Change Washington

To change Washington we need to change the way Washington works.  We need to rein in the power of special interests, particularly the undue influence of the banking, oil and pharmaceutical industries that have written laws that enrich themselves and hurt working families.

In addition, Congress needs to reform itself.  We need to end the secret deals and unwarranted earmarks that waste taxpayer’s money and run up our debt.  Most importantly, democrats and republicans need to stop the endless bickering, put party politics aside and work together to get America moving again.

Energy Independence

America needs to break its addiction to foreign oil.  When President Bush came into office the price of gas was $1.45 a gallon.  It’s now closing in on $4 a gallon.

Read Mary Jo's gas plan now.

We are being fleeced by greedy oil companies earning record profits and even greedier oil sheiks who are holding America hostage.  We need to invest in new energy technologies, bio fuels, wind and conservation to make America energy independent.  It won’t happen overnight, but it is cheaper to invest in tomorrow’s energy than guard oil fields in the Middle East.  The road to energy independence starts now and it must be a priority for America to remain strong.

Read Mary Jo's energy thoughts now.
 

A Real Middle Class Tax Cut

After eight years of the Bush economic plan, it is clear that it has failed.  It is time for a new direction and new priorities in Washington that will strengthen our middle class. America needs a new, middle class tax plan that will help ordinary Americans.  Middle class families need real assistance to help them get ahead, not more of the same failed policies.

Read Mary Jo's Middle Class Tax Plan here. 

End the War

Five years is more than long enough.  I will vote to start to bring our troops home the day I am sworn in.  We need to put America first, honorably bring this war to a close and take better care of our veterans.

Support the Troops

We must honor the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country bravely.  Our veterans have done all we ask of them, and now we must take care of them when they return home.

Read more about Mary Jo's commitment to veterans.

Create Good Jobs and a Strong Economy

Whether you are a clerk at Macy’s, a farmer in Plain City or are a pipefitter working construction, we are feeling the financial squeeze of an economy in recession.  The deck is stacked against working families, gas prices are skyrocketing, health care is becoming unaffordable and housing values are falling.  Meanwhile, banks, oil giants and insurance companies are either making record profits or being bailed out by the federal government.

I will be a champion for working people.  It’s working people, not big corporations, who need tax cuts.  It’s working people who need help with college costs and job training.  And it’s working people I will represent in Congress.

I will vote to close the tax loopholes that encourage corporate giants to send our jobs overseas, and I will work to amend trade agreements that have robbed America of its manufacturing advantages.  I will invest in American jobs and put American workers first.
 

Make Health Care Affordable and Available

Pharmaceutical companies are getting rich and insurance companies are making big money, while average families are left with ever increasing health care costs.  Today 1.2 million Ohioans can’t even afford health insurance.

We need to begin the process of creating a system where every American has affordable health insurance.  A system where every man, woman and child has coverage that is portable from one job to another and covers pre-existing conditions.  We need a system where patients have a choice of doctors, and a priority is given to preventative medicine to help lower costs.

We need to stop playing politics to make health care for all Americans a reality.