BRING BALANCE BACK BLOG
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October 17, 2024
Rebuilding Ohio’s Renewable Energy Future
Rebuilding Ohio’s Renewable Energy Future
For years, Ohio was a leader in renewable energy development, thanks in large part to its Renewable Energy Standard (RES). Established in 2008, the RES required Ohio’s utility companies to gradually increase the share of energy they derived from renewable sources like wind and solar. The standard drove job creation, economic growth, and environmental benefits across the state.
Unfortunately, in recent years, efforts to weaken this standard have significantly set Ohio back in the race toward a clean energy future. The most infamous of these efforts was House Bill 6 (HB6), a piece of legislation that not only gutted the RES but also led to one of the largest corruption scandals in Ohio’s history.
The Damage of House Bill 6
The Damage of House Bill 6
In 2019, HB6 was passed by the Ohio State Legislature, providing a $1.3 billion bailout to nuclear plants owned by a FirstEnergy subsidiary. This bill funneled taxpayer dollars to prop up aging nuclear facilities while simultaneously rolling back Ohio’s RES, a move that severely damaged the state’s renewable energy progress.
While Ohio’s renewable energy standards were initially set to increase the state’s reliance on clean energy sources, HB6 significantly reduced those requirements. As a result, Ohio, which was once a leader in renewable energy, is now lagging far behind. In fact, according to a Cleveland.com article, “Of 31 states with a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS), Ohio derives the smallest share of its energy from renewable sources.”
The passage of HB6 wasn’t just a blow to clean energy—it was a blatant example of political corruption. The bill is at the center of a bribery scandal involving FirstEnergy and former Speaker of the House Larry Householder, demonstrating how special interests can override the needs of Ohioans when unchecked.
The rollback of the RES means that instead of continuing to grow our renewable energy sector, Ohio is set to phase out the RES by 2026—an outcome that benefits utility companies and special interests but hurts our state’s economic and environmental future.
Renewable Energy: A Job Creator for Ohio
Renewable Energy: A Job Creator for Ohio
The rollback of Ohio’s RES isn’t just a setback for our environment—it’s a missed opportunity for economic growth and job creation. Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and Ohio is perfectly positioned to benefit from this boom. By embracing clean energy initiatives, we can create thousands of well-paying jobs in wind, solar, and energy efficiency sectors.
In fact, prior to the RES rollback, Ohio’s clean energy sector was flourishing. Wind turbine manufacturing, solar panel installation, and energy efficiency retrofitting were creating jobs across the state, particularly in rural areas that were struggling economically. By reinstating the RES, we can once again tap into this potential and make Ohio a hub for renewable energy innovation.
A Path Forward: Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future
A Path Forward: Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future
Most states in the U.S. have increased their renewable energy standards in recent years, recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to clean energy. Ohio, however, has moved in the opposite direction. It’s time for us to reverse course and take action to build a sustainable, energy-efficient future.
By reinstating the Renewable Energy Standard, we can:
Create jobs: The renewable energy sector is a proven job creator, particularly in areas like solar, wind, and energy efficiency. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute’s report, “with a 3.9% growth rate, clean energy job creation outpaced overall job growth in 2022”
Improve public health: Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels will improve air and water quality, leading to better health outcomes for all Ohioans.
Boost economic growth: Investment in renewable energy infrastructure will stimulate local economies and attract new industries to Ohio.
Address climate change: As we transition to cleaner energy sources, we’ll play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Ohio has the potential to be a leader in the clean energy revolution, but we must act now to undo the damage caused by HB6 and other efforts to undermine our renewable energy future. As your state senator, I am committed to reinstating the Renewable Energy Standard, fighting corruption, and ensuring that Ohioans benefit from the economic and environmental opportunities that clean energy offers.
Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future, and Bring Balance Back to Ohio.
— Dan McGregor
Related Links
Ohio's renewable energy portfolio standard - Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission
House Bill 6 left Ohio with least stringent clean-energy program in U.S. - Cleveland.com
2021 Report of Renewables Portfolio Standards - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Ohio HB 6 Updates: FirstEnergy riders approved, with changes - Ohio Capital Journal
Fact Sheet | Climate Jobs (2024) - Environmental and Energy Study Institute
October 10, 2024
Addressing the Healthcare Crisis in Rural Ohio
Addressing the Healthcare Crisis in Rural Ohio
Many rural areas in Ohio are facing a healthcare crisis that cannot be ignored. With hospitals closing, medical workforce shortages, and limited access to essential services, rural Ohioans are being left behind. As these barriers to care continue to grow, the health and well-being of our communities suffer—especially for women, infants, and vulnerable populations.
