2012 Report to Ohioans
Release date: January 30, 2013
No matter where I travel throughout our state, I never fail to be impressed by what people from all walks of life are doing to strengthen the place we call home. This report chronicles our work together in 2012.
Download the full Report to Ohioans 2012
Report Highlights
Rescuing the Auto Industry & Creating and Retaining Manufacturing Jobs—Sen. Brown worked diligently in 2012 to create and retain Ohio’s valuable manufacturing jobs. For example, he was a staunch advocate for the auto industry rescue, and since then, General Motors and Chrysler—as well as Ford, Honda, and numerous parts suppliers—have added new jobs and expanded investments at their plants across Ohio.
Protecting Workers and Industries Against Unfair Trade—Sen. Brown consistently stands up for workers, manufacturers, and jobs affected by unfair trade. In 2012, Sen. Brown continued to lead by calling for tough enforcement measures that hold trading partners accountable and prevent a “race to the bottom” on labor, environmental, and food and drug safety standards.
Fighting to Pass a Comprehensive Farm Bill—In 2012, Congress began writing a new farm bill that would be responsive to farmers’ needs while saving taxpayer dollars. The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan five-year farm bill that would save $23 billion over 10 years. Sen. Brown contributed six amendments to the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012. While the full House of Representatives did not consider a comprehensive farm bill in 2012, Sen. Brown remains committed to passing a farm bill anew in the new Congress.
Improving Access to High Quality, Affordable Health Care & Protecting Ohio Seniors—Sen. Brown has been working to improve access to high quality, affordable health care for Ohioans and all Americans, including children, seniors, working families, and women. In 2012, Sen. Brown introduced legislation to support pediatric research, help alleviate drug shortages, and fight breast cancer. Sen. Brown also held 25 tele-town halls in which he listened to the concerns of Ohio seniors. More than 10,000 people participated in each call.
Growing Ohio’s Aerospace Industry—Ohio’s innovative scientists and engineers, manufacturing strength, and talented workforce have driven our aerospace success over the last century. Sen. Brown has been working with Airbus Americas to formalize a partnership between the company and Ohio suppliers, aimed at growing the state’s aerospace industry. As a result of this partnership, Sen. Brown joined Airbus and the National Composite Center (NCC) in January in Kettering to announce the establishment of a new aerospace research and development consortium. In October, Sen. Brown brought Airbus and the NCC together again to announce a new partnership to identify and develop aerospace suppliers across Ohio.
Helping Veterans Find Employment—An unacceptably high number of veterans struggle to find work, and it is imperative that we do a better job of connecting veterans with the support services they deserve. Sen. Brown has been working to connect unemployed veterans with employers. Among these efforts is the implementation of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a new law that provides tax credits for employers who hire unemployed veterans and helps connect veterans with job opportunities.
Expanding Broadband Access—Expanding broadband service is essential to growing the economies of Ohio’s rural communities. Sen. Brown has been a longtime advocate for expanding broadband access across Ohio, particularly in Appalachia. In July, Sen. Brown announced new resources to connect 6,000 rural Ohioans with affordable broadband service.
Protecting Voting Rights–The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. But proposed changes to voting laws threatened to suppress voting and make it more difficult for Ohioans to vote, disproportionately hurting senior, minority, and low-income populations. To examine these issues, Sen. Brown and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) held an official hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights at the Carl. B Stokes United States Federal Courthouse in Cleveland in May. Sen. Brown will continue to fight against burdens to voting and to protect our most fundamental constitutional rights.
Downloadable Report Sections
Download the full Report to Ohioans 2012
Sen. Brown is Here to Serve You: Constituent Services
2012 Regional Highlights
Appalachian Ohio Regional Highlights
Central Ohio Regional Highlights
Northeast Ohio Regional Highlights
Northwest Ohio Regional Highlights
Southwest Ohio Regional Highlights
2012 Legislative Highlights
Includes: Creating and Retaining Manufacturing Jobs; Growing Small Business; Protecting Workers and Industries against Unfair Trade; Supporting Workers in a Tough Economy
Agriculture & Rural Development
Defense, Military, and Homeland Security
Financial Services and Tax Policies that Work for Working Ohioans
Housing: Revitalizing Ohio’s Neighborhoods