Voter Guide released by Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network Ahead of Presidential Debates

Ahead of the first presidential debate next Monday, the Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network (WPPN) – a coalition convened by Innovation Ohio Education Fund – released their 2016 Election Presidential Voter Guide.  

The Voter Guide reviews where Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump stand on working family and women’s issues outlined in their policy agenda.  It can be used as a ‘fact checker’ by debate viewers looking for a non-partisan comparison of the candidates’ stances on issues from paid leave, to equal pay, to access to reproductive healthcare services.  The Women’s Public Policy Network and member organizations stated that they also plan to continue to use the Voter Guides throughout the election cycle as a voter engagement tool.

Two of the policy issues that Innovation Ohio has worked on – paid leave and affordable child care – were reviewed in the Voter Guide.  These issues have been covered heavily in the national spotlight over the last week as Trump announced policy proposals for both issues, and as the media compares his plans to Clinton’s.    

In the national movement to advance these policies, it was important milestone to have the presidential candidates from both major parties putting forward plans on this issues. It’s equally as important, though, to understand the substance and impact of these policies.  The Voter Guide assesses both their plans for these policies, and more, side-by-side to explore their direct impact on women and families; especially low-income and working women.  

Voters watching the debates deserve to know where the candidates stand on issues impacting women and working families, not just campaign rhetoric.  Having this guide handy during the debates will be a valuable tool to cut through horse-race politics, and ‘fact check’ in real time.  More information on the Women’s Public Policy Network, and access the full Voter Guide can be found online, at womenspublicpolicynetwork.org.