It goes without saying that the unemployment rate in America, and particularly right here in Ohio, is devastatingly high. In the 16th Congressional district, the unemployment rate in our most populous county has more than doubled since John Boccieri went to Washington, and now tops 12.5%. The official unemployment rate only tells part of the story, as many individuals have exhausted their benefits, accepted part-time work or have simply given up. Factoring in all those who do not currently have full time work, the “underemployment” rate in America is now nearing 20%.
In the past twelve months, as John Boccieri’s votes have saddled taxpayers with trillions of dollars in new debt and job-killing taxes, Ohioans continue to suffer in a jobless economy that has witnessed more and more of our industries and businesses shut their doors. Astonishingly, John Boccieri seems to believe that all is well here in Ohio—despite our growing jobless rate, he says that his policies are restoring “economic hope” and are creating jobs “in Ohio and across the nation”. In my view, doubling the unemployment rate while doubling the national debt does not constitute a jobs plan, it constitutes recklessness and incompetence—and we can and must do better.
As a small business owner and as a Mayor, I have successfully worked to create more than 1,500 jobs in and around Ohio’s 16th district. After 27 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, I can say with confidence that job growth is not fostered by massive deficit spending, higher taxes or the heavy hand of government regulation. To create jobs and restore our economic strength, we must have leaders in Washington who are dedicated to pro-growth, common sense policies that fuel the success of small businesses and encourage, rather than hinder, new investment in America’s economy. In congress, I will serve as a steadfast advocate for lower taxes, less government intervention and fight to stop the government spending spree that is burying our nation and future generations in a mountain of unsustainable debt.
Labor
Small businesses and working class families are the backbone of our economy, and if they fail, our country fails. The hardworking men and women of the 16th District deserve a representative in Washington who will stand with them and will fight not only to protect their jobs, but also to protect their voice in shaping America’s future. In 2009, John Boccieri sponsored legislation to steal their voice and to eliminate their right to a secret ballot. As a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, John Boccieri has led the charge to eliminate workers’ rights to a secret ballot in union elections—legislation that would subject thousands of hard working men and women to fear and intimidation tactics by union bosses. Without question, workers have a right to join a union, and that right should be protected, but they also have a right not to join a union, and that right must also be protected. The secret ballot is the bedrock of American democracy, and in Washington I will fight to ensure that we preserve the right for all Americans to vote freely, privately and without intimidation.