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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 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, Ohio House Dems
many working Ohioans feel they lack opportunities to get ahead or even get by. 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, 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 20154, 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, attracting companies and bringing 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,
Hearcel Craig
State Representative
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
Legislative update/Engaging your legislature and the committee process
In an effort to keep you more connected to your government and
whats happening at your Statehouse, I have included a list of current
bills in the House that I thought you might find interesting.

The formal votes during House sessions may give the impression that
every vote has been decided in advance. This is actually the case
because in-depth examination of legislation takes place in committee
hearings.

Click here for more.

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, todays 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 for more.

77 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-8010 Phone
State Representative (614) 719-3580 Fax
Hearcel Craig (800) 282-0253 Toll Free
Contact Information
Send me an e-mail! Rep26@ohiohouse.gov
On the Web: http://www.ohiohouse.gov

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2017 State Representative Hearcel Craig