By Schuyler Beckwith
Guest Column
As we pass 100 days of Donald Trump’s second presidency, the picture for working families in Lucas County and across Ohio is bleak.
We were promised an economic boom. Instead, we’re facing deepening economic hardship and attacks on public education and healthcare. In early April, the Dow saw its worst performance in over a century — wiping out retirement savings for working Ohioans while billionaires get richer. Veterans fear cuts to VA services. Parents are worried about public schools. And vital federal investments in cities like Toledo — like transportation grants and workforce development programs — are now at risk simply because we are a proudly Welcoming City.
As Toledo City Council President Carrie Hartman said, “Toledo will not be bullied.” These grants are not luxuries — they fund safer roads, public transit, and good-paying jobs. Pulling them would hurt every neighborhood.
Public education is also under direct threat. Toledo Board of Education member Polly Taylor-Gerken reminds us that “Head Start was never only a program — it was a promise.” That promise is in jeopardy as Trump pushes to eliminate the Department of Education and slash early childhood funding. Even amid this chaos, local leaders continue to invest in our future — like transforming the old Scott Park campus into a state-of-the-art career tech hub for TPS students. “While they tear down,” Polly said, “we build up.”
On healthcare, Commissioner Lisa Sobecki warns that Republican attempts to slash over $800 billion from Medicare and Medicaid could devastate our community. Over 138,000 Lucas County residents rely on Medicaid. Cuts would raise the uninsured rate, clog ERs, and put enormous strain on our local healthcare system. “Access to healthcare,” she said, “is not only a human right — it’s an economic necessity.”
State Representative Erika White also raises the alarm on reckless deregulation. Rolling back clean air and water protections threatens public health — especially for children and seniors. Gutting safety standards in construction and mining endangers workers and invites disaster.
Through it all, Lucas County Democrats remain focused on real solutions. Our local elected officials manage tax dollars responsibly, protect vital services, and invest in our people — not billionaires and political cronies. I hope Republicans are getting the message, because thousands are taking to the streets and attending panels to voice their dissent. It seems State Rep Josh Williams can’t take the heat, though (see: To the editor: Solving our policy disputes with dialogue, not threats). My advice to Rep Williams – quit supporting and introducing legislation that actively harms people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and many others in your own community and maybe people will stop yelling at you. In my opinion, the only reason you keep winning is because you and your corrupt buddies have drawn yourselves impossible to lose districts.
Lucas County deserves better than chaos and corporate giveaways. We are lucky to have local leadership that sees us, values us, and builds with us.
Sincerely,
Schuyler Beckwith
Chair, Lucas County Democratic Party
lucascountydemocraticparty@gmail.com