Question 1

District 1: Dontavius Jarrells (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 2

District 1: Joel A. Greff (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 3

District 2: Charity Martin King (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 4

District 3: Ismail Mohamed (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 5

District 3: Bernadine Kennedy Kent (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 6

* District 4: Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:State Representative, District 4.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I support many pro-work, pro-family solutions like: fully funding our public K-12 schools, Public Pre-school, more publicly funded childcare and other creative solutions that will make childcare more available and affordable, an earned income tax credit, rising the minimum wage, among others.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?Among other priorities, I support fully funding our public K-12 system of public education and investing in public pre-school. I also support various approaches to making healthcare, childcare and housing more affordable. We need to invest in earlier detection and intervention for children. Overall, I know that investment in our youngest Ohioans is not only the right and moral priority, but also has a huge return on investment.

Question 7

*District 5: Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Re-election to Ohio House District 5.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?As part of the Ohio House, I, along with my Democratic colleagues, am committed to tackling the affordability crisis by championing pro-work, pro-family solutions. We advocate for reducing child care costs to relieve the financial burden on families, allowing them to expand and thrive. Additionally, we support initiatives that promote wage growth and job creation, which are essential for improving living standards. By enhancing access to affordable healthcare and implementing tax incentives for businesses that prioritize employee welfare, we can help lower everyday expenses like gas, energy, and food. These comprehensive strategies aim to empower Ohioans and ensure a better quality of life for all families.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My policy priorities for supporting Ohio’s youngest children focus on making child care more affordable and accessible. I strongly advocate for H.B. No. 777, the Fair Tri-Share Child Care Program Act, which effectively splits child care costs among employees, employers, and the state, easing the financial burden on families. Additionally, I support H.B. No. 759, the Ohio Vets-Military Families Childcare Act, to provide further assistance for military families. Alongside these efforts, I call for reducing overwhelming health care costs so families can prioritize their well-being without having to choose between essential medications and other basic needs.

Question 8

District 5: Richard Cole (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 9

*District 6: Christine Cockley (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House District 6.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. 
Absolutely. Parents should not have to choose between going to work and finding safe, affordable care for their children. When families cannot find child care, employers lose workers and our economy loses talent. Making quality child care more available and affordable helps parents stay in the workforce, supports employers, and gives children a strong start.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Ohio should do more to make safe, high-quality child care and preschool affordable and available in every community. I support increased state investment in child care, expanding access to early childhood education, and working with employers and providers to increase the number of available child care slots. These investments help children succeed while giving parents the stability they need to work and support their families.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Protecting Medicaid coverage for pregnant people, babies, and young children is essential. Families should be able to access prenatal care, safe deliveries, postpartum care, regular checkups, and preventive health services without worrying that they cannot afford them. Investing in healthy moms and healthy children gives Ohio families a stronger foundation and can prevent more serious and expensive health problems later.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I believe Ohio should make it easier for families to work, raise children, and build a stable future. That means expanding access to affordable child care, increasing wages, lowering health care and prescription drug costs, addressing medical debt, supporting paid family leave, and making housing and everyday expenses more affordable. I also support policies that help employers recruit and retain workers, including incentives for businesses that help their employees access quality child care. Families who work hard should be able to afford the basics, care for their children, and get ahead.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My priorities include expanding access to affordable child care and preschool, strengthening early childhood education, protecting Medicaid coverage for children and pregnant people, and making health care more affordable for families. I also believe we need to address the broader pressures facing parents, including wages, housing, food costs, medical debt, and access to paid leave. Giving children the best possible start means supporting the whole family and making sure parents have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Question 10

District 6: Matthew Jackson (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 11

* District 7: Ukeme Awakessien Jeter (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House District 7.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Quality child care is absolutely a workforce issue. When families, especially women, cannot find reliable, affordable childcare, parents are forced to reduce their hours at work, leave the workforce or turn down job opportunities.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. I support more state government action to expand access to affordable child care and preschool. We must do our part in making these services more affordable and accessible. Investment into child care is an investment in Ohio families and the future of these children.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.For many working families, Medicaid coverage is the difference between receiving care and not receiving care. It is essential to protect coverage for pregnant women and young children in Ohio.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?We are experiencing an affordability crisis in this country and in our state. Ohio families are working hard and still unable to afford necessities. We need affordable childcare in this state, increase housing supply, support workers’ rights and strengthen programs that help families afford food, health care and other essentials.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My campaign is centered around making life easier for families. We must invest in our communities and infrastructure including housing and the cost of childcare. Ohio’s youngest children deserve to grow up in good homes and be taken care of while their parents are at work. We must adequately fund our public schools so children can attain a reliable and enriching education. I do not believe in taking short cuts when it comes to investing in the next generation.

