Ohioans deserve to know where candidates stand
Posted October 22, 2020 in Press Releases
COVID relief, jobs, climate change and health care are key issues
Tonight, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will meet in another debate. With Ohio looking increasingly competitive, Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert issued the following statement about key issues for Ohio voters:
“No matter what we look like or where we live, most Ohioans look out for our families and help our neighbors when they’re in need. Today, we’re living with the consequences of certain policymakers looking out for corporations and the wealthy few, leaving the rest of us unprotected and underpaid – without the resources we need to make it through the pandemic recession. So tonight, when I watch the debate, I’ll be listening for the candidates to address these important issues:
“Ohioans, like all Americans, need another round of COVID relief. The $600 unemployment supplement helped families pay rent, make car payments and keep the lights on. It expired in July, but millions of Americans are still out of work. I want to hear how the candidates plan to support people who have been laid off through no fault of their own.
“While the pandemic rages, Ohioans across the state have experienced dangerous and costly flooding caused by damage to the environment. The ReImagine Appalachia Coalition has presented a bold vision for how to create good, union jobs while also moving away from an economy dominated by fossil fuel extraction. All jobs can be good jobs with federal policies that protect working people’s right to speak up together and make sure they’re paid a fair return on their work. Ohioans deserve to hear how candidates plan to support all working people, from CEOs to servers.
“After the election, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could overturn the Affordable Care Act, which has extended health coverage to 857,000 Ohioans and supports thousands of health care jobs throughout the state. The ACA helps Black and brown Ohioans overcome some longstanding barriers to living healthy lives. The law increased insurance coverage among all racial groups, but especially among Black, Asian, Native Americans and Latinx Americans. I’ll be listening for the candidates’ plans to deliver Ohioans the health care they need now more than ever.”