AFP-OH Launches Legislative Agenda Focusing on Education and Economic Opportunity for All Ohioans
Columbus, OH – Today, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio (AFP-OH) launched its Buckeye Blueprint legislative agenda, which focuses on advancing economic opportunity for all Ohioans, creating education freedom for Ohio families, and ending corruption within the state’s energy policy landscape. These priorities can be seen on the newly launched Buckeye Blueprint website and will guide AFP-OH’s advocacy efforts during the remainder of the General Assembly’s session and lay the groundwork for the next biennium.
“AFP-OH’s legislative platform is a continuation of our Buckeye Blueprint Agenda, which is a step-by-step plan for making Ohio the top state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” said AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neil. “Thanks to AFP-OH’s advocacy efforts and with support from our policy champions, our state is making progress in key areas that matter most to Ohioans, including the economy and education. We’ve seen transformative policy wins, ranging from the expansion of EdChoice to tax cuts that help hardworking Ohio families. But, there is still work to be done, and AFP-OH will be on the frontlines during this session and into the next biennium to ensure that our government is working for Ohioans.”
AFP-OH’s legislative agenda outlines short- and long-term policy solutions in three key areas:
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OHIOANS
According to The Tax Foundation’s 2023 state business tax climate index, Ohio ranks 41st in the nation for individual taxes. At the same time, state spending for Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 is projected to increase. AFP-OH points out that with Ohio’s tax policy already trailing behind most states, taxpayers will be continue to be on the hook for unsustainable government spending unless comprehensive tax reform is enacted.
AFP-OH has long advocated for responsible spending and transformational tax policy changes that will lift up all Ohioans. In the short term, policy solutions include enacting a spending limit for all non-emergency spending while also eliminating the Commercial Activities Tax. AFP-OH also continues to advocate for phasing out the personal income tax and passing a comprehensive budget that will stimulate economic growth.
EDUCATION REFORM FOR ALL OHIO FAMILIES
Ohio continues to make progress in providing education opportunities for every family, but as demand increases the state must do more to maximize flexibility and expand the supply of educational options. The universal EdChoice voucher system is a step in the right direction but means-testing for the program should be removed. As well, universal open enrollment for public school districts should be implemented so that Ohio families have increased flexibility when choosing an educational approach that best meets the needs of their child.
END CRONYISM AND CORRUPTION IN OHIO ENERGY POLICY
Affordable, abundant, and reliable energy is a key economic driver for Ohio. As President Biden and Washington politicians continue to push overburdensome energy and fuel mandates, the Ohio legislature is uniquely positioned to cut red tape and push back on federal overreach in the energy sector.
Earlier this session, AFP-OH pushed for the legislature to reject House Bill 205, which would have raised energy costs for Ohio families. AFP-OH will continue to push for policies that reject cronyism and bolster the free market system.