Dear friends, After 20 amazing years starting, building and running Policy Matters Ohio, it’s time for me to make way for new leaders to take this phenomenal think tank forward. Policy Matters is here to stay. We have excellent staff, an exceptional board, solid funding, and the best allies and
Jasmine Ayres has joined Policy Matters Ohio as the organization’s new policy liaison. In her role, Ayres will work to connect the group’s research and analysis with state policymakers, allies and the general public. She will especially focus her efforts on reforming Ohio’s upside-down tax code which favors the wealthy
Tonight’s debate outside Columbus gives the candidates a chance to focus on the challenges and assets of this state. This will provide insights that could improve lives everywhere. It’s tough for strapped moderators to choose among countless essential topics. The first three debates emphasized health, guns, immigration, racism, schools, and
Policy can reduce inequity in Ohio and its region In the 20th Century, people from around the world came to Ohio and the Midwest, seeking opportunity in the industrial boom. Among them were black Americans from the South. Manufacturing and unions helped create good jobs for many black workers, but
Racial disparities are national problems and national challenges, but Ohio and the Midwest face particular struggles with these issues because of our policy and economic history. More black Americans live in the Midwest than in either the Northeast or the West and many black families built middle class lives for
Realities and remedies In many ways, Americans have been given a gift for the last decade – an economic expansion unprecedented in its length. And many of the indicators of the expansion are quite strong: Unemployment levels are very low, particularly for those with college degrees. The nation continues to
The economic expansion begun in June 2009 has stretched for more than 121 months, making it the longest in history. For most Ohioans, however, benefits are proving elusive, according to the State of Working Ohio, 2019: Realities and Remedies, a report from Policy Matters Ohio. While unemployment is extremely low
New report details policy solutions to protect the littlest Ohioans A new report issued today by Policy Matters Ohio and the Ohio Environmental Council documents how climate change harms the health of Ohio children. Policymakers at all levels of government can act now to stem climate change and protect the
Policy Matters Ohio today released an analysis of Senate Bill 3, a new effort by the Ohio legislature to reform sentencing in our state’s justice system. The bill seeks to provide addiction treatment instead of incarceration to Ohioans charged with the possession of certain drugs. As introduced, SB 3 would
The Green New Deal has excited a new generation of activists and beautifully framed how this kind of societal transformation is in keeping with our history. Previous plans, like the Apollo Alliance and Blue-Green Alliance platforms, have carefully incorporated some policy nuances that we can learn from. As the Green
Will Petrik has joined Policy Matters Ohio as a budget researcher. Petrik previously worked as state director of Advocates for Ohio’s Future, where he helped lead the fight to expand Medicaid in Ohio. Because of this work, over 650,000 people now have access to health care coverage. He also served
Policy Matters Ohio today, in a letter to Senate President Larry Obhof, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair John Eklund, and Senator Cecil Thomas, Ranking Minority member of the Judiciary Committee, recommended five principles for meaningful criminal justice reform in Ohio. As the Senate Judiciary Committee begins considering what to include in
