also backed efforts to expand high-quality recovery housing and treatment programs, ensuring that individuals and families have the support they need to achieve long-term recovery and rebuild their lives.
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Our community faces some of the highest rates of gun violence in the state. It is not only a public health crisis, but also a policy failure. Keeping our communities safe requires listening to the people most affected by gun violence and pursuing practical solutions that save lives, which is why I have collaborated with local officials and hosted town halls focused on education, safe firearm storage, mental health resources, youth engagement, and support for survivors. I believe we can make our communities safer through commonsense gun reforms, including universal background checks and red flag laws, while respecting and promoting responsible firearm ownership.
Defending Civil Liberties
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I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Extremists in Ohio have repeatedly chosen to target vulnerable Ohioans in culture wars, rather than address the needs of everyday Ohioans. I have supported legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as legislation supporting access to affirming healthcare. I will always fight against legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and advancing policies that protect LGBTQ+ Ohioans, support their families, and affirm that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically without fear. I will continue working to create a state where every Ohioan deserves to live with dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law and in lived experience, no matter who they are or who they love.
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Ohioans made clear their support for accessible reproductive care when they codified abortion rights into the state constitution on Election Day 2023. Since then, Extremists have tried repeatedly to undermine these rights. I trust Ohioans, their families, and their doctors to make personal healthcare decisions without political interference. In the Statehouse, I have fought against legislation restricting access to abortion and reproductive care. I’ve also supported legislation to expand preventative reproductive care, comprehensive sexual education, and parenting and pregnancy support for families. As legislators, we must work to reduce barriers to care, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and support families at every stage. That includes investing in healthcare access, supporting parents and caregivers, and protecting the freedom of individuals to make deeply personal medical decisions.
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Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can participate. I have opposed legislation that would limit access to the ballot box and supported our election precinct workers, who make free and fair elections possible. I have also championed legislation that removes barriers for people experiencing homelessness by waiving fees for essential documents, like state IDs and birth certificates, eliminating barriers to participation in civic life, not just voting. Everyone deserves to participate in our democracy, and I will continue fighting to make voting accessible, secure, and fair for all.