Skinny budget, big victory: News from Policy Matters

No Deal: Victory is ours! Thank you to everyone who called, tweeted, emailed or wrote to their member of Congress urging them to vote against the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act. America had a strong message to TrumpCare: You’re fired. Speaker Paul Ryan said “Obamacare is the law of the land for the foreseeable future.” We’ll keep you posted on any developments.

The Scary Skinny: Along with healthcare, the release of President Trump’s “skinny budget” captured policy-watchers’ attention this week. Our Wendy Patton chimed in about how Trump’s plan to slash federal funding for environmental protections, health and human services and more poses a grave threat to the Ohio budget, which gets 37 percent of its revenue from the federal government. Researcher Mike Shields detailed the important job training and manufacturing supports that could be at risk under Trump’s plan.

Budget Bites: As state legislators debate Kasich’s proposed 2018-2019 state budget, we keep making the case for smart investments that make Ohio more sustainable, prosperous and equitable. We released three Budget Bites since our last update.

Local Government:

The Governor’s budget for 2018-19 again cuts state aid to many local governments.

All-Day Kindergarten:  

Ohio was going to provide full-day kindergarten, but eliminated the mandate in 2012, largely because it was unfunded. The state should follow North Olmsted’s example and make the investment.

Early Care and Education:

State dollars for early care and education may – or may not – keep pace with inflation in Governor John Kasich’s 2018-2019 budget proposal.