Question 12

District 7: William Mercier (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 13

District 8: Kelly Hunter-Kalagidis (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 14

* District 8: Anita Somani (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Reelection to The Ohio House of Representatives (HD8).Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Yes, access to quality, affordable child care is a critical workforce issue. When parents cannot find reliable child care, they are often forced to reduce their hours, leave the workforce, or delay returning to work. Expanding access to affordable child care strengthens Ohio’s workforce, supports working families, and helps businesses attract and retain employees. Women are the ones who are often forced to leave the workplace if child care is not available.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. I support additional state investment to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool. Too many Ohio families are struggling to find quality care they can afford, and that challenge impacts both parents and our economy. By investing in early childhood education and supporting working families, Ohio can help more parents stay in the workforce while ensuring children have the strong start they deserve.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.I absolutely support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children. As a physician, I understand the importance of access to timely prenatal care, healthy deliveries, and early childhood health services. Ensuring families have access to the care they need not only improves outcomes for children, but also helps prevent more costly health issues in the future. It also reduces the cost of care by allowing families to get preventive and address medical issues before they become serious.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I am proud to have recently unveiled legislation with my Democratic colleagues to lower costs for Ohio families by reducing health care premiums, expanding access to affordable child care, increasing housing affordability, and protecting consumers from hidden fees. I believe state government should focus on solutions that help families make ends meet and create an Ohio where people can afford to work, raise a family, and build a future. Beyond these proposals, I support a range of pro-work and pro-family policies that strengthen Ohio families, including investments in public education, protecting the right to collectively bargain, supporting small businesses, and ensuring parents have the resources they need to succeed. When families have greater financial stability, our communities and economy are stronger.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?As an OB/GYN, I know that the earliest years of a child’s life are critical to their long-term health and success. My priorities include expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care and preschool, protecting Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and young children, and ensuring families have access to the health care and resources they need to give their children a strong start. Continuous coverage from ages 0 to 3 helps families get their kids in for vaccinations and developmental checks. I would work to make sure we keep that in place. I am proud to have supported legislative efforts to expand access to early childhood education, including legislation to create greater access to preschool opportunities for Ohio children. I also support policies that strengthen working families, including expanding access to child care, supporting caregivers, and providing families with the resources they need to thrive.Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their zip code or family circumstances. By investing in Ohio’s youngest children and supporting the families who care for them, we can build a healthier, stronger future for our state.

Question 15

District 9: Munira Abdullahi (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 16

District 9: Bruce Euans (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 17

District 10: Mark Sigrist (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 18

District 10: Denise D'Angelo Steele (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 19

* District 11: Crystal Lett (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House of Representatives - District 11.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Absolutely. Child care is one of the most significant workforce issues facing Ohio because parents can't participate fully in the workforce if they can't find or afford safe, reliable care for their children. When we invest in affordable, high-quality child care, we're not just supporting children and families—we're strengthening our economy, helping employers fill jobs, and giving every Ohioan a better opportunity to succeed.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Yes. I strongly support greater state action to expand access to affordable, safe, high-quality child care and preschool because every Ohio child deserves a strong start, regardless of their family's income or ZIP code. That's why I introduced House Bill 800, the Preschool for All Act, to make preschool more accessible and affordable for every Ohio family by expanding opportunities for children to attend high-quality early learning programs. Investing in universal access to preschool helps children enter kindergarten ready to learn, gives parents greater financial stability and flexibility to participate in the workforce, and strengthens Ohio's future by building a better-educated, more competitive generation.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Yes. I strongly support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio's pregnant women and youngest children. Access to prenatal care, healthy pregnancies, and early childhood healthcare leads to better outcomes for families, reduces long-term healthcare costs, and gives every child the healthiest possible start in life. As policymakers consider Medicaid reforms, we should be strengthening these essential protections—not creating barriers that put the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and young children at risk.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I support pro-work, pro-family policies that make it easier for Ohioans to succeed—expanding affordable child care and preschool, strengthening access to healthcare, and creating pathways to economic independence for people with disabilities. That's why I introduced the Preschool for All Act (HB 800) to make high-quality preschool more affordable and accessible, and sponsored legislation like HB 581 to expand the Medicaid Buy-In program so more Ohioans with disabilities can work without losing their healthcare. When we remove barriers to work and invest in children and families, we build a stronger workforce and a stronger Ohio. I have introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address childcare access and affordability, and am currently serving as the ranking member of the House Children and Human Services Committee.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?Supporting Ohio's youngest children has been one of my top priorities in the General Assembly because we know that investing in children early creates stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger Ohio. That's why I've been proud to serve as the primary sponsor of legislation that addresses the full spectrum of children's needs—from expanding access to affordable, high-quality early learning through the Preschool for All Act (HB 800), to strengthening Ohio's child care system through HB 787, and improving access and affordability of childcare to military families HB 759. I've also championed HB 140 to improve outcomes for children by lifting families out of poverty through tax credits, HB 585 to expand housing opportunities for Ohioans with developmental disabilities, HB 699 to ensure children and families can access medically necessary prescription medications, and HB 827 to increase eligibility to publicly funded childcare. Together, these bills reflect my belief that every child deserves a healthy start, every family deserves the opportunity to thrive, and Ohio has a responsibility to invest in the well-being of our next generation.

