In a new report released today, Policy Matters explains state funding for Ohio’s 27 urban and 38 rural public transit systems. The report compares funding streams for Ohio’s public transportation systems to that of four similar states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois), all of which invest significantly more state resources in their
60%: Share of driver’s license suspensions in Ohio that were for reasons unrelated to driving — such as failure to pay court fees. A suspension can cause havoc in a person’s day-to-day life, making it harder to do things like get to work—where they could earn money to pay those fees! That’s just
$12.8B: Annual loss in state revenue as a result of changes to Ohio’s tax code since 2005. That’s almost $13,000,000,000 every year that could help pay for schools, roads, eldercare and childcare, health care, addiction treatment, even people to answer phones at the unemployment office. Instead, it’s primarily gone to the
New data show continuing trend Major tax policy changes enacted by Ohio lawmakers since 2005 require families with the lowest incomes to pay more, the wealthy to pay less, and the state to forgo the resources it needs to ensure the prosperity of its residents. Those are among the findings
New survey examines individuals’ experiences A recent survey of Black women in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus — conducted by the CEO Project — provides insight into their individual experiences with the health care system in Ohio. Policy Matters Ohio’s new report combines survey findings with analysis of other public health research to illustrate how
Policy Matters releases the first of two reports Policy Matters Ohio has released the first in a two-part analysis of state and federal funding streams for Ohio’s childcare system. The brief, titled “How Ohio (under)funds childcare” examines funding for the Department of Children and Youth (DCY), created in 2024 through the
Attendance, juvenile justice, and Ohio’s budget linked in new report A combination of economic factors is contributing to an upward trend in chronic absenteeism in Ohio’s schools, according to Secure Connections: How economic security helps kids get to school and slows the school-to-prison pipeline, a report released today by Policy Matters Ohio.
50 recommendations for the coming budget season Policy Matters Ohio today released its comprehensive proposal for the FY 2026-27 state budget. A Moral Document: How the budget can bring out the best in Ohio presents the organization’s priorities for the coming budget season: 50 recommendations for using state revenues to benefit all Ohioans. “We often
Policy Matters releases guide for advocates Yesterday, researchers presented Policy Matters Ohio’s Guide to the State Budget to partners and other budget advocates. The guide is now available to the public. “Ohio’s state budget is paid for by the people’s pooled resources,” said researcher Kathryn Poe, the guide’s author. “It belongs to
Policies to support Black women — and everyone By crafting public policy to specifically benefit Black women, Ohio’s leaders can improve economic conditions, health outcomes, and overall well-being for Ohioans of all races and genders. Policy Matters Ohio’s Juneteenth report, Black women can thrive in Ohio: Implementing a Black Women Best
Even the nation’s highest sales tax would only recoup half the revenue lost to income tax repeal New data confirm that a proposal to eliminate Ohio’s personal income tax would be yet another handout to the wealthiest Ohioans, do little for the majority of filers, and require a highest-in-the-nation sales tax
Doing the Work: Ohio Latino Affairs Commission
Hispanic and Latino Ohioans help shape the social and cultural fabric of their communities and contribute to economic development. The latest census data show that there are more than 16,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the state. Hispanic Ohioans currently make up 4.4% of the state population; they are one of the few groups coming into