Adoption:
The temperature dropped again this week, but that didn't stop us from meeting some great people while knocking on doors. This week I met two families who had adopted children. Each family shared the same sentiments that I have, which has shaped my platform on adoption reform.
If it weren't for a miracle, my wife and I would not have been able to adopt. The current adoption policies in Ohio give tax incentives to families with large incomes. For a typical family, adoption is cost prohibitive.
Thousands of Ohio children are currently waiting to be adopted, and more are born each year. Unfortunately the current system is not friendly to normal Ohio families looking to adopt. I know a handful of families in my personal network who would love to adopt, and they would be great parents. But they can't adopt because it's too expensive. The average adoption in Ohio costs approximately $25,000 (and $40,000 for international adoptions).
I will work to change the system so normal families can afford to adopt if they so choose.
Christmas lights:
Now that Thanksgiving has passed, many people start putting up their Christmas decorations. Walking through the neighborhoods in NW Columbus gives me a unique view into each area's holiday cheer. I have taken some photos of some of the more unique and notable decorations. My personal favorite is the fat round inflatable snowman wearing a top hat.