Matt Lewis on Jobs
In the past ten-years, we have seen manufacturing in the Valley drop 49%. And, in just the last 4 years, we have lost 14,000 manufacturing jobs. Our current representation touts 100 new jobs in one part of town while 200 are lost in another part. We need to move past this one-step forward, two steps back “achievement” and get real leadership that embodies the work ethic of our region. We need leadership that has pro-active ideas and is willing to fight to be the 33rd District’s voice in Columbus.
Our region is a treasure trove of brilliant minds and hard work - we need to capitalize on these strengths. It is imperative to keep our college and high school graduates in the area. Our students shouldn’t have to leave the Valley to get a first-rate job after getting a first-rate education.
For decades, Ohio has been unfriendly to business; currently we are ranked the 7th worst. We know our region has the best opportunities for development, we have the schools, we have the hospitals, and we have the resources as well as the skilled work-force ready for the challenge. Unfortunately, we don’t have the leadership. We need our local representation to collaboratively work with our state leadership and the private-sector to advertise our marketability. The 33rd District is ripe for development and Matt Lewis plans to bring that innovation back to Carrollton, Alliance, New Philadelphia and Youngstown.
We can make Ohio more competitive and business friendly by simply aligning our tax system as those top ranked states. Ultimately, we can only be as competitive as our systems allow us to be and our current progressive tax system depresses profit. Matt believes that we need to tear down those barriers that have stifled growth from the beginning and let Ohioans do what we do best, innovate and work. States like Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee are examples of what a business friendly State Government can do for its citizens – growth, opportunities, and prosperity.
One of the largest obstacles keeping Ohio from being an environment conducive to business is the unprecedented federal intervention. We need leadership that is not afraid to stand up against outrageous federal programs which affect our State’s budgets and shrink our wallets. Federal Agencies that enforce questionable policing powers like the EPA, SEC, and the Department of Education hamper efforts by our state regulatory agencies by adding redundantly and increasing Red Tape and expense for business owners.
Bottom line, Matt Lewis knows that employment comes from companies and companies are in business to make money. If a company can’t make money in Ohio they will leave, as they have - and go to greener, more profitable pastures. When these companies leave, so do the jobs. In the past 10-years, 23 companies have left Ohio to Atlanta, GA alone. This continued exodus of companies and jobs is the single largest reason why Ohio’s State budget is in the red. The time is now to bring the jobs back and say no to the status quo of catering to special interest and yes to the hard-working men and women of the Valley.
Principles of Increasing Employment and Wealth:
- Matt Lewis wants to adjust Ohio’s income tax, so working families will be able to spend more of their hard earned dollars in Ohio.
- Matt Lewis wants to encourage capital investment by providing companies in areas like the 33rd District with tax abetments on direct capital investments.
- Matt Lewis hopes to offer tax credits for companies which conduct business within Ohio i.e. companies in Ohio which use goods and services made in Ohio.
- Matt Lewis understands that we need to work with State regulatory agencies and special interests which put up red tape and prohibit development.
- Matt Lewis believes that Ohio needs to expand education grants and worker retraining dollars.
- Matt Lewis would like to develop a system in Ohio that gives Ohio businesses an unfair advantage over other states.
