Seth's Policy Plan for Ohio
Putting Ohioans First in State Investments
Ohio’s public dollars should serve Ohioans first. Today, hundreds of millions of dollars of Ohioans' money are invested in other countries instead of being reinvested in Ohio-based financial institutions and our community banks. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will not make new investments in the State of Israel or any other country. I will instead reinvest Ohio’s funds in our community banks to increase lending capacity throughout Ohio’s communities. On Day One I’ll demand a full assessment of Ohio’s investments in risky BBB bonds and require immediate reinvestment in safer, more profitable investments that are rated AAA, AA and A. I will advocate that the Ohio General Assembly reduce risk in our state’s investment portfolio by repealing the law Republicans passed last year to allow risky BBB-rated bond investments. And I will use all of my authority to ensure Ohio invests in the most-sound bonds that are AAA, AA and A.
Investing in Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Small businesses keep Ohio’s communities running and create jobs close to home. As I travel the state, small business owners and entrepreneurs tell me their number one issue is access to lending capital. We can reinvest in our downtowns and support Ohio’s businesses by reinvesting our state dollars back in Ohio businesses. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will use the office’s
investment tools and partnerships to help entrepreneurs gain access to capital and build lasting
businesses.
Expanding Affordable Housing
For too many Ohioans, buying or renting a home has become unaffordable. As a community developer and Cincinnati City Council member, I helped create housing and strengthen neighborhoods. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will work to expand partnerships that support affordable housing and help first-time homebuyers, because stable housing helps families, communities, and Ohio’s economy thrive.
Returning Unclaimed Funds to Ohioans
Ohio is safeguarding $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds that belong to individuals, families, and businesses. That money should be returned to its rightful owners, not used for legislators’ pet projects, like financing a billionaire’s football stadium. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will fight to return these funds and make it easier for Ohioans to claim the money they are owed.
Protecting Public Pensions
Ohio’s public employees devote their careers to serving our communities, and they
deserve a secure retirement. The Treasurer appoints members to public pension
boards, and I will choose qualified, diverse, and independent leaders who put retirees first. I will
demand transparency, responsible management, and strong oversight of the retirement funds our workers earned.
Partnering With Community Banks
Community banks help Ohio’s neighborhoods and small towns grow. They
provide loans to homebuyers, farmers, and entrepreneurs and understand the communities they
serve. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will take a close look at existing programs like STAR Ohio and Ohio Homebuyer Plus to make sure we’re investing Ohio’s dollars in Ohio’s community banks first.
Holding Data Centers Accountable
Ohio has offered major tax breaks to attract data centers, even as these facilities place new demands on the electric grid. Families and small businesses should not be forced to carry the costs while large corporations receive special treatment. I will demand transparent agreements, meaningful public benefits, and strong protections for ratepayers before state resources support future projects.
Supporting Ohio Farmers
Ohio’s farmers feed our families, support local economies, and carry on a proud agricultural tradition. Too many are being squeezed by rising costs, unstable markets, and policies that favor large corporations. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will use the office’s programs and partnerships like AgLink to expand access to affordable financing, support family farms, and strengthen rural communities.
Serving Ohio’s Veterans
More than 600,000 veterans call Ohio home, and they deserve our support as they build their lives after military service. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will work with lawmakers, lenders, and community organizations to expand access to employment, affordable housing, and financial opportunity to veterans and veteran-owned enterprises. Ohio’s veterans served our country, and our state must be ready to serve them.
