Ryan’s Priorities for Ohio
Ohio’s future depends on strong families, good jobs, and thriving communities. My plan is built on three simple commitments: standing up for families, protecting and growing opportunities for workers, and bringing industry back to our state. The issues below reflect my priorities, commonsense policies that put Ohio first and ensure every person has the chance to build a secure and dignified life.
Supporting Families
A Responsible Plan to Expand Ohio’s Child Tax Credit
Governor DeWine’s budget proposal included a new state Child Tax Credit. While it was left out of the final budget, the idea has strong support and proven analysis behind it. I want to build on that momentum by expanding the credit and tying it to work, training, or service. Strong families are the foundation of a strong economy, and this credit helps parents meet their responsibilities without falling behind. We will pay for it responsibly, not with new taxes, but by making government more efficient and ensuring that state incentives deliver real value for Ohio communities.
Expanding Childcare Choices for Ohio Families
Ohio parents deserve affordable and reliable childcare that fits their family’s needs. Families should have the freedom to choose what works best for them, whether that’s faith-based care, licensed centers, or caring for children at home. I will support childcare policies that expand flexibility, encourage employers to be part of the solution, and give working parents real options instead of one-size-fits-all mandates. By keeping decision-making in the hands of moms and dads, we can strengthen family stability while helping more Ohioans stay in the workforce.
Affordable Homes, Stronger Families
Strong families need stable, affordable homes. But today, too many young couples and working parents are priced out of starter homes because outdated zoning rules and unnecessary red tape have driven up costs. Families are being pushed farther from their jobs, and the dream of homeownership is slipping away.
I will support efforts to modernize local zoning, not with heavy-handed mandates, but with state support and technical assistance that helps communities update their rules. By cutting red tape, encouraging the construction of starter homes, and supporting options like duplexes and in-law suites, we can make it easier for families to buy their first home, stay close to work, and put down roots in the communities they love.
Affordable housing is the foundation of family stability, and Ohio’s future depends on keeping the dream of homeownership within reach for the next generation.
Supporting Workers
Protecting Jobs for Legal Ohio Workers
Ohio workers shouldn’t be undercut by illegal labor practices. I will support expanding E-Verify in Ohio to ensure that jobs go to legal workers, protecting fair wages and fair competition. Companies that play by the rules should not be disadvantaged by those that exploit loopholes or cut corners. A level playing field strengthens the middle class and keeps opportunities open for hardworking Ohioans.
Job Readiness for Every Worker
Ohio has made real progress in expanding apprenticeships and career training, and more families are looking at these opportunities as practical alternatives to expensive college degrees. That is encouraging. But many workers and students still run into barriers. Rural Ohioans face long commutes, employers often do not know how to get involved, and too many families simply are not aware of the options available.
I will work to remove these barriers and strengthen partnerships between schools, employers, and training centers so Ohioans can get the skills they need for good jobs without piling up college debt. By streamlining existing programs, expanding awareness, and focusing on industries where Ohio needs workers most, we can open the door to meaningful careers in the trades, manufacturing, energy, and beyond.
Respecting Faith, Family, and Work
Work is meant to provide for families, not pull them apart. Too many Ohio parents know what it feels like to miss time with their kids because of rigid schedules or workplaces that do not value family. We should expect better.
I believe employers who put family first are setting the right example for our communities. Ohio does not need more mandates from the government. We need a culture that respects faith, family, and hard work. I will use my voice to champion the businesses that lead by example and to encourage more workplaces to recognize that when families are strong, our state is strong.
Supporting Industry in Ohio
Securing America’s Future Through Ohio Industry
Ohio is positioning itself as a leader in America’s next industrial era. From new defense manufacturing facilities near Columbus, to the Youngstown Innovation Hub and AmericaMakes, to our growing role in aerospace, semiconductors, and advanced materials, our state is emerging as a hub for industries vital to America’s future.
Here in Northeast Ohio, our region is already part of that story. Summit County has a strong aerospace and advanced materials presence. Portage County contributes through machining and precision manufacturing that feeds into Ohio’s industrial supply chain. Geauga County has small and mid-sized manufacturers that provide the backbone of local industry and have the capacity to grow into future defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
We cannot stop there. I will build on this momentum and make sure these opportunities reach every part of Ohio. That means aligning state tax and procurement policies with industries critical to national defense.
This is not only about restoring what we lost. It is about securing America’s future and ensuring Ohio workers and communities are at the heart of it.
Freeing Ohio Industry to Compete
Ohio has already started cutting back the outdated rules and approval delays that slow down business expansion. From statewide efforts to streamline regulations to new laws speeding up energy and infrastructure permitting, we have seen what happens when government steps out of the way: growth follows.
I will continue this momentum by pushing to simplify licensing and permitting, eliminate unnecessary steps, and give businesses the certainty they need to plan, invest, and compete. Growth should be fueled by Ohio ingenuity, not slowed by government bureaucracy.
Putting Ohio Businesses First
When Ohio spends taxpayer dollars, those dollars should support Ohio jobs first. Our state already gives a preference to in-state companies, and that is a good start. But many other states go further, offering stronger advantages to their own businesses on public contracts. If Ohio does not keep pace, we risk putting our local companies at a disadvantage.
I will work to strengthen Ohio’s in-state preference so our businesses, not out-of-state competitors, get the first shot at state contracts. This will keep more tax dollars here at home, support local manufacturers and small businesses, and ensure that government spending builds up our own communities instead of sending money elsewhere.