Amanda Finfrock

Drug Policy

I believe Ohio should legalize marijuana but keep it highly regulated and taxed. Learn more

The State of Ohio has the second highest overdose death rate in the Nation. My plan is to return funds to our local governments to help hire more first responders and provide more beds in our addiction centers. It is imperative that the State of Ohio take on this issue head on as a medical/mental health and not just a criminal issue. Learn more

Opioid Crisis - The State of Ohio has the second highest overdose death rate in the Nation. My plan is to return funds to our local governments to help hire more first responders and provide more beds in our addiction centers. Learn more

Economy

On the issue of bringing jobs to Ohio, my plan would be to incentivize companies that provide livable wage jobs. When JobsOhio was first proposed, it earned bipartisan support. Learn more

Education

I would prefer that our schools go to a more mastery level testing which I believe is the montessori style system of testing. I further believe that standardized testing should not be the end-all approach to judging our students, teachers, or Districts success but we should look at how those students are improving from year to year. It is my view that standardized testing creates an approach that hurts students over time because of it's lack of being suited to individualized learning abilities and styles. Learn more

We need to start evaluating successful school systems to see what they have done to make their districts successful. Of course money is one issue, but we also need to put successful programs in place and get rid of what isn’t working. We need to move away from levy funded schools and into a more egalitarian way of funding our schools. We need to attract the best teachers into the most difficult districts and make sure every student has a plan prepared for their future path. Further, we need to hold Charter-schools just as accountable as public education systems. Learn more

We need to stop pushing the idea that college is for everyone. There is value and respect in all positions. Carpenters, plumbers, welders and truck drivers are as valuable to the community as college educated white collar workers. Kids who want to use their hands to build car engines or become a master craftsmen should be encouraged into programs that develop those skill sets needed for success. Learn more

we should provide more funding to preschool programs. I am also supportive of universal pre-k as a tool to make sure our students have the tools they need to succeed. Learn more

We need to identify the industries that are creating jobs in Ohio and find out what skills they are looking for specifically. Then we should offer more programs in traditional schools or trade schools to meet those needs. We need to support the vocational schools that are training our future tradespeople that are in short supply throughout our state. Learn more

we should invest in making sure our schools have locked doors, bullet proof glass, and the capability of every classroom to be barred. I believe we should provide the funding necessary for schools to be able to put School Resource Officers in every school. We need to address school bullying and take a hand in lowering tensions among students. ​ Learn more

Education - Education has been an issue in Ohio for a long time. The disparity between wealthy districts and low income districts is still a challenge that is made worse by local districts being unable to pass school levies. We need to move away from levy funded schools. We also need to increase teacher salaries for low income districts to attract the best teachers for these districts. Learn more

Guns

I am supportive of the right to bear arms but I believe stand your ground is wrong for Ohio. Learn more

Healthcare

I support continuing Medicaid expansion in Ohio. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

For far too long, the State of Ohio has balanced its budget on the backs of local governments. These cuts have caused cities, townships and schools to ask voters for more and more tax dollars each year, only raising our local tax rates. Further, these cuts have hurt our local communities by restricting the hiring of police, fire, emt and schools to the bare minimum. This is unacceptable and if elected, I will work across the board to bring funds back to our local governments. Learn more

We need to keep taxes where they are and invest money back into Ohio’s infrastructure, education, training programs, pre-k, and healthcare to make Ohio an attractive place to live and to keep people from fleeing our state. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

When we don’t pay employees a living wage, we are then forced to use tax payer money to make up the difference by increasing dependence on programs like SNAP, PIPP and stress our local foods banks. We have to value every worker working a full time job and stop with this narrative that people should just “get a better job.” A better job is not always available or plausible for these minimum wage workers. Learn more