1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Since 2010 Ohio Quality of Life has DECLINED Since 2011, when the Republican party gained full control of the Ohio House, Senate and Governorship in, the Republican policies have caused the following DECLINE in Ohio’s quality of life — and the data is deeply concerning: • Ohio was once 5th in education. We have fallen to 26th. • Our infant mortality ranking has worsened from 40th to 46th. • Maternal mortality is now 36% higher than the national average — and 58% higher than the national average was in 2010. • Our incarceration rate has surged by nearly 50%. • Overall health value has dropped 3 spots. • Life expectancy has declined. • Ohio now ranks among the top 10 most depressed states (8th) in the nation. • Unemployment remains higher than the national average, while labor force participation is lower — meaning the real economic picture is even more troubling. These are not partisan talking points. They are indicators of how families are actually living. Ohioans deserve better than falling rankings, worsening health outcomes, and shrinking opportunity. It is time to honestly reevaluate the policies that have led us here and pursue solutions that strengthen education, improve public health, expand economic opportunity, and reduce unnecessary incarceration. Our state’s future depends on it.