As Governor, nothing matters more than keeping Ohioans safe.

Everyone deserves to feel and be safe in their communities, no matter where they live across the state. Unfortunately, Republicans in Ohio have defunded public safety for years to pay for tax cuts for Ohio’s wealthiest. These cuts have resulted in layoffs, chronic officer shortages, and persistently understaffed first responder units in communities large and small. As Governor, I will rebuild state and local partnerships, fully fund the police and public safety, and ensure that communities again have the public safety resources they need.

The Governor also has critical tools at her disposal within state government to build safer communities. From safe schools, to emergency relief, to safe roads and highways, to far more transparency in our criminal justice system, I will ensure that we are doing everything in our power to improve safety.

However, crime is often a symptom of other community and societal problems, and we must work to address the underlying root causes by investing in education and career opportunities in both small towns and large urban centers, tackling poverty, and providing treatment and support services for those experiencing mental health and substance use disorder issues. We will also undertake common sense reforms to reduce the scourge of gun violence.