To view this newsletter in a different format, click here.

Dear Constituents,
As your state representative, one of my main priorities in the Statehouse is creating jobs
to grow our economy and rebuild our middle class. But, after the last six years of slow
job growth and low wages1, the future of our middle class is more uncertain than ever.
Many new policies at your Statehouse have only led to tax-shifting2 and richer pockets
for the wealthiest one percentmeanwhile, many working Ohioans feel they lack
opportunities to get ahead or even get by. Ohio House Dems
Are Now On:
I believe that one of the ways the legislature could help develop a thriving, stable
economy is to give greater attention not only to small businesses, but to growing,
recession-proof industries. One of the fastest emerging sectors of our economy is the
alternative energy industry, with solar, wind and thermal power becoming increasingly
popular with energy consumers. We use energy in everything we do, from watching TV
to cooking to turning on our bedroom light. Even in a recession, we depend on energy
throughout the day, meaning that while other businesses struggle, the energy industry
is relatively stable.

The economic benefits of alternative energy are more evident than ever. The advanced
energy sector has grown rapidly, creating thousands of jobs3 and stimulating the
economy. Advanced energy jobs have increased by 20 percent since 2015 4, and wind
and solar power have created jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the U.S. economy. 5

I believe its time to face the facts: promoting new, clean energy technology will help
create good-paying jobs, attract companies and bring better wages and benefits to
hardworking Ohioans. Additionally, Ohio has the opportunity to lead the nation in
innovation, helping to pave way for a better future for our children and our childrens
children. I believe if we miss an opportunity like this, we risk being left behind.

As the world directs its attention more toward clean energy, its safe to say that this
industry is not going away anytime soon. I hope my colleagues in the Statehouse will
support clean energy development in Ohio to help our economy grow strong and stay
strong. Ohioans deserve more than the tired policies of the past. Now is the time for our
legislature to redirect economic priorities, focusing less on ways to pocket-stuff the
wealthy, and more on ways to fuel our future.

Sincerely,

Emilia S. Sykes
State Representative
Ohios 34th House District
1
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2016/02/ohio_ranks_above_nation_in_per.html
2
https://www.policymattersohio.org/research-policy/fair-economy/work-wages/state-of-working-ohio/still-
struggling-state-of-working-ohio-2016
3
https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2017/01/25/u-s-solar-energy-employs-more-people-than-oil-
coal-and-gas-combined-infographic/#70a784672800
4
https://www.usnews.com/news/at-the-edge/articles/2017-03-15/clean-energy-is-seeing-explosive-job-
growth-dont-let-budget-kill-it
5
http://fortune.com/2017/01/27/solar-wind-renewable-jobs/

In This Issue
Need help? You may be entitled to free legal services
Americas legal system was built to protect and uphold two of our
countrys greatest values: justice and fairness. Sadly, today high
legal costs leave many American families without access to
justiceworking Americans have a hard time paying for legal fees
while keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations funded by the

Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) which ensure legal aid
for Ohioans, making it easier to afford civil legal services.

Click here to read more.

Medicaid restrictions among potential law changes/HEAP helps with energy high costs

In an unusual move and what I believe was a politically-charged

response, the Republican-controlled legislature voted to override 11
of the governors line-item vetoes in the House chamber, and six line
-item vetoes in the Senate chamber.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a program designed

to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home
heating. HEAP is a federally funded program administered by the
Ohio Development Services Agencys Office of Community Assistance
(OCA).

Click here for more.

77 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-3100 Phone
State Representative (614) 719-6944 Fax
Emilia Sykes (800) 282-0253 Toll Free
Contact Information
Send me an e-mail! Rep34@ohiohouse.gov
On the Web: http://www.ohiohouse.gov

If you no longer wish to receive our e-newsletters, please send an email to this address:
District34-leave@list.ohiohouse.gov with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

2017 State Representative Emilia Sykes