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 Issues
On Education
Debbie Phillips has been working for educational opportunities for children from our region ever since the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the current system is unconstitutional. Debbie understands the importance of education, and the need to be sure that our children have great educational opportunities. Our constitution promises this to all our children, and we need to reduce reliance on local property taxes to keep that promise. Where a child lives shouldn’t determine the quality of that child’s education. Our kids deserve a chance to make a good life for themselves. read more...
On The Economy
Four years after the recession officially ended, in November 2001, Ohio is still below its pre-recession level for jobs. We have lagged behind the rest of the nation in job growth every month for more than nine years running. Two of the counties in this House district are in the top five in Ohio for job loss (Meigs and Morgan). Ohio leads the nation in the number of 18-34 year-olds leaving the state and there is a long pattern of young people leaving the Appalachian counties in particular. We need to provide opportunities so young people have the option to stay and to strengthen our region. read more...
On Energy
Debbie Phillips supports Ted Strickland’s plan for clean energy in Ohio: Powering Ohio’s Economy. The highlights of the plan are to invest in clean energy, encourage the development of alternative energy, spur hybrid manufacturing, support clean coal technologies, increase ethanol production, encourage use of biofuels, use state purchasing to lead by example, conduct an energy audit of state buildings and reduce energy use, and launch a higher education energy challenge. read more...
On Health Care
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 like 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 serve focus on providing the services people need. Until we get to universal coverage, we can make our current system work better. read more...
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.