Policy Matters Ohio and Innovation Ohio release Winning Economic Agenda for Ohio’s Working Families
Posted April 24, 2018 in Press Releases
Contact:
Amy Hanauer, 216.361.9801
Keary McCarthy, 614-425-9163
COLUMBUS – To address job security, economic anxiety, and stagnant wages, Ohio’s two premier progressive think tanks teamed up to offer a winning agenda for Ohio’s working families during this important election year. Policy Matters Ohio and Innovation Ohio Education Fund today released A Winning Economic Agenda for Ohio’s Working Families, a comprehensive policy platform. The report, available here, proposes a different policy approach that will prepare Ohio for success, invest in the next generation, and prioritize the dignity and value of a hard day’s work in an ever-changing economy.
Full of strong ideas to raise wages and increase job availability, A Winning Agenda provides a workable blueprint for legislative and gubernatorial candidates to embrace in their campaigns and after they are elected. The big picture chapters provide ideas to jumpstart the economy, increase economic opportunity, prepare for the jobs of the future, and ensure adequate revenue. Each section also contains links to deeper analysis that spell out how policymakers can execute the vision outlined in the report.
“Many working families feel a deep sense of anxiety,” said Keary McCarthy, President and CEO of IOEF. “Technology is changing our jobs and it’s becoming harder to earn a decent wage. As these forces shape our economy, Ohio’s next governor cannot simply continue doing the same thing leaders have been doing for the past decade. We need a new proactive agenda that builds economic security in an uncertain future.”
“Ohio became a great state by investing in people and infrastructure,” said Amy Hanauer, Executive Director of Policy Matters. “This gave us strong high school graduation, world-class manufacturing, and a tenacious sense of the value of work. Instead of understanding and responding to today’s challenges, Ohio’s leaders have just slashed taxes for the wealthy, depriving the state of resources that could fix economic challenges. A Winning Agenda will do much more to improve the economic lives of working families.”
A Winning Agenda provides suggestions for investing in infrastructure, revitalizing manufacturing, restoring local government, protecting worker rights and wages, expanding healthcare and paid leave, modernizing workplace rules, reducing discrimination, providing childcare and transit, addressing addiction, reducing incarceration, improving education from cradle through career, and restoring adequate taxation.
Hanauer and McCarthy announced plans to hold public forums across the state throughout the summer, starting May 16thin Columbus. In response to citizen feedback, IO and Policy Matters will update A Winning Agenda, creating an evolving blueprint for policymakers.