Phillips: State budget brings schools closer to constitutional system
State Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, said Wednesday the state operating budget approved Monday evening comes the closest yet to funding public schools in a sufficient manner.
On The Economy
Skyrocketing health care costs are hurting families and businesses. Every person should have access to health care, in a cost-effective system. Insurance costs have risen so dramatically that businesses and public institutions alike have to make the painful choice between providing health care or a decent wage. They have to choose between keeping employees or maintaining benefits to those who remain after the cuts and layoffs. Individuals have to decide whether to take their kids to the doctor, buy them shoes, or put gas in the car.
We need access to health care for all Ohioans. Publicly funded health care should focus on providing the services people need. Until we get to universal coverage, we need to make our current system work better. Debbie Phillips is proud to stand with Governor Strickland in wanting to increase access to healthcare for Ohioans.
Preventive Care
When people can’t afford regular visits to the doctor, health problems can go undetected or get worse before treatment begins. Lack of access causes families to end up in the emergency room for illnesses that could have been treated more easily and affordably at a doctor’s office. Home visits to families with new babies and visiting nurses for seniors are examples of the kinds of community-based service that can provide information and can help to promote wellness.
Medicaid
A recent study by the Health Policy Institute shows that Medicaid spending helps Ohio’s economy. When Ohio commits funds to cover basic health needs of Ohioans, the federal government pays a match. Every dollar spent on Medicaid produces $3.18 in economic activity. Governor Taft called Medicaid a “monster” in his State of the State address in 2005. Medicaid isn’t a monster. It covers those who can’t afford insurance, and it is an important part of Ohio’s economy. Fortunately, Governor Strickland does not share the same view as his predecessor and has worked to increase access to healthcare. Medicaid costs have grown, but there are common sense things we can do to get spending under control without compromising services, and make the system work better.
If you would like to know Debbie's stance on an issue that's not covered here, or need a more specific answer regarding her platform, please CONTACT DEBBIE for clarification.