Question 20

District 11: Shawn Kaeser (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 21

District 12: Lee Larsky (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 22

District 12: Brian Stewart (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 23

District 13: Tristan W. Rader (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 24

District 13: Billy Fronimo(R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 25

* District 14: Sean Patrick Brennan (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House District 14.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. As a former public school teacher, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong early learning experiences. I believe quality child care strengthens school readiness, supports working families, and provides employers with a more stable workforce. Public policy should recognize child care as essential infrastructure that benefits children, parents, businesses, and communities alike.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Yes. I support thoughtful state action to expand access to affordable, safe, and high-quality child care and preschool. Every child deserves the opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to learn, regardless of their family’s income or ZIP code. At the same time, working families need access to reliable child care so parents can participate fully in the workforce.I believe the state should make strategic investments that strengthen our child care system, support early childhood educators, and help providers remain financially sustainable while maintaining high standards for safety and quality. We should also continue to support evidence-based preschool programs that improve school readiness and long-term educational outcomes. As a former teacher, I know that investing in children during their earliest years is one of the smartest investments we can make for Ohio’s future.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Yes. Access to consistent prenatal care can help identify complications early, connect expectant mothers with needed services, and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.Early childhood is a critical period for physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Access to preventive care, screenings, vaccinations, and treatment of health issues during these earliest years can have lasting effects on a child’s future well-being.Early intervention can also help reduce the need for more costly emergency or intensive care later. Ensuring young children have access to health coverage can ease financial pressures on families by helping them receive necessary medical services without facing unexpected expenses.Health and early development are closely connected. Addressing health needs early can help children be better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed in school.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?*Lowering energy and utility costs*Addressing food insecurity*Housing affordability*Child care affordability and workforce support*Promoting policies that grow good-paying jobs and workforce opportunities*Health care affordabilityCould you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?* Early childhood health: prenatal care, infant health, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and early intervention services.* Affordable, quality child care: increasing access to safe child care options and supporting a stable early childhood workforce.* School readiness: ensuring children have the developmental, social, and academic foundations needed before entering kindergarten.* Family economic stability: addressing the costs of housing, food, utilities, health care, and child care that can affect children’s well-being.* Support for families and caregivers: connecting families with resources that help children thrive during their earliest years.

Question 26

District 14: David Morgan (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 27

* District 15: Chris Glassburn (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House of Representatives District 15.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I am a member of the Finance, Ways and Means, and Energy committees.  I have consistently supported lowering the cost of utilities and tax burdens on working families.  I have also consistently supported the funding of critical programs, credits and initiatives that provide the services working families rely upon.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?Universal kindergarten and pre-k, paired with quality childcare options that prepare kids and wrap around school, should be a central objective for the state.

