Rep. Sears continues the fight for jobs and economic growth

Columbus—This is 2010, and Ohio's new job-rich economy is on the horizon! State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) recently announced her candidacy to return to the 46th Ohio House District seat in 2011.

“It would be my honor to continue to serve as your voice in Columbus,” Rep. Sears said. “This General Assembly has faced many challenges with job loss and budget deficits, but with good leadership in 2011, we can work together to turn this state around and fix our economy. That is what I have always strived to do, and I will continue keep my sights set on Ohio's future.”

Since the beginning of the 128th General Assembly, Rep. Sears has fought to create jobs and boost Ohio's economy through viable, sustainable changes to the way government does business. She voted against all tax increases while supporting cost-saving efficiency measures, with the goal of making state government work better for the people it is intended to serve.

Specifically, Rep. Sears fought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Ohio's Medicaid program. Among other proposals, she introduced a bill to improve Medicaid by eliminating wasteful expenditures and saving tax dollars. She also sponsored a bill to require Medicaid to cover all health benefits established as mandated health benefits under state insurance laws.

“I have always been very invested in the quality and accessibility of health care,” Rep. Sears said. “My Medicaid-specific bills would have streamlined services for a more seamless, efficient system that would benefit the most vulnerable among us.”

Additionally, Rep. Sears addressed local issues with vicious dogs in Lucas County by introducing legislation to eliminate breed-specific laws, and instead institute measures based on the past history of individual dogs. She advocated for better education of pet owners to promote responsible canine companionship, claiming that a narrow focus on pit bulls alone allows other aggressive dogs to threat the community.

“As a lifelong resident of Lucas County, I am very entrenched in the issues affecting our community today,” Rep. Sears said. “I hope to have the opportunity to return to the Statehouse for a second term, so I can continue the fight for better public policies and a more lucrative business environment.”