Groundwork Ohio Hosts Legislative Breakfast to Connect with Lawmakers on Early Childhood

On Wednesday, March 25, Groundwork Ohio welcomed state legislators and their staffers from both sides of the aisle to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce for a legislative breakfast focused on the needs of Ohio’s youngest children.

Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez and Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro)

Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Groundwork Ohio Board Chair Lisa Gray, and Lynanne Gutierrez

Brittany Boulton, Rep. Gayle Manning (R-Avon), Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Lisa Dodge

Lisa Gray, Lynanne Gutierrez, Rep. Crystal Lett (D-Columbus) and Maura Masterson

The morning provided a valuable opportunity for our team to connect directly with policymakers and their staff, share our policy priorities, and engage in meaningful, bipartisan conversation about strengthening early childhood systems across the state.

Groundwork Ohio staff led discussions centered on expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care and ensuring families have the support they need during the most critical years of a child’s development.

As part of the conversation, legislators and their staffers received copies of Groundwork Ohio’s Policy Agenda, Untapped Potential Report and The Business Case for Child Care. These resources highlight the far-reaching impact of early childhood investments—not only for children and families, but also for Ohio’s workforce and long-term economic growth.

Bringing together leaders from across the political spectrum is critical to advancing solutions that support young children and families. Events like this legislative breakfast create space for collaboration, shared understanding, and continued momentum around policies that matter most.

We’re grateful to the legislators and staffers who joined us and took part in these thoughtful discussions, and we look forward to continuing this important dialogue in the months ahead.