Dr. Amy Acton Hosts Affordability Roundtable in Cincinnati Ahead of Primary
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton met with Cincinnati residents to discuss rising housing, healthcare, and energy costs as Tuesday’s primary election approaches.
CINCINNATI, OHIO — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton held an affordability roundtable last week at a Bond Hill restaurant, addressing housing, healthcare, and energy costs with local residents as Primary Election Day approaches this Tuesday.
Acton met with seven community members inside Brunch de Lux restaurant, where she fielded questions from college students, parents, and business owners about the rising cost of living affecting Ohio families.
ActOn Affordability Agenda Unveiled
During the discussion, Acton outlined her affordability agenda called ActOn, which she said will be shaped by the experiences of Ohioans participating in such conversations. The plan includes a proposed tax cut for lower and middle-income individuals.
“We have had tax breaks for people at a million plus, and we are trying to do something for everyone else,” Acton said during the roundtable.
Business Owner Highlights Employment Challenges
Paul McMillan, owner of Brunch de Lux where the roundtable took place, explained how rising costs affect both his customers and his ability to provide livable wages for employees.
“We want our employees to make more, we see what we are paying them and we know that those wages are not necessarily liveable wages,” McMillan said. He called for policies that would help businesses provide better compensation.
Statewide Housing Crisis Context
The affordability discussion comes as housing costs continue to strain Ohio households. According to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, 45% of the state’s renters are paying more than they can afford on rent, making affordability a central issue in this year’s election.
Acton, who previously served as director of the Ohio Department of Health, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in Tuesday’s primary election. The roundtable represented part of her effort to connect directly with voters about economic challenges facing working families across the state.
