ISSUES

Ohio is a state of innovators, inventors and explorers. From the Wright brothers to Ohio’s more than two dozen astronauts, our state’s leadership in aerospace, science, and innovation will continue to be essential to our success in the 21st Century.

As Ohio’s first Senator on the Agriculture Committee in more than forty years, I am honored to represent our state’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Approximately one out of every seven Ohio jobs is in agriculture, our state’s largest industry.

As Ohio and the nation move into the 21st century, we must rebuild the infrastructure of the urban centers of our great cities, reinvigorate struggling midsize communities, empower rural areas to secure needed services and infrastructure, and protect the quality of life in all of our towns and suburbs across the state.

Investing in our education system is essential to ensuring Ohio’s future. By investing in Ohio’s youth and young people from all over the nation, we prepare and help produce the leaders of tomorrow.

I continue to work with businesses, research institutions, labor unions, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to position Ohio as a leader in the alternative energy sector.

Since joining the Senate Committee on Banking, I’ve been fighting for aggressive action to help to those who need it the most – Ohio’s middle class families instead of the bankers and financiers of Wall Street.

Health Care is an important issue for all Ohioans, and I am working hard to ensure a better system for everyone.

Ohio’s first responders are our first line of defense in ensuring our communities and our families are safe.

Since December 2009, the manufacturing sector has added more than 600,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, but too many communities are still struggling to get back on their feet.

Our troops must get the support and the protection they need. From providing them with body and vehicle armor, to boosting their base pay, our troops must come first.

Throughout my career, in Columbus and Washington, I have opposed discrimination in every form and fought to protect the civil rights and liberties of all citizens.

From combating climate change to protecting our streams, forests, and wildlife, it is important that we continue to protect our environment for both current and future generations.

We owe it to our children and grandchildren to reduce our nation’s deficit and improve our nation’s economy. But not at the expense of the Medicare and Social Security benefits that seniors deserve and have earned.

There can be no economic recovery in our state or our nation without a thriving small business sector.

Fair Trade is vital to our nation’s economic future. Trade can create jobs, expand opportunities for Ohio businesses, and ensure a level playing field in the global marketplace.

Investment in Ohio infrastructure projects such as the modernization of our wastewater systems, roads, and bridges, is critical to meeting the evolving needs of the state.

Nothing is more important than honoring our promises to veterans. VA benefits are earned benefits and the men and women of our armed forces should receive those benefits on a guaranteed and timely basis.