By Wendy Patton and Zach Schiller Taxes let us pool our resources, so we can tackle ambitious projects. They allow us to build a strong foundation of well-being and shared prosperity for all Ohioans, no matter where we live or what we look like. The public services our taxes pay
Good morning Chairman Merrin, Vice-Chair Riedel and Ranking Member Sobecki. I am Wendy Patton, Senior Project Director at Policy Matters Ohio, a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization with a mission to create a more prosperous, inclusive, equitable and sustainable Ohio. Ohioans know that school is where our children learn, grow, experiment
Good afternoon, Chair Richardson, ranking member Troy and members of the committee. I am Wendy Patton, a senior project director of Policy Matters Ohio, a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization with a mission of creating a more prosperous, inclusive, equitable and sustainable Ohio. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in
Black Ohioans are more likely to pay a higher share of their incomes in state and local taxes than white Ohioans, according to new analysis from Policy Matters Ohio and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). The state’s wealthiest residents — who are largely white — pay a
Our success as a state and a nation depends on whether all people, regardless of race, have the opportunity to thrive. From the beginning, American policies and practices oppressed, exploited and excluded Black, brown and Indigenous people, who still face obstacles to good jobs, housing, educational opportunities and health care.
In coming weeks, Gov. Mike DeWine will send his 2022-2023 budget proposal to the Ohio General Assembly for consideration. In a new report, “A budget for everyone” Policy Matters Ohio outlines steps lawmakers can take to get Ohioans through the pandemic and recession while building a better future for everyone.
Introduction Ohio does best when we all come together to do our part. We have paid our taxes, and our collective public resources have built world-class colleges and universities, a top-notch state parks system and some of the nation’s best libraries. These institutions, and many others, have made Ohio a
When Congress finally passed a pandemic relief bill, it made a down payment on recovery. As overdue as it is, the package provides badly needed, short-term aid as the COVID-19 virus surges and the recession lingers. In coming months, Congress must do much more. At first, federal lawmakers responded swiftly
Members of the House Ways and Means Committee meet today to consider Senate Bill 95 which, as passed in the Senate, would double state and local tax breaks for “megaprojects” and their suppliers from 15 to 30 years — among other perks. Riders picked up in the House include a
All Ohio families and students deserve a great school, no matter how much money they have or where they live. But today, Ohio students who live in communities where many people have low incomes attend schools without as many resources as schools in wealthier communities. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme
Good morning Chairman Oelslager, Ranking Member Cera and members of the committee. I am Wendy Patton, Senior Project Director with Policy Matters Ohio, a non-partisan research organization with a mission of creating a more prosperous, inclusive, equitable and sustainable Ohio. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on House Bill
While we will always remember 2020 as a desperately hard year, most Ohioans have come together and helped each other through. We’ve taken meals to sick neighbors. We’ve supported our favorite local restaurants and shops. We’ve worn masks to keep each other safe. Even with a vaccine nearly ready, we’ll
