Debbie Lieberman:
A Champion for Economic Justice
As Montgomery County Commissioner, Debbie Lieberman has shown a strong commitment to economic justice, advocating for equitable opportunities and an improved quality of life for all residents. Her dedication shines through in her comprehensive efforts to address poverty, homelessness, workforce development, and support for marginalized communities.
Debbie was awarded in the 2024 Dayton Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business.
Creating Pathways Out of Poverty
Lieberman recognizes that a strong safety net is essential to ensuring economic justice. She has championed programs designed to assist individuals and families in escaping the cycle of poverty.
Support for Public Assistance Programs: Debbie Lieberman has consistently advocated for SNAP and Medicaid, recognizing these programs as essential lifelines for struggling families. She also champions fair wages and benefits to help families afford basic necessities.
Investing in Early Childhood Education: Debbie views early childhood education as crucial for future economic well-being. Her strong support for initiatives like PreSchool Promise demonstrates her commitment to providing all children with a strong foundation for success.
The Path Ahead Pilot Program: Recognizing the complex challenges faced by families trapped in poverty, Lieberman played a key role in creating “The Path Ahead” program. This initiative provides personalized guidance and support to help families navigate the path from poverty to self-sufficiency.
Creating Pathways Out of Poverty
Lieberman recognizes that a strong safety net is essential to ensuring economic justice. She has championed programs designed to assist individuals and families in escaping the cycle of poverty.
Support for Public Assistance Programs: Debbie Lieberman has consistently advocated for SNAP and Medicaid, recognizing these programs as essential lifelines for struggling families. She also champions fair wages and benefits to help families afford basic necessities.
Investing in Early Childhood Education: Debbie views early childhood education as crucial for future economic well-being. Her strong support for initiatives like PreSchool Promise demonstrates her commitment to providing all children with a strong foundation for success.
The Path Ahead Pilot Program: Recognizing the complex challenges faced by families trapped in poverty, Lieberman played a key role in creating “The Path Ahead” program. This initiative provides personalized guidance and support to help families navigate the path from poverty to self-sufficiency.
Addressing Homelessness
Lieberman acknowledges the urgent need to address homelessness, viewing it as both a humanitarian crisis and an economic challenge.
Affordable Housing and Support Services: She advocates for creative solutions to make housing more affordable, including exploring shared housing models and preserving existing affordable housing options. She has also championed efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with vital support services.
Securing Funding for Homelessness Initiatives: Lieberman actively seeks funding opportunities to bolster the County’s efforts in combating homelessness. Notably, she played a key role in securing $8 million to support initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and housing instability in Montgomery County.
Fostering a Ready Workforce
Lieberman believes that access to quality job opportunities is fundamental to economic justice.
Workforce Development Programs: She is a strong advocate for workforce development programs that equip individuals with the skills and training needed to secure well-paying jobs. She has highlighted the County’s efforts in this area, including programs focused on high-demand fields such as nursing, IT, and truck driving.
Youth Employment and Mentorship: Lieberman champions programs that create employment opportunities for youth and connect them with mentors, recognizing the importance of early work experience and guidance. Her support for programs like YouthWorks, which provides summer jobs and leadership training for young people, reflects her commitment to nurturing a skilled and engaged future workforce.
Fostering a Ready Workforce
Lieberman believes that access to quality job opportunities is fundamental to economic justice.
Workforce Development Programs: She is a strong advocate for workforce development programs that equip individuals with the skills and training needed to secure well-paying jobs. She has highlighted the County’s efforts in this area, including programs focused on high-demand fields such as nursing, IT, and truck driving.
Youth Employment and Mentorship: Lieberman champions programs that create employment opportunities for youth and connect them with mentors, recognizing the importance of early work experience and guidance. Her support for programs like YouthWorks, which provides summer jobs and leadership training for young people, reflects her commitment to nurturing a skilled and engaged future workforce.
Promoting Economic Development
Lieberman recognizes the importance of fostering a thriving economy that benefits all residents.
Attracting New Businesses and Supporting Existing Ones: She has actively worked to attract new businesses to Montgomery County while also supporting the growth and expansion of existing companies. This includes promoting the County’s vibrant quality of life, its rich arts and culture scene, and its numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
Economic Development Grants and Incentives: Lieberman supports the use of economic development grants, such as ED/GE (Economic Development Government Equity) grants and CDBG (Community Development Block Grants), to incentivize business growth, create jobs, and revitalize communities.
