Kristina on the Issues

Jobs

First things first: the government does NOT create jobs.

The private sector creates jobs, however there are definitely ways that the government can help set an attractive stage for business. Tax climate, regulatory environment, labor laws and workforce development are all issues for businesses that the government can help address. I believe in common sense reforms and sponsored HB94, The Common Sense Initiative, a key piece of regulatory reform aimed at making Ohio business friendly. The Common Sense Initiative places a focus on customer service and eliminates or changes regulations, which once “adverse business impact” is considered, do not make common sense. This is one way the government can help set a stage inviting to business; then get out of the way and let the free markets work!

Government Spending

As a staunch fiscal conservative, I believe government should operate efficiently and within its means.

Thankfully, Ohio is required by our Constitution to have a balanced budget. When I took office in 2010 Ohio was facing an $8 billion budget gap. We had a choice to raise taxes OR reduce government spending, coupled with reforms, to live within our means and balance the budget. I am proud to say that we chose the latter, we balanced Ohio’s budget without raising taxes and while there is still a long way to go, Ohio is on its way back to prosperity.

Taxes

My philosophy on taxes is really quite simple: money is better off in the pockets of the people who earned it, rather than in the coffers of bureaucrats.

Additionally, tax rates are a key component to the State business tax climate, which is a key factor in how attractive a state is to business.  I am delighted that since 2010 we eliminated Ohio's onerous  Estate Tax and have lowered State income tax across every tax bracket.

Energy and Environment

We are blessed in Ohio to have abundant natural resources, which stand poised to bring tremendous economic development to our state and create jobs for Ohioans.

The process of extracting oil and gas should be done thoughtfully and responsibly so as to preserve our environment. As the former Vice Chair of the Public Utilites Committee, I worked to help pass SB315, which has been called the strongest and most progressive piece of energy legislation in the nation. SB315 will help to protect the environment and ensure that our natural resources are extracted responsibly for generations to come.

Education

The best investment that we can provide our children is a great education.

This is something that I am extremely passionate about.  I served as a member of the Board at Seton Catholic School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and enjoy visiting schools across our district where I have love every minute of helping teach our students about how our legislature works. I take great pride in the fact that all of the public schools in our district were rated Excellent or Excellent with Distinction. I was proud to sponsor HB2, which was hailed as Ohio's landmark Charter School reform bill,  because all of Ohio's students should have access to a quality education.

Family Values

I believe firmly in the sanctity of life and that life begins at conception.

In working to protect the unborn I sponsored HB78: The Pro-Life Viability Bill, an integral piece of pro-life legislation which prohibits an abortion after 20 weeks once the baby is viable.  My husband, Eric, and I have been married over 20 years and we have been blessed with 3 daughters.  Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society.