A Grim Outlook for Women’s Health in Ohio
A Grim Outlook for Women’s Health in Ohio
Ohio ranks 35th in Women’s Health and Reproductive Care Outcomes, according to the CommonWealth Club’s 2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care. This ranking is deeply troubling, but the situation is even worse for Black women, who face disproportionate healthcare challenges.
The infant mortality rate in Ohio is unacceptable. Our state ranks 44th in the nation, which means that too many infants are not surviving their first year of life. Black women, in particular, face far greater risks. According to Ohio Policy Matters, Black women in Ohio suffer 29.5 deaths per 100,000 births, far higher than other racial groups. This disparity is compounded by systemic barriers, including limited access to healthcare coverage and services during pregnancy.
A proposal to expand Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, which could have significantly improved access to care for Black women and other vulnerable populations, was rejected by the Ohio State Legislature. This was a missed opportunity to directly address these troubling healthcare outcomes. Medicaid expansion would have provided crucial support to working women without employer-provided healthcare, helping them access care during and after pregnancy.
Limited Access to Care in Rural Ohio
Limited Access to Care in Rural Ohio
Rural Ohioans are facing significant challenges accessing healthcare. Hospital closures and a shortage of medical providers have left many areas struggling. A Columbus Dispatch article from September 2024 highlighted the issue of pharmacy closures, with major chains like Walgreens and CVS shutting down locations across the state. As a result, 15 Ohio communities are now considered “pharmacy deserts,” where residents do not have access to a pharmacy within a 10-mile radius.
The problem extends beyond pharmacies. According to News5 Cleveland, 46% of Ashtabula County residents must travel outside of their county to receive medical care. This lack of local healthcare services is exacerbating the challenges rural Ohioans face in accessing timely, quality care.
The Need for Legislative Action
The Need for Legislative Action
Good work is being done to study the healthcare needs of rural Ohioans, such as the Ohio Rural Health Improvement Process study conducted by the Appalachian Rural Health Institute (ARHI) at Ohio University. Their report identified three priority health factors: community conditions, health behaviors, and access to care. These factors show that rural and Appalachian counties face the worst community conditions in the state, largely due to systemic societal and economic inequalities.
To address these issues, the Ohio State Legislature must take action. For example, investment in infrastructure, including broadband expansion, is critical. Reliable broadband is essential not only for everyday communication but also for telehealth services, which can help bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas.
Additionally, improving housing conditions and addressing provider shortages are crucial to ensuring that rural communities have access to the healthcare they need. A recent report from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio highlights that the 10 counties with the lowest rate of healthcare providers per capita are all rural or partially rural. Despite high insurance coverage rates, many Ohioans still struggle to access healthcare because of the lack of available providers.
My Commitment to Rural Healthcare
My Commitment to Rural Healthcare
As your state senator, I will champion the recommendations from these critical reports and advocate for the investment in infrastructure that rural Ohio needs to thrive. I will work to improve living conditions, expand healthcare access, and ensure that no Ohioan is left behind—regardless of where they live. Every community deserves access to quality healthcare, and it is time for the Ohio State Legislature to take real steps to address these disparities.
Together, we can build a future where all Ohioans, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to the care they need. Let’s Bring Balance Back to Ohio and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
— Dan McGregor
Related Articles
2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care - The Commonwealth Club
How well is the health care system in Ohio working for women? - The Commonwealth Club
Rural Ohio faces tough healthcare challenges- Columbus Dispatch article from September 2024
Eliminating barriers to good health for Ohio’s Black women - Ohio Policy Matters
Health in rural and Appalachian Ohio Report - The Health Policy Institute of Ohio
OHIO RURAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN - Appalachian Rural Health Institute (ARHI) at Ohio University - 2021
New report explores barriers to health care access in rural Ohio - Ohio Capital Journal
Rural Ohio faces tough healthcare challenges - News5 Cleveland Story
Resources from the News5 Story for those who need assistance in rural communities in Ohio:
October 3, 2024
Building a Family-Friendly Economy for Ohio’s Future
Building a Family-Friendly Economy for Ohio’s Future
As young people in Ohio look ahead, they deserve more than just promises of economic growth—they need a family-friendly economy that truly supports their aspirations for good jobs, affordable living, and the opportunity to build strong, stable families. It’s time we rethink our approach to economic policy and focus on the needs of the next generation. Programs such as the US Labor Department’s Good Jobs Initiative can help us reach these goals. As they state on their website, “workers know the value of a good job that provides stability and security for them and their families.”