Question 28

District 15: Daniel Conway(R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 29

District 16: Scott DiMauro (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 30

* District 16: Sophia Tjotjos (R)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:State Representative, Ohio District 16.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Yes. Access to quality, affordable child care is directly tied to workforce participation, and I hear this from families and employers across House District 16. When parents can't find or afford reliable care, they're forced out of the workforce or into reduced hours — that's a loss for families trying to build financial security and for local employers trying to fill open positions. As a mother and grandmother, I've seen firsthand how much of a difference reliable child care makes for a family's ability to work and thrive.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Yes — I support state action that expands access to child care through the tax code and by reducing barriers for providers, rather than through new broad-based government spending programs. Specifically, I support providing tax incentives and other benefits to Ohio businesses that offer or help employees afford quality child care, and I support creating a state refundable Child Tax Credit that puts resources directly in the hands of parents to use as their family needs — whether that's child care, housing, or other household expenses. I believe these approaches expand access and affordability more effectively and more sustainably than new state spending programs, while also giving families more choice over how support actually gets used.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Yes. Prenatal, maternal, and early childhood health coverage is foundational — healthy births and access to early care set the trajectory for a child's entire life, and the data bears out that this is also fiscally responsible: children represent a disproportionately small share of Medicaid spending relative to their enrollment, precisely because preventive and early care keeps costs down over time. As reforms to Medicaid are considered at both the federal and state level, I support ensuring that pregnant women and young children remain protected.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?Affordability is one of the top issues I hear about from families across House District 16. Specifically, I support:Property tax reform that protects homeowners from being taxed out of their homes by rapidly rising valuations — including circuit-breaker protections for lower-income households, expanded homestead exemptions, and a senior tax freeze at age 70, so that rising home values don't outpace a family's ability to pay.A state refundable Child Tax Credit that puts money directly back in parents' hands to use as their family's needs dictate — child care, housing, groceries, or whatever matters most to them.Tax incentives for Ohio businesses that offer or help employees afford child care, recognizing that employers are often best positioned to offer flexible, workplace-based solutions.Reducing unnecessary regulatory and licensing burdens that drive up costs for small businesses, child care providers, and working families alike — every layer of red tape ultimately gets passed on to the household budget.Taken together, these are pro-work, pro-family solutions that lower the cost of living for families.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My priorities center on giving families more resources and fewer barriers. I support protecting Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and young children, creating a state refundable Child Tax Credit so parents can direct support where their family needs it most, and tax incentives for employers who help employees access child care. I also support reducing regulatory and licensing burdens that limit the supply of quality child care providers, and property tax reform that protects young families from being priced out of their homes as they're putting down roots.

Question 31

District 17: Megan Coy (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 32

District 17: Mike Dovilla (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 33

* District 18: Davida Russell (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:State Representative, House District 18.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?To address the affordability crisis in Ohio, we need to implement pro-work, pro-family solutions that directly tackle the financial burdens residents face. This includes increasing access to affordable child care, which would enable families to expand and thrive. Additionally, we should push for policies that support wage growth and job creation, alongside tax incentives for businesses that prioritize employee compensation. Expanding utility assistance programs and promoting energy-efficient practices can help lower monthly expenses for families. Lastly, investing in local food initiatives can ensure that nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all Ohioans. These measures can significantly alleviate financial stress and enhance overall quality of life.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My policy priorities for supporting Ohio’s youngest children focus on ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need for a strong start in life. First, we must expand access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, to ensure every child has a healthy foundation. Investing in increased funding for public schools will enhance classroom resources, allowing educators to provide a better learning environment. Additionally, expanding after-school programs, tutoring, and mentorship will help children develop academically and socially outside regular school hours. Finally, we should support public safety strategies that engage with communities to create safe environments where children can thrive.

Question 34

District 18: Maureen Lynn (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 35

District 19: Nicole Sigurdson (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 36

District 19: Ed Hargate (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 37

District 20: Eugene Miller (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 38

District 21: Eric Synenberg (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 39

District 21: Tina Barhams (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 40

District 22: Darnell Brewer (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 41

District 23: Dan Troy (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 42

District 23: Julie A. Belich (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 43

* District 24: Dani Isaacsohn (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House District 24.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. When Ohio parents in the workforce are struggling to make enough to cover the cost of childcare, it makes sense that families would choose to provide childcare themselves, shrinking the workforce. Lack of access to quality, affordable childcare is absolutely a barrier for working Ohioans, even if they want to enter the workforce. Long term, Ohioans might even put off starting a family because of the expenses, meaning less people entering the workforce at all.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. I have been a consistent advocate for the state increasing support for the above mentioned initiatives, including recently, advocating for universal preschool and expansion of publicly funded childcare in the state operating budget.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.It is critical we protect Medicaid coverage for the most vulnerable Ohioans, including pregnant women and children, if we want to improve health outcomes in the state for everyone.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?The Ohio House Caucus under my leadership has proposed a slate of legislative solutions geared toward addressing critical affordability issues. Addressing these financial strains is pro-family and supports economic participation. Some examples of these policies are House Bills 598, which would allow local governments to create residential stability zones to help protect communities from displacement and rising housing costs, or the Childcare Tax Credit Act, which creates a refundable state tax credit to help offset childcare costs for working families. As mentioned previously, I am also a supporter of expanding  publicly funded childcare and universal pre-k.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My top two policy priorities for supporting Ohio's youngest children are lowering the cost of quality childcare for working families and improving infant and maternal health outcomes by expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

