ELECTION 2004 - OHIO Races for the Ohio statehouse Ohio 8th Senate District Ohio 14th Senate District Ohio 28th House District Ohio 29th House District Ohio 30th House District Ohio 31st House District Ohio 33rd House District ELECTION 2004 - KENTUCKY Battling for a seat in Frankfort Kentucky 17th Senate District Kentucky 23rd Senate District Kentucky 61st House District Kentucky 67th House District

Jim Raussen: Reforming Ohio's tax structure by implementing reform initiatives, simplifying our tax code, and assisting in rehabilitating old industrial sites and business districts. This will allow our communities to be more competitive with neighboring states, allow for small businesses to stay and grow, plus give additional tax dollars to our schools and local governments in the area. This strategy will benefit all families, both working age and retired, in our district.

Wayne Coates: Reduce the tax burden on property owners. The Columbus one-party rule and their campaign financing lobbyists are rewriting Ohio's tax code with a "shift and shaft" policy so huge tax breaks are given to large multi-national corporations then placing their tax burden onto the backs of small business owners, working families, and property owners. We need to equalize Ohio's tax code so everyone pays their fair share of state provided services.

How do you think the next legislature should deal with the state's continuing budget deficit crisis?

Jim Raussen: We have to seriously look at two of the largest areas of the state budget: Medicaid and Corrections. Currently, Medicaid has an annual growth rate of 11% and if that rate continues it will consume the state budget. We have to prioritize Ohio's Medicaid dollars by looking at managed and preventive care in order that we achieve the proper results and make the system more efficient and transparent. Corrections must also go through the same scrutiny.

Wayne Coates: The budget crisis is the result of over $5 billion in tax exemptions and the lack of fiscal spending constraints. The Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House, who compel the state's budget, must adopt a comprehensive long-term plan that focuses on Ohio's fiscal health rather than their next campaign fund raising cycle. Even with Ohio's fiscal crisis Columbus lawmakers give tax break on corporate jets, while we pay higher taxes.