The Challenges Facing Young Ohioans
The Challenges Facing Young Ohioans
For many young Ohioans, the challenges of finding good jobs, affording a home, and supporting a family have never been more difficult. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and a lack of affordable housing are making it increasingly hard for young people to establish roots and thrive in our state. This problem is about more than just economics—it’s about the very foundation of our communities and the future of Ohio.
We can’t expect our state to grow and prosper if we’re not investing in the success of the next generation. That means we need policies that do more than just boost economic numbers on paper; we need policies that create real, tangible benefits for the people of Ohio.
What Is a Family-Friendly Economy?
What Is a Family-Friendly Economy?
A family-friendly economy goes beyond traditional economic growth by focusing on the well-being of families and young workers. It means creating good-paying jobs that offer security and the chance for advancement. It means addressing the affordability crisis in housing, healthcare, and education so young people can afford to live, work, and raise families in Ohio.
We need to build an economy that prioritizes the ability of young people to form and support families—because a strong family is the backbone of a strong society.
Policies to Support Young Families
Policies to Support Young Families
To make Ohio a place where young people can thrive, we must enact policies that focus on:
Affordable Housing: Rising housing costs are pushing many young people out of their communities. We need to invest in affordable housing projects and ensure that all Ohioans have access to safe, affordable homes.
Job Creation and Workforce Development: We need to create high-quality, good-paying jobs across the state, with a focus on industries that will thrive in the 21st century. This means investing in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors that offer young workers real opportunities. Leveraging programs such as the “Good Jobs Challenge” through the U.S. Department of Commerce can provide funds for training programs that prepare Ohioans for jobs in these sectors.
Affordable Childcare and Parental Leave: Starting a family shouldn't come with impossible financial burdens. We need policies that make childcare affordable and accessible for all families, and we must ensure that all parents—mothers and fathers—have the paid leave they need to care for their children.
Healthcare Access: Healthcare must be affordable and accessible to everyone. Expanding healthcare access, reducing costs, and protecting reproductive rights are key to ensuring that families can make decisions without fear of financial ruin.
The Future of Ohio
The Future of Ohio
Young Ohioans are the future of this state, and they deserve policies that reflect their needs and dreams. It’s time to develop legislative policies that create a family-friendly economy and give everyone a fair shot at success. When we invest in the ability of young people to form and support families, we invest in the future of Ohio.
This November, let’s Bring Balance Back to Ohio by supporting candidates and policies that prioritize the well-being of young families. Together, we can create a more prosperous, family-friendly future for all Ohioans.
— Dan McGregor
Related Links
Ohio Throws Hundreds of Millions to Tech Giants’ Data Centers - Good Jobs First
Ohio’s Lost Opportunity: How A New Economic Development Subsidy is Failing to Help Disinvested Communities - Good Jobs First
US Department of Labor “Good Jobs” Initiative - US Department of Labor
US Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge - US Department of Commerce
New study finds record number of jobs in Ohio, but disparities continue - Ohio Capital Journal
September 26, 2024
Protecting Reproductive Rights: Why We Must End Gerrymandering in Ohio and Support Democrats for the Ohio Supreme Court
Protecting Reproductive Rights: Why We Must End Gerrymandering in Ohio and Support Democrats for the Ohio Supreme Court
Last November, women across Ohio – and the men who support them – celebrated a significant victory when Issue 1: The Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative passed, enshrining reproductive rights in our state constitution. This win was a powerful demonstration of how grassroots activists employed Ohio’s cherished ballot initiative process to give Ohioans a direct say on their own futures – in this case on Reproductive Rights. This victory reverberated nationally: however, the battle is far from over.
The role of the Ohio Supreme Court in fending off Attacks on Reproductive Rights
The role of the Ohio Supreme Court in fending off Attacks on Reproductive Rights
Despite being approved by a significant margin of 57% to 43%, Ohio’s Republican supermajority continues to challenge these newly established rights. They are now attempting to undermine these protections through legislation, including recent efforts to introduce a 24 hour waiting period for an abortions. In August 2024, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge temporarily blocked three of the contested laws, but the final ruling will likely fall to the Ohio State Supreme Court, where three seats are up for election in November 2024. This Republican opposition demonstrates that enshrining rights in the constitution is not enough—those rights remain vulnerable unless voters elect Democratic candidates to the Supreme Court and the state legislature.