Question 44

District 25: Cecil Thomas (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 45

District 26: Ashley Bryant Bailey (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 46

District 26: Tom Brinkman Jr. (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 47

District 27: Rachel Baker (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 48

District 27: Nancy Aichholz (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 49

* District 28: Karen Brownlee (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House of Representatives, District 28.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Absolutely. As a clinical social worker, I know that when parents are forced to choose between paying for childcare or leaving the workforce entirely, it guts family stability and stalls our economy. Families aren't leaving the workforce by choice; they are being pushed out by the high prices of childcare and basic needs.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. To provide direct, immediate relief, I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Bill 804, the Childcare Tax Credit Act. This bill creates a refundable state tax credit providing working families with up to $2,000 for one child or $4,000 for two or more children under the age of five. We are fighting to treat childcare like the essential public infrastructure it is, keeping parents in the workforce and allowing Ohio's working class to thrive. I have worked diligently on the Children and Human Services Committee to support and increase Publicly Funded Childcare funding and to stop attacks on childcare centers. If we want to have a competitive economy and a healthy Ohio, the state MUST invest more into PFCC, increase eligibility for PFCC, support subsidized child care for child care workers, and be progressive with creating and supporting broad-based child care policies and programs for all Ohioans in the workforce.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Because I so deeply support increasing access to public, quality, and equitable healthcare for pregnant mothers, children, and all Ohioans, I introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Medicaid Savings Act (HB 780) to eliminate costly insurance middlemen and redirect hundreds of millions directly back into patient care and regular provider reimbursement increases. By focusing on data-driven, commonsense solutions that protect patient-provider relationships and lower overhead, we can make healthcare access a stable reality for every Ohio family, regardless of age, zip code, or situation.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?As part of the "An Ohio You Can Afford" legislative package, my primary focus is delivering direct, structural cost-of-living relief to families across their highest annual expenses, including housing, childcare, energy, and healthcare. To address Ohio’s housing supply shortage and high prices, I introduced HB 857, The Housing Recovery Act, to fix technical problems with the $100 million Revolving Rural Residential Loan program, and repurpose it into a revolving housing loan program for communities all over Ohio. The way the program was set up makes it inaccessible to Ohio communities, so the money is sitting in OHFA, without a single dollar going towards new housing. This loan program, if set up correctly, will spur the construction of entry-level single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family units across the state– supporting a critical housing supply for families which will ultimately bring down demand and housing prices. To ease childcare and family expenses, I support establishing a refundable $2,000-per-child tax credit for children under age 5 and expanding publicly funded childcare options and eligibility. Additionally, to lower monthly household bills, I champion freezing emergency utility rate hikes, encouraging fair and transparent energy and utility pricing, and strategic policy to alleviate the property tax burden on Ohioans. Each of these things, plus the other policies I have highlighted throughout this survey, leaves people with more time and money to better support our youngest Ohioans.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?The focus of my social work career was on children and families, with my start in early childhood mental health. There is simply no better and more effective way to invest in a healthy Ohio than by investing in our infants and toddlers while they are developing their brains and behaviors. The role of adults for our littlest Ohioans is to create healthy, safe environments in which those babies can grow, so parents and caregivers must also be part and parcel of the investment for our babies.  Supporting Ohio’s infants, toddlers, and young children requires a comprehensive approach that stabilizes family finances, expands high-quality early education for both parents and children, and protects children's health and safety. Again, this includes direct, tax-based relief for families with children; expanding public childcare and preschool options while fully and fairly funding our public elementary and high schools; and protecting maternal, infant, and pediatric health by funding early childhood healthcare and intervention services as part of our healthcare spending.

