Bring Balance to the Buckeye State
It’s time to challenge single-party rule and bring balance to the Buckeye State.
The Republican Party completely controls our federal government. As Donald Trump grabs more and more power, Republican majority lawmakers have failed to exercise the checks and balances built into the US Constitution. Republican legislators are doing nothing to rein in Trump as he attacks government institutions while lining his own pockets and those of his family and wealthy friends.
Ohio: Single Party Rule and a Decade of Decline
Since 2011, Republicans have held a trifecta of power in Ohio (the Governor’s office and both chambers of the Statehouse). During this time, our health, education, and economy have suffered under a “supermajority” that ignores the voice of the people. This unchecked authority has allowed for extreme gerrymandering, undermining the will of voters and protecting incumbents from competition. (Source: Ballotpedia, “Ohio State Government Trifecta”)
Health: While state legislators claim to be “pro life”, Ohio’s infant mortality ranking has dropped to 45 out of 50 states. The rate of infant deaths (before age 1) per 1,000 live births has consistently been below the national average since 2014.
Education: In 2010, the Columbus Dispatch proudly announced that Ohio’s ranking in public education had climbed to number 5. But after 15 years of Republican oversight, our ranking has fallen to 38 out of 50 states. Our state legislature has approved the use of more than a billion dollars in public funds to support private schools, and has given tax breaks to the wealthy that reduce funds available to local governments to pay for basic public services. Our legislature has gradually stolen more and more public funding to support private schools, often with no public oversight.
The Economy: Slowed growth cost Ohio a Congressional seat in the last census. As the state legislature shifts the tax burden onto local governments, property taxes rise, and our youth seek opportunities elsewhere. We have lost many of our young people to better opportunities in other states.
Local Impact in Delaware County: Ending 50 Years of Single-Party Rule
The lack of balance is felt right here at home. Party labels on county-level offices from Auditor to Sheriff have ensured that no Democrats have been elected to Delaware County positions for the last 50 years. Many county officials are dedicated public servants, but they support those in more powerful positions who are challenging essential laws and standards at the state and national levels. Without Democratic voices in local government, there is no one to push back against the state-level tax shifts that force school districts to increase local property taxes to make up the difference.
It’s Time for a Change
We must protect the integrity of our judicial races and respect the results of citizen referenda, both of which have been undermined by the current legislative supermajority.
Bring Balance Back. Vote for Democrats to restore accountability to the Executive and Legislative branches at the local, state, and federal levels.