The Importance of Ending Gerrymandering
The Importance of Ending Gerrymandering
The GOP’s resistance to accepting the will of Ohioans stems from their supermajority status, which grants them disproportionate and unbalanced power. This imbalance is rooted in gerrymandered districts, designed by GOP lawmakers to secure an outsized advantage. As a result, Ohio’s government does not accurately reflect the true views of its citizens. This skewed system has contributed to political corruption and extremism.
The best way to protect reproductive rights and ensure a government that truly reflects the will of the people is to remove the power to draw district lines from politicians. This November, Ohioans have another chance to support fairness with Issue 1: the Anti-Gerrymandering Amendment. I support this amendment because it will put an end to partisan gerrymandering and create a more balanced, representative legislature—one that is responsive to the needs and rights of all Ohioans on every issue.
Bring Balance Back to Ohio! Now!!
Bring Balance Back to Ohio! Now!!
If you support Issue 1 to end gerrymandering, it makes sense to support my campaign as well. Electing me to the state senate this year is an important step toward bringing balance back to Ohio now. And while you're voting for me, I encourage you to also support the three Democratic candidates – Donnelly, Stewart, and Forbes – for Ohio’s Supreme Court. They will serve as a critical safeguard against a rogue legislature.
The stakes are high, but with your vote, we can secure a future where the rights of women are protected, and the will of the people is respected.
Let’s Bring Balance Back to Ohio this November!
— Dan McGregor
Related Links
Access to Health Care and Reproductive Freedom - Democratic Women’s Caucus
Ohio Judge Blocks Laws Mandating 24-Hour Waiting Period for Abortions - ACLU of Ohio
Meet the candidates running for Ohio Supreme Court - Ohio Capital Journal Article
Citizens Not Politicians - Issue 1 Campaign Website
September 12, 2024
Ohio Public School Funding: The Ongoing Failure
Ohio Public School Funding: The Ongoing Failure
For the past 30 years, under Republican leadership, the Ohio State Legislature has often failed to address the basic needs of Ohioans. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the policies surrounding public school funding. Despite repeated rulings from the Ohio Supreme Court declaring the state's school funding system unconstitutional, politicians have continuously ignored their orders. The result? A deeply flawed system that increasingly prioritizes private and charter schools at the expense of Ohio’s public school students. That’s why I support fully funding Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan.
The DeRolph Rulings: A History of Defiance
The DeRolph Rulings: A History of Defiance
The story of Ohio’s unconstitutional school funding system began with the DeRolph v. State of Ohio case. In 1991, Nathan DeRolph, a student from Perry County’s Northern Local School District, was part of a lawsuit against the state. The lawsuit argued that Ohio’s reliance on local property taxes to fund schools violated both the Equal Protection Clause and the Thorough and Efficient Clause of the Ohio Constitution. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court sided with DeRolph and ruled that the state’s school funding system was unconstitutional.
But that was just the beginning. Between 1997 and 2002, the Ohio Supreme Court issued three more rulings reaffirming this position, known as the DeRolph Rulings. Yet, decades later, Ohio’s Republican leadership continues to defy these rulings, leaving our public schools underfunded and students underserved.
Diversion of Public Funds to Private Schools
Diversion of Public Funds to Private Schools
Rather than reform the unconstitutional system, Ohio’s education policy has allowed an increasing amount of funds to be diverted through voucher programs. Today, Ohio’s public school students are being shortchanged, as billions of dollars in public school funds flow to unaccountable private schools.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, Ohio was $740 million short on fully implementing the Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP), a plan designed to fix the state’s broken funding system. Meanwhile, $742 million—nearly the same amount—was funneled into voucher programs that benefit private schools. As author and former Ohio State Representative Stephen Dyer puts it, "but for vouchers, we could have had a fully funded FSFP” in 2023.
Worse yet, according Stephen Dyer, the current EdChoice Expansion Voucher program disproportionately benefits high-income families. More high school voucher recipients come from families earning over $150,000 annually than those making less than $120,000. Even more alarming, $2.3 million of taxpayer money has gone to subsidize private school tuition for families making over $250,000 a year. Of the $272 million spent on the traditional EdChoice program, $242 million went to families not considered low-income.
To make matters worse, unlike public schools, private institutions receiving these funds are not audited, meaning there’s no accountability for how our tax dollars are being spent. There’s no guarantee that even a single dollar goes toward educating children.
A Path Forward: The Fair School Funding Plan
A Path Forward: The Fair School Funding Plan
It’s time for a change. Ohioans deserve a school funding system that is fair, transparent, and serves all students—regardless of their zip code or economic status. That’s why I support the Fair School Funding Plan.
Developed through a bipartisan effort by legislators, parents, teachers, and community leaders, the Fair School Funding Plan was designed to fix the inequitable and unconstitutional funding structure as mandated in the DeRolph rulings. According to Policy Matters Ohio, when fully realized, the plan will finally provide Ohio’s public school students with the resources they deserve and end decades of unconstitutional school funding practices.
Let’s Bring Balance Back to Ohio
Let’s Bring Balance Back to Ohio
For too long, Ohio’s Republican leaders like my opponent have put the interests of wealthy constituents, and their supporters, ahead of the needs of public school students. It’s time to “Bring Balance Back” to Ohio by fully implementing the Fair School Funding Plan and ensuring that every student—no matter what zip code they live in — has access to a high quality education.
As your candidate for Ohio Senate District 10, I am committed to fighting for a fair, accountable education system that puts students first. Please support my campaign so that together, we can restore fairness, transparency, and balance to Ohio’s public schools. Follow my campaign on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated, and if you’re able, please donate.
— Dan McGregor
Related Links
Ohio Education Policy Institute Website on DeRolph Rulings
Policy Matters Ohio “Fair School Funding Plan Blog article from 09/21
September 5, 2024
Why I’m Running for Ohio State Senate
Why I’m Running for Ohio State Senate
Hello, I’m Dan McGregor, your candidate for Ohio’s District 10 State Senate seat. As I’ve watched our state government in action, it’s become clear that Ohio’s democracy has fallen out of balance. That’s one reason why I’ve chosen to run with the mission to Bring Balance Back to Ohio.
One of the foundational principles we all learn in high school is the concept of checks and balances—the idea that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government should hold each other accountable to prevent the abuse of power. But in Ohio today, the Republican super-majority in the State Legislature is undermining this crucial principle.
The Problem: Unchecked Power and Gerrymandering
The Problem: Unchecked Power and Gerrymandering
One of the biggest issues fueling this imbalance is gerrymandering—the deliberate drawing of district lines to favor one party over another. Ohio has become a clear example of this problem, with gerrymandering cementing Republican control and guaranteeing super-majorities in the Ohio Senate. The result? The very checks and balances our democracy depends on have eroded, and voters are left with fewer choices at the ballot box.
This year, Ohioans have a unique opportunity to fight back. Issue 1, Ohio’s Anti-Gerrymandering Amendment, will appear on the November 2024 ballot. I’m a strong supporter of this amendment, and I urge every Ohioan to vote YES on Issue 1. The passage of Issue 1 will restore balance to our elections and the voters’ voice in their government.
Why This Matters for Ohio
Why This Matters for Ohio
With one party controlling nearly 80% of the votes in the Ohio State Senate, the consequences go beyond just partisan politics—it affects every Ohioan. Legislators who aren’t worried about reelection because their seats are safe from competition tend to become complacent. They listen more to lobbyists and special interests than to the people they were elected to serve.
We’ve already seen what can happen when power goes unchecked. Take the FirstEnergy scandal, where a former Speaker of the House was convicted of corruption in a massive pay-to-play scheme. This scandal is a direct result of a culture that allows too much power to concentrate in too few hands. It’s voters like you who suffer but you have the power to fix it by voting YES on Issue 1 in November.
Critical Issues Being Ignored
Critical Issues Being Ignored
When one party holds too much power, issues that are important to a majority of Ohioans are willfully ignored. From women’s reproductive rights to common-sense gun background checks to the crisis in public education, our Republican-controlled legislature is out of step with what most Ohioans want. Soon over a billion dollars will be funneled away from public schools and into private institutions, putting our children’s futures at risk.
My Vision: A Fair and Accountable Ohio
My Vision: A Fair and Accountable Ohio
My campaign is about restoring balance and accountability to Ohio’s state government. Every Ohioan deserves a voice in our democracy, and every legislator should be held accountable to the people, not special interests. By supporting Issue 1 and electing leaders like me who believe in fairness, we can put Ohio back on track toward a truly representative and transparent government.
Together, we can make this happen. Join me in the fight to bring back checks and balances, ensure a fair democracy, and create a better future for all Ohioans.
Support my campaign by voting for me in November, following me on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated, and if you’re able, please donate. Unlike federal races, the national Democratic Party doesn’t support state candidates like me, so every contribution helps!
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working with you to Bring Balance Back to Ohio.
— Dan McGregor
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