Question 50

District 28: Jill Cole (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 51

* District 29: Jonathan Bradner (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:State Representative HD29.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Absolutely. Parents cannot take a job, keep a job, or advance in their careers if they do not have a safe and dependable place for their children during the workday. We talk constantly about workforce shortages in Ohio, but we too often ignore one of the biggest barriers keeping parents from participating in that workforce. Child care should be treated as part of the economic infrastructure that makes employment possible.We also have to recognize that this is a workforce issue on both sides. Child care providers and early educators deserve wages that allow them to build careers in this field without making care even more unaffordable for families. State investment can help us support those workers, increase the number of available slots, and bring down costs for parents.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Ohio should be making it easier for families to work and raise children here. That means using state resources to bring down out-of-pocket costs, expand the number of providers, strengthen Head Start and preschool opportunities, and make sure child care workers are paid fairly enough to remain in the profession.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Yes. Prenatal care, safe delivery, postpartum care, well-child visits, vaccinations, screenings, and early treatment can shape the entire course of a child's life. Cutting access during pregnancy or early childhood may save money on a spreadsheet in the short term, but it creates larger health and economic costs later.Children should not lose access to a doctor because their family is struggling financially. I would protect this coverage and work to make enrollment and continued eligibility as straightforward as possible for families.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?Affordability is not just a buzzword. It is the foundation of a strong Ohio. It is unacceptable that too many people are working hard and still struggling to get by. The cost of housing, groceries, child care, health care, and other necessities continues to rise while wages lag behind, pushing families to the brink and driving young people out of our state. I support restoring the conversation around true living wages so that a fair day’s work earns a fair day’s wage. I support expanding housing affordable to families at 30% of Area Median Income by cutting unnecessary barriers to development and requiring real affordability when public incentives are used. I support capping the cost of essential medications while we continue working toward universal health care. And I support moving Ohio toward universal access to affordable, high-quality child care, because parents should not have to choose between going to work and being able to afford a safe place for their children.Fully funding public education must also be part of any serious affordability agenda. Nearly 30 years after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled our school funding system unconstitutional, the state still places far too much of the burden on local communities through property taxes and repeated school levies. When the state finally meets its responsibility to properly fund public schools, we can support students, teachers, and school staff while delivering meaningful property-tax relief to Ohio families. To me, being pro-family means making it possible to raise a family here, and being pro-work means making sure working hard is actually enough to build a good life.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?Besides funding public education at the state level, I also find it unacceptable that our state ranks dead last in funding child services like foster care. How will I fix it? The state budget as a document is 136% larger than the federal budget at over 3,000 pages. If we can find cuts for big energy companies and fund sports stadiums, I am sure we can find foster care funding somewhere in a 3,000 page budget.

Question 52

* District 29: Cindy Abrams (R)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House District 29.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I voted yes for tax cuts, including the sales tax holiday. We invest in quality childcare that focuses on early childhood development. I will continue to be a strong voice for our children and families.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?I sponsored HB141, PPEC, creating prescribed pediatric extended care centers. PPEC’s will give families the peace of mind their child with complex medical needs is in capable hands while learning, receiving therapy, etc.

Question 53

District 30: Caleb Price (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 54

District 30: Mike Odioso (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 55

