Top 10 list of accomplishments of Ohio Democrats

Greater Miami Valley Democrats!
January is going to be an exciting month in an exciting year for Ohio Democrats. All of our great candidates are starting to gear up for the election in November and I wanted to give you a quick update on what our Ohio Democrats have been doing in Columbus. I just can’t tell you how impressed I have been with all their accomplishments, even in this tough time.
You wouldn’t know it from reading the Dayton Daily News, though! That’s why I wanted to get you the scoop directly. Check out my Top 10 list of accomplishments of Ohio Democrats. As you’ll see, they are working overtime to fix the mess caused by broken promises from Republican politicians who told us if we just gave Wall Street and the wealthy free reign and big tax giveaways, prosperity would trickle down to the rest of us.

Rebuilding Ohio from the Ground Up:
Top Ten Ways Ohio Democrats are Renewing Ohio's Promise
#1: Fixing Ohio Schools
Governor Strickland and Ohio Democrats passed education reform that will teach our young people the skills they need to get good jobs. Fully implemented, the share of state education spending will go from 48% to 61%. And the plan expands all-day kindergarten, rewards the best teachers, encourages higher education, directs resources to the districts most in need and expands professional development and support for new teachers.
#2: A Tax Cut for Every Senior Homeowner in the State
Governor Strickland and Ohio Democrats lowered property taxes for every senior citizen homeowner in the state, saving the typical senior citizen homeowner $400 a year.

#3: Health Care Access for All Ohio Children
Democrats passed and Governor Strickland signed a bill that guarantees access to affordable health care for every child in Ohio, regardless of their family’s income or background, and the state is working to make it happen. Democrats and Governor Strickland implemented market reforms that will expand access to coverage to an estimated 109,000 uninsured adults as well.
#4: Ohio Stimulus Bill Will Create 50,000 New Jobs
Democrats passed a $1 billion stimulus program in 2008 that is rebuilding Ohio’s infrastructure and investing in Ohio’s jobs of the future, including energy, and transportation. The Ohio Job Stimulus Plan is expected to create 50,000 new jobs.
#5: Ohio National Leader in Green Energy Manufacturing
Governor Strickland proposed and signed legislation requiring that 25 percent of all of Ohio’s electricity be produced from advanced energy sources, such as wind and solar by 2025. This gives Ohio the 3rd most aggressive advanced energy portfolio requirement in the country and will bring thousands of new “green collar” jobs to Ohio. This year Ohio was rated number one in the nation in alternative energy manufacturing.
#6: Making College Affordable
While other states have drastically hiked tuition at their public colleges, Democrats made Ohio the only state to freeze tuition for two straight years for all public colleges and universities – this after a decade where average increases were nine percent a year. Governor Strickland also worked with colleges and universities to enact caps on tuition increases. The result is the slowest four-year rate of tuition growth since the 1960s.
#7: Helping Small Business Create Jobs by Cutting Red Tape
Democratic leaders have created new and expanded opportunities for Ohio’s small businesses, including women- and minority-owned businesses, by streamlining more than 1,000 regulations to be more growth-friendly while at the same time protecting consumers.
#8: 12,500 Jobs Created Building 332 New Schools for Ohio Children
Led by Governor Strickland, Democrats have set aside more than $4 billion for school construction. This program is building 332 new “green” schools across the state and creating more than 12,500 high-paying jobs – all without a penny of debt. This fund has been called a “genuinely bright idea” and “a bold step.”
#9: Holding Fraudsters Accountable
Democrats, led by Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, continue to protect Ohioans financial security by aggressively holding accountable Wall Street companies and executives who harm Ohio investors, retirees, workers and families through securities law violations. He’s recovered well over a billion dollars so far and is also working to prevent foreclosures and stop financial predators.
#10: Protecting Ohioan’s Financial Security
Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce received national attention for helping provide Ohio residents with the financial education they need to make smart choices for themselves and their families. He’s linked higher interest rates on savings accounts for those who complete financial training, as well as focused on protecting and expanding opportunities for small businesses.

If you want to get involved spreading the word like me, send me an email and I’ll get you in touch with a Democratic Party Neighborhood Organizer in your area.

One last thing: Here’s a couple of things you can do to support the party this month:
1. State-wide Candidate Petitions: I’ve got statewide petitions for several candidates: Secretary of State- Jennifer Garrison, Attorney General-Richard Cordray, State Treasurer-Kevin Boyce, State Auditor-David Pepper and Ohio Supreme Court Judge- Mary Trapp. If you would like to help with gaining the signatures they need to get on the ballot, please give me a call or reply to this email for more details.
2. State of the State House Party: Host a house party to watch Governor Strickland on 27 January for the State of the State Address. Please give me a call or reply to this email for more details.
Democratically Yours,

Claudia L. Mason
Regional Field Director
Ohio Democratic Party
cell: 614 271-2694
cmason@ohiodems.org
Serving Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties