[img_assist|nid=644|title=State Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=120|height=143]State Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) took on the topic of jobs and the economy Thursday in a speech at the Wooster Brush Company.

Schuring outlined his vision for a level playing field for American workers and his plan to help provide businesses with tools for success.

"My plan is rooted in common sense because it comes from the people of this district, the people who understand the challenge of the global economy," Schuring said. "This is not a Washington plan. It's simple and to the point, and was done after weeks of talking with folks like those in this room."

The event was reportedly attended by area business and industrial owners as well as economic development leaders.

Schuring highlighted the need for America to be competitive in a global market, as well as the need to become energy independent.

"We will have innovation through education, research and development - and do so with partnerships involving government and the private sector," Schuring said. "The American spirit is still strong. There's no better place than the 16th Congressional District. We have the hardest working, brightest and most compassionate people right here."

The "Schuring Plan for Jobs and Families" first calls for the level playing field. Schuring calls for implementing tax reform by simplifying the tax system and calls for lowering of the capital gains tax in order to spur investment. Schuring also calls to crack down on frivolous law suits, implement regulatory reform so that it is based on a cost-benefit analysis, and using free market principles to make health care affordable. Schuring also calls to level the global playing field by "reforming unfair trade laws and ensuring Americans are able to compete with China, Europe, and the rest of the world."

The second part of Schuring's plan is to provide businesses with tools for success.

This would include making America an energy leader by drilling offshore and in ANWR and aggressively encouraging investment in Advanced and Alternative Energy Solutions such as wind, solar, nuclear and clean coal technology.

Schuring also calls for improving and expanding America's transportation system and creating "economic empowerment zones." The zones would "create collaboration between the private sector and government that will encourage growth and create jobs." Examples include creating a synergy between education and energy, securing seed capital for businesses looking to expand and grow jobs by strengthening the relationship between the public and private sectors and strengthening the partnership between industry and government.

Schuring's plan comes as opponent state Sen. John Boccieri (D-Alliance) has been holding a series of economic discussions throughout the district.

Schuring's plan also comes as the Ohio Democratic Party criticized Schuring on the issue of taxes. Pointing to an article in the Politico, Democrats questioned Schuring's bonafides as a leader on tax reform.

"Sen. Schuring hikes taxes for the rest of us but doesn't feel the need to pay his own," said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. "Given Kirk Schuring's record of big tax increases and unpaid taxes, it is completely disingenuous for him to claim to voters that he is a leader on these issues."

Schuring and Boccieri are running to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) in Ohio's 16th Congressional district seat.