* District 31: J. Noah Spinner (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio HD 31.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Affordable, quality childcare can be the difference-maker in the quality of life for Ohio families. For many parents, access to reliable childcare determines whether they can return to work, earn an income, pursue a career, and provide a better quality of life for their families.But this is about more than just parents being able to work. Investing in childcare means investing in Ohio’s children and ensuring they have the support, stability, and early education they need to succeed.For Ohio's families and workforce to thrive, affordable childcare is an essential part of our workforce and an investment in our state's future.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support.Absolutely -- especially here in District 31.We are seeing and feeling the squeeze of the state legislature’s actions on our communities and schools. School districts across our district, including Barberton, Norton, and Cuyahoga Falls, have been forced to close and consolidate elementary schools and, in some cases, eliminate pre-K programming.If we as a state say we want to prepare our children to reach their fullest potential, we need to put action behind those words. Every Ohio child deserves access to safe, affordable, quality childcare and preschool that gives them the foundation they need to succeed.At the same time, investing in childcare and preschool is an investment in working families. Affordable childcare allows parents to work, pursue their careers, and provide a better quality of life for their families. It strengthens our communities, supports our local economy, and helps build a better Ohio.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Without any doubt, yes.This issue is deeply personal to me. Last April, I lost my wife, Shelby, to colorectal cancer. When she was first diagnosed, we struggled to make ends meet while confronting the enormous costs of her treatment. When she applied for Medicaid, she was initially denied. We had to fight with the state, and eventually, with the help of our representative, we were able to get her the coverage she needed. That coverage allowed us to focus on her healthcare and her treatment rather than constantly worrying about runaway medical costs.Access to affordable healthcare is under attack right here in Ohio. Medicaid provides healthcare to roughly 3 million Ohioans, including hundreds of thousands of children. Here in our community, over half of Akron Children’s Hospital serves patients that rely on Medicaid, and all of their patients are children! Cutting or restricting that coverage would have serious consequences for children, families, hospitals, and communities across our state.It is simply untenable to consider reductions in Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children. I will fight to protect Medicaid coverage and work to reduce the administrative barriers that prevent eligible Ohioans from receiving the care they need.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?I know the pressures of the runaway train that is the cost of everyday living. For too many Ohio families, the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, gas, childcare, and property taxes is making it harder to get ahead.As a state, we need to shift our priorities and focus on the people we represent. That means holding utility companies and the PUCO accountable for excessive rate increases and working to keep utility costs affordable. It means finding ways to lower the cost of groceries and gas, investing in affordable childcare, and making sure working families can afford to live in the communities they call home.We also need to address property taxes, which are increasingly forcing people, especially seniors and longtime homeowners, out of their homes. That starts with the state fully funding public education and restoring and fully funding local government and municipal funds so that communities are not forced to rely so heavily on property taxes to provide essential services.I am proud to have the support of many of Ohio's hardest working unions representing Ohio's hardest working families, including the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters, Ohio AFL-CIO, Ohio Education Association, Teamsters, and the Tri-County Building and Construction Trades Council.  I will work tirelessly to ensure that Ohio raises the quality of life for their members, families, and all Ohioans.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?My priorities for Ohio’s youngest children start with making sure every child has the foundation they need to succeed.That means fully funding our public schools at the state level so that every community has the resources necessary to provide a quality education. It means expanding access to safe, affordable, quality childcare and preschool so that children can learn and grow while parents have the ability to work and provide for their families.It also means making sure no child has to learn while hungry. I support a universal school lunch program for Ohio students so that every child has access to a nutritious meal at school, regardless of their family’s income.

Question 56

* District 31: Mike Kahoe (R)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:State Representative - HD31.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. Quality, affordable child care is an important workforce issue because it helps parents return to work and strengthens Ohio's economy. I support expanding child care options through regulatory reform, employer partnerships, and policies that give families more choice while maintaining high safety and quality standards.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Investment in high quality preschool and childcare provides a huge return on investment. Children’s brains are mostly developed by the time they enter kindergarten. State investment in childcare and preschool will be returned in higher performing students and down the road stronger participants in Ohio’s economy.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?Easing the regulatory burden on new housing development to increase supply and lower the cost of housing. Speeding up approval of new energy generation projects to increase reliability and decrease cost of utilities. Increasing career-technical education so that more students graduate career ready. Eliminating benefits cliffs in programs like SNAP and Medicaid to help families escape generational poverty. Create partnerships between the government, businesses, and childcare providers to provide more job opportunities w/ childcare to working parents.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?Strengthen school funding by increasing the state's investment in public education while encouraging districts to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently through shared services and administrative partnerships.Reduce bureaucracy in education by eliminating unnecessary administrative burdens and ensuring that state and federal governments fully fund the mandates they impose on local schools.Expand career and technical education to prepare students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, skilled trades, and other essential industries.Prepare students for the workforce by expanding work-based learning opportunities, requiring every student to graduate with a resume, and teaching the durable skills needed for lifelong success.Create better learning environments by limiting cell phone distractions in classrooms so students can stay focused on learning.Address the student mental health crisis by increasing access to mental health resources and support services.Invest in early childhood education by expanding Pre-K and early learning programs, giving children the strongest possible foundation for future success.

Question 57

District 32: Djordjije Popovic (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 58

District 32: Jack K. Daniels (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 59

District 33: Veronica Sims (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 60

District 33: Napoleon Rodgers Jr. (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 61

District 34: Derrick Hall (D)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 62

District 34: Craig Shubert (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

Question 63

* District 35: Samantha Salamon (D)

