In this week’s eNews: Why Ohio’s top-rated urban district and charter schools shouldn’t be compared to other urban schools; recommendations for a fair and adequate state tax system; a severance tax proposal that undervalues Ohio’s natural resources; continuing weak job growth; Inequality for All screening in Columbus. Misleading – Urban
Join us for a free screening and panel discussion of Inequality for All, the movie by former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich about how income inequality and our shrinking middle class has affected America’s economy and democracy.
Ohio still trails its 2013 job growth peak set in May by more than 13,000 jobs despite a slight growth of 5,000 jobs in December, according to data from a survey of employers released today by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Monthly numbers are always preliminary and
For immediate release Contact Piet van Lier, 216.361.9801 Full report Download press release (1 pg) Top urban schools serve demographically different students, study finds The majority of the highest-rated public schools in Ohio’s eight largest urban districts serve different populations than those districts do as a whole, according to
Urban schools that scored highest on state measures tend to enroll fewer children with disabilities, fewer poor students, and fewer minorities. Many also enroll selectively, offer small class sizes, require applications or engage in other practices not available to all public schools.
Our recommendations for a smarter Ohio tax system include: maintaining and strengthening the state income tax; reviewing, eliminating and sunsetting tax expenditures; restoring the business share of Ohio taxes; and modernizing the system so it covers today’s economy.
For immediate release Contact Wendy Patton, 614.582.0048 Full report Download press release (1 pg) Analysis finds tax is too low, has carve-outs, excludes fracking from CAT The proposed new severance tax in House Bill 375 would shortchange Ohioans by undervaluing the state’s natural resources and granting up to $800 million
In our latest eNews: Ohio’s minimum-wage boost, new limits on the state’s homestead exemption for seniors, job loss, federal emergency unemployment benefits, and the War on Poverty at 50. And last but not least, a shout-out to our supporters. Boosting – Ohio’s minimum wage went up 10 cents to $7.95
“On the 50th anniversary of President Johnson’s War on Poverty, we can be thankful for important progress we’ve made in reducing poverty in America and Ohio,” said Amy Hanauer, executive director of Policy Matters Ohio. “Today, the safety net cuts poverty nearly in half and provides relief to many poor
See full report Download press release (1 pg) With the expiration of federal unemployment benefits on Dec. 28, just one out of five unemployed Ohioans is receiving benefits, according to a study released today by Policy Matters Ohio. That share is as low as it has been any year over
New Year’s Day increase will boost consumer spending by $38 million On January 1st, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase by ten cents to $7.95 per hour, benefiting an estimated 330,000 Ohio workers. The minimum wage for tipped Ohio workers will also rise by 5 cents to $3.98 per hour.
For immediate release Contact Zach Schiller, 216.361.9801 Full report Download press release (1 pg) The state budget approved in June limits eligibility for Ohio’s homestead exemption, but doesn’t do enough to focus the property-tax break on seniors who need it most, according to a report by Policy Matters Ohio. The
