Ohio
Ohio's Republican candidates are floating Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid reforms • Ohio Capital Journal
During the primary campaign, Kevin Coughlin — now the Republican nominee for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District — committed to pursuing entitlement reform if he’s elected.
“And I know the Democrats are cheering right now that they’re hearing me say that,” Coughlin said. He argued “anyone with eyes and an honest heart” can understand the simple math problem — money is going out the door faster than it’s getting replaced.
He specifically referenced Social Security and Medicaid, which provides health care for people with lower incomes. But Medicare, which provides health care for seniors and some people with disabilities, is typically included in debates about entitlement reform.
Recent projections from the U.S. Treasury indicate the Social Security and Medicare trust funds will become insolvent in 2034 and 2031 respectively.
“(They’re) going to go broke very, very quickly, which isn’t going to mean that (programs are) going to go away, but it’s going to mean that the benefits that people get are going to be cut,” Coughlin argued.
“You have to start thinking about the sustainability of those programs for people who really need them,” he went on. “And so there’s got to be real adult conversations about these things, and proposals put forward with binding votes for Congress to vote on.”
Coughlin’s argument is right in line with decades of Republican doctrine, but maybe not the party’s current standard bearer.
“I made a promise that I will always keep Social Security, Medicare—we always will keep it, we won’t be cutting it,” former President Donald Trump told Dayton rallygoers last March.
Despite insisting from his earliest days as a presidential candidate that he would “save” the big three entitlement programs “without cuts,” last month in a CNBC interview Trump said “there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” He hinted at cuts in 2020 as well.
Where Republicans stand
Although Trump has waffled on the issue, Coughlin comes by his position honestly. Back in 2011, when he was flirting with a U.S. Senate run, he made a similar case. Coughlin voiced support for a handful of ideas backed by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-WI, who had been tapped as Mitt Romney’s vice presidential pick and would go on to become House Speaker during the Trump administration.
Those changes include converting Medicare into a voucher program for anyone under 55 at the time. The proposal would also steadily raise the eligibility age to 67 — a position which Coughlin now opposes. Coughlin also pledged support for a balanced budget proposal that would cap spending in such a way that cuts to Medicare and Social Security would likely be unavoidable.
In a written statement for this story, Coughlin blamed the programs’ balance sheets on Democrats, and expressed concerns that “they’ll resort to benefit cuts” to address shortfalls.
“These important programs are going broke because Democrats used them as their personal piggy bank and raided them for wasteful spending and pet projects,” he wrote. “We have to shore up these programs by cutting waste fraud and abuse, not cutting benefits, raising taxes or the retirement age.”
Trump has also used waste fraud and abuse as a fig leaf after backlash to his public comments. But while independent experts contend waste and fraud are significant problems in Medicaid and Medicare, they question whether there’s enough to balance the books. For Social Security, they insist eliminating waste and fraud would do little to close the gap. In a different version of that math problem, they note there are simply too many retirees and not enough workers.
And Couhglin is not alone in raising the idea of entitlement reform.
Early in this year’s U.S. Senate race, all three of Ohio’s Republican candidates floated changes to entitlements.
State Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, was the most explicit. “To have a discussion about spending,” he said, “yes, we’re going to have to recognize we have to reform these entitlements.” Dolan insisted none of the attendees should “sweat” over losing benefits. “But look at the front table here,” he added, “see these young people? I want to make sure that they’re not afraid.”
Sec. of State Frank LaRose said Social Security and Medicaid are “worth looking at,” but warned changes must ensure people within a few decades of becoming beneficiaries aren’t affected. Bernie Moreno, who wound up winning the nomination, insisted Social Security isn’t an entitlement because workers pay into the program, but he criticized the expansion of Medicaid.
In a written statement, Moreno’s campaign reiterated his commitment to opposing cuts to Medicare or Social Security. “Important programs that Americans have spent their lives paying into like Social Security and Medicare should never be put in jeopardy,” he argued. Moreno added that he doesn’t support cutting Medicaid for Americans who are “truly in need,” but he criticized states like California that have extended benefits to undocumented immigrants.
“Which is something that we need to put a stop to immediately,” he said, “The American taxpayer eventually foots the bill.”
Entitlement reform plans in black and white
While Coughlin emphasizes waste fraud and abuse, incumbent lawmakers have floated plans to roll back entitlements more broadly in recent years. They’ve just failed to gain traction.
Recall President Joe Biden needling Republicans during the 2023 State of the Union over plans to make Medicare and Social Security sunset. Despite some Republicans’ jeers, that idea came from a platform advanced by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL. He’s since revised the proposal to exempt the programs.
More recently, the Republican Study Committee unveiled it’s 2024 budget plan which proposes raising the eligibility age for Social Security without specifying what age is appropriate, and converting Medicare to a voucher system. Eight members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation are part of the committee.
What changes would mean in Ohio
“Well, the real question is are we our brothers’ keepers or not,” Jack Frech, the retired director of the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services, said.
After more than three decades there, he served as an executive in residence focused on poverty issue at the Voinovich School at Ohio University.
“And you know it’s interesting that we take a very selective view of math,” Frech said of arguments about entitlement programs’ solvency. “We could also look at the fact that over the same time frame the richest people in this country have gotten ridiculously richer.”
“You know, that’s math, too,” he said.
And while he acknowledged Republicans have put a lot of effort into cutting entitlement programs, Democrats are far from blameless.
“Let’s remember on issues like cash assistance and some of these other programs, it was Bill Clinton and the Democrats whose reform measures ended up resulting in drastic, drastic reductions in assistance through those programs,” he said.
“It’s not as though anybody’s out there who deserves a gold star for the great job they’ve done helping poor people,” Frech said.
He explained programs like Social Security and Medicare provide a lifeline to Ohioans, but they don’t provide a comfortable living. The average monthly Social Security check is about $1,900. The poverty line for an individual breaks down to $1,255 a month.
But the impact doesn’t stop with individuals, he said. “There are communities in southeast Ohio that I’ve looked into that have as much as 70-80% of the medical income they have is coming from those programs.” Similarly, he noted transfer payments make up as much as a quarter of local income in some southeast Ohio counties.
“These are real people who are already struggling,” Frech said, “and you’re basically saying we’re going to solve our financial problem by taking services away from them.”
Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.
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ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.
A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.
Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.
Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.
The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.
Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.
Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.
Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.
Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.
Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.
Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.
She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.
Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.
Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.
Romans 8:6
King James Version
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m.
A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.
There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.
Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.
With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.
Chris Henry Jr.
Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense.
Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.
The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense.
Tavien St. Clair
After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago.
He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process.
His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.
All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.
Beau Atkinson
Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.
The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.
His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September.
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