As the Democratic primaries move from Michigan to Ohio, manufacturing is finally having its turn in the spotlight. That's important. Because while tax credits, labor negotiations and trade deals might go unnoticed by much of America, they send ever expanding ripples through the U.S. economy. And for many hardworking Ohioans, the results mean the difference between a good-paying job and an unemployment check.

On average, manufacturing jobs pay about $25 per hour. More than 670,000 manufacturing workers in Ohio earn a collective annual payroll of $37 billion, while contributing to nearly a fifth of the state GDP. Manufacturing keeps Ohio running, along with much of America.

This Tuesday, voters can shape the direction of this crucial sector of our economy. While President Barack Obama expanded American manufacturing, helping to create 900,000 new jobs, a Republican successor would quickly reverse this hard-fought progress. Only one candidate can make sure our factories here in Ohio are strong and has a plan to grow manufacturing jobs. And that's why I'm proud to support Hillary Clinton for president.



Clinton has a comprehensive plan, the "new bargain," as she calls it, to make sure American manufacturing is here to stay. This plan includes tax credits that reward firms for staying put and punishes the bad actors with exit taxes for moving overseas. Or if a boss decides to take a page from China and denies workers their rights, unions can stand up for their members. Finally, her plan ensures that companies treat their employees as long-term investments, not short-term costs, encouraging profit sharing and skill building. In my 14 years in Congress I have never seen such a comprehensive and detailed game plan for reviving manufacturing in the U.S.

That means more jobs – and better jobs – in cities large and small, from Akron to Youngstown.

Clinton rejected the Central America Free Trade Agreement and opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Unlike Sanders, however, the former secretary of state rightly believes that fair trade – the kind that keeps our country safe while bringing in jobs – creates needed customers for U.S. products. Closed borders might keep imports at bay, but they also keep exports on shelves. A Clinton administration can boost demand for Americans products overseas, and, in turn, create more jobs here at home.

For Sen. Bernie Sanders, one issue guides his positions on trade and it's prevented him from supporting several job-creating measures that are essential to job growth.

He voted against the job creating Export-Import Bank. Yet, over the last nine years, that same Export-Import Bank has supported $3 billion in exports for the state of Ohio, most of it directed to small businesses. Getting rid of this important program would force thousands of lost jobs in over 350 companies in Ohio.

