Platform - The Economy
Economy & Unions
A strong Ohio economy lifts up working families, supports good jobs, and ensures everyone pays their fair share. As your representative for the 84th district, I will fight for policies that create opportunities, protect workers' rights, lower everyday costs, and invest in our communities—whether in rural townships or growing towns.
Expand high-speed broadband access throughout the 84th district by advocating for state and federal grants, public-private partnerships, and targeted infrastructure to connect unserved/underserved homes and businesses—bridging the digital divide, enabling remote work/education, and boosting local economic growth in our rural and semi-rural areas.
Address rising utility costs by pushing for greater oversight of rate increases, supporting reforms to PJM capacity pricing, exploring ways to curb data center-driven demand strains on the grid, and advocating for consumer protections—helping families and small businesses afford reliable electricity and gas without burdensome hikes.
Support a true living wage for all Ohio workers by building on the recent minimum wage increase to $11/hour (non-tipped) and advocating for phased raises toward $15/hour or tying it to cost-of-living/median wages—ensuring full-time work provides dignity, security, and the ability to support a family.
Strengthen unions and protect collective bargaining rights by opposing any legislation (like right-to-work proposals or bans on project labor agreements) that weakens workers' ability to organize, negotiate fair contracts, or secure better wages/benefits—ensuring Ohio remains a state where working people have a real voice.
Support responsible expansion of solar and wind energy where it complements our existing energy mix, lowers long-term costs for families and businesses, and creates union jobs in construction, installation, and maintenance. We must prioritize projects developed in partnership with local communities and farmers—protecting prime agricultural land, respecting property rights, and ensuring developments enhance rather than displace Ohio's farming heritage.
Ensure the wealthiest Ohioans pay their fair share through progressive tax policies that provide meaningful relief to middle- and working-class families (e.g., targeted credits/cuts for those earning under median income), while closing loopholes for high earners and corporations—reversing shifts that disproportionately benefit the top 1% and funding investments in education, infrastructure, and communities.