Ohio — 13th District

Affordability: I hear about it every time I talk to people in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

Whether it's gas, groceries, housing or health care – it all costs too much. To make matters worse, wages aren’t keeping up with the sharp increase we’ve seen in these everyday essentials. Ohio households are paying an average of $4,200 more per year in basic living expenses, according to findings by the Joint Economic Committee Minority, thanks to out-of-touch policies supported by people in D.C. who have no connection to their constituents back at home.

Meanwhile, young people stop me to share that they’re worried about whether they will ever be able to move out of their parents' house or buy a home of their own, and parents are afraid their kids will fail to launch. Families are concerned about whether they can keep a roof over their heads and keep up with the cost of gas.

When I was elected to Congress, I promised to bring your voices with me to Washington, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. My office has hosted several conversations around the district, from Akron to Canton, from Twinsburg to Cuyahoga Falls, to hear directly from Ohio’s 13th District. I’ve heard your demands for help, and I’m leading critical legislation to lower costs. The affordability crisis remains the most important issue and the concern that keeps people up at night. And it's why I’m fighting for an affordable America.

First, gas prices have skyrocketed because of the war in Iran. The military actions have resulted in a loss of life for 18 American soldiers, with hundreds more injured. And it’s cost Americans billions of dollars while causing gas prices to soar. I’ve voted five times to end this reckless war and bring home our servicemen and women.

As co-leader of the Housing Affordability Working Group, I’m leading legislation that lowers housing costs for renters and homeowners alike. I introduced the HOMES Act, which ends tax breaks for private equity firms buying up housing in Ohio and driving up prices for families in the market for a home.

To bring down the cost of health care, I’m fighting to reinstate the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits and to repeal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that will throw people off their health care and put our hospital systems at risk of closure. I’m also fighting against the use of AI to determine who is eligible for procedures covered by Medicare. Your health care shouldn’t be left up to chance, and visiting a doctor when you’re sick shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.

Our local economy is dependent upon a strong health care system, as our largest employers are health care providers. Protecting and expanding health care access ensures not only that everyone gets care when they need it, but also that we can maintain an industry that employs tens of thousands of our neighbors.

And I’m also working to keep more money in your pocket. My Lower Your Taxes Act expands the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, and my No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act helps you keep more of what you earn. I also supported the TIPS Act to end federal income tax on tipped wages and voted for the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which has been signed into law, ensuring that teachers, firefighters and other public employees receivetheir full Social Security benefits.

Congress has a lot of work to do to restore trust in the institution that impacts this district, this country and the world. The corruption that has swept through our government demands immediate action, and it's why I’ve joined my colleagues in introducing the End Corruption Now package of bills to hold Congress and the president accountable and address the greed that increases our costs and diminishes trust in our government.

I was born and raised in Akron, and I’m so proud to represent you in Congress. I call our community the Birthplace of Champions – not just because we’re home to superstars like Lebron James, but because our community is made great by the everyday champions who live, work and raise their families here. You and your needs are my north star, and above all, addressing your needs is my top priority. Bringing over 300 million of your tax dollars back to this community and returning over 16 million of your dollars back into your households, as I've done since being elected to Congress, is what motivates me to work. Because after all, I work for you.

I’m proud to be your champion, and I know there is so much work needed to bring down costs and reestablish some common sense in Washington. That’s why I’m grateful for your continued support as I keep fighting for what matters most: everyday champions like those right here at home.

Rep. Emilia Sykes has represented Ohio’s 13th Congressional District since 2022.