Accepted Answer

Office you are running for:Ohio House of Representatives District 35.Do you consider quality child care a workforce issue?Yes. When parents cannot afford childcare, they resort to taking less hours at work to watch their children. It’s imperative that when the state of Ohio invests in working families, they also invest in quality child care. Additionally, child care providers are workers themselves. They should be treated with respect, dignity, and afforded adequate working conditions and livable wages.Do you support more state government action to expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool?Support. Expanding access to affordable and safe child care and preschool is good for working families, employers, and children. The state should work to increase providers and lessen restrictions and red tape where appropriate.As Congress and the General Assembly consider reforms to Medicaid, do you support protecting Medicaid coverage for Ohio’s pregnant women and youngest children?Support.Medicaid access and preventive care leads to strong pregnancies, safe births, and healthy babies. These are all things the state should be prioritizing when it comes to maternal health.What pro-work, pro-family solutions do you support?A great way to help to remove the burden of childcare for working families is for more investment in tri-care childcare programs where the family, the state, and the employer all share the responsibility of paying for childcare. These programs significantly decrease the cost of childcare for the family and allow them to work and contribute to the economy more. The state should further incentivize employers to participate in a program like by offering a tax cut for companies that do.Could you share some of your policy priorities that support Ohio’s youngest children?To support Ohio’s youngest children, the state needs to fully fund public schools. Because the state isn’t paying their fair share into public schools, the burden of keeping them afloat falls onto the local taxpayer, who is already struggling to make ends meet. If we want to truly invest in the next generation, we need to ensure they have a good, quality education.

Question 64

District 35: Vik Sandhu (R)

Accepted Answer

Response not yet received.

2026 Voter Guide

District 1: Dontavius Jarrells (D)

District 1: Joel A. Greff (R)

District 2: Charity Martin King (D)

District 3: Ismail Mohamed (D)

District 3: Bernadine Kennedy Kent (R)

* District 4: Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D)

*District 5: Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D)

District 5: Richard Cole (R)

*District 6: Christine Cockley (D)

District 6: Matthew Jackson (R)

* District 7: Ukeme Awakessien Jeter (D)

District 7: William Mercier (R)

District 8: Kelly Hunter-Kalagidis (R)

* District 8: Anita Somani (D)

District 9: Munira Abdullahi (D)

District 9: Bruce Euans (R)

District 10: Mark Sigrist (D)

District 10: Denise D'Angelo Steele (R)

* District 11: Crystal Lett (D)

District 11: Shawn Kaeser (R)

District 12: Lee Larsky (D)

District 12: Brian Stewart (R)

District 13: Tristan W. Rader (D)

District 13: Billy Fronimo(R)

* District 14: Sean Patrick Brennan (D)

District 14: David Morgan (R)

* District 15: Chris Glassburn (D)

District 15: Daniel Conway(R)

District 16: Scott DiMauro (D)

* District 16: Sophia Tjotjos (R)

District 17: Megan Coy (D)

District 17: Mike Dovilla (R)

* District 18: Davida Russell (D)

District 18: Maureen Lynn (R)

District 19: Nicole Sigurdson (D)

District 19: Ed Hargate (R)

District 20: Eugene Miller (D)

District 21: Eric Synenberg (D)

District 21: Tina Barhams (R)

District 22: Darnell Brewer (D)

District 23: Dan Troy (D)

District 23: Julie A. Belich (R)

* District 24: Dani Isaacsohn (D)

District 25: Cecil Thomas (D)

District 26: Ashley Bryant Bailey (D)

District 26: Tom Brinkman Jr. (R)

District 27: Rachel Baker (D)

District 27: Nancy Aichholz (R)

* District 28: Karen Brownlee (D)

District 28: Jill Cole (R)

* District 29: Jonathan Bradner (D)

* District 29: Cindy Abrams (R)

District 30: Caleb Price (D)

District 30: Mike Odioso (R)

* District 31: J. Noah Spinner (D)

* District 31: Mike Kahoe (R)

District 32: Djordjije Popovic (D)

District 32: Jack K. Daniels (R)

District 33: Veronica Sims (D)

District 33: Napoleon Rodgers Jr. (R)

District 34: Derrick Hall (D)

District 34: Craig Shubert (R)

* District 35: Samantha Salamon (D)

District 35: Vik Sandhu (R)

* District 36: Rose Lounsbury (D)

* District 36: Andrea White (R)

District 37: Tom Herner (D)

District 37: Tom Young (R)

District 38: Desiree Tims (D)

District 39: Daquan Neal (D)

District 39: Mark Campbell (R)

District 40: Timothy Hornbacker (D)

District 40: Rodney Creech (R)

District 41: Erika White (D)

District 41: Ian Chamberlin (R)

District 42: Elgin Rogers (D)

District 42: Robert McMahon (R)

District 43: Michele Grim (D)

District 43: David Karmol (R)