99 week maximum for jobless benefits may drop as low as 59 weeks
By Olivera Perkins Peope receiving unemployment benefits in Ohio will probably see the maximum weeks they can get slashed. Falling jobless rates and a Republican proposal in Congress calling for fewer weeks are among the reasons for the projected change. Here Joyce Redmond (left) talks with Helen Venes (right) about job opportunities at a […]
57,700 local jobs lost to recession
But health care alone can’t make up for losses almost everywhere else by Lisa Bernard-Kuhn Mercy Health expects to hire 300 new doctors, nurses and staff this year on top of 400 added since 2009. The Christ Hospital is adding 150 workers, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare has hired 20 new employees to work a just-opened […]
Extended Benefits approval a good first step
“Congress should extend federal benefits to help struggling families, but also to help Ohio emerge from the weak economy more quickly.” Zach Schiller, research director For immediate release Contact Zach Schiller at 216.361.9801 Download statement Now Congress must act to extend emergency jobless benefits Today, the Ohio House voted to extend unemployment benefits (HB […]
Jobless rate falls; more stop searching
by Russ Zimmer The state’s unemployment rate dropped sharply for the second consecutive month, but, once again, it’s not all good news. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported the unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in December. That’s down from 8.5 percent in November and a 28-year high of 10.6 percent in […]
Jobless rate plunges to lowest in 3 years
More Ohioans say they have stopped searching for jobs. By Randy Tucker Ohio’s unemployment rate nose-dived in December to its lowest level in three years, according to data released Friday by the Department of Job and Family Services. But the drop from 8.5 percent in November to 8.1 percent last month
Two of three Ohio school districts have budget shortfalls
For immediate release Contact Wendy Patton at 614.221.4505 Full report here Download press release Most districts are cutting courses, reducing staff or raising student fees The state budget reduced school funding in Ohio by $1.8 billion when compared to the previous biennium. A recent survey of Ohio school districts found that two out of three […]
Walmart launches free income tax return service, but it may not be free for many
By Teresa Dixon Murray The nation’s largest discount store chain is now offering low-cost help in filing income tax returns. Consumer advocates, however, caution that the offer is deceptive and say filers could end up with extra fees. Walmart is the first large, general merchandise retailer to tip-toe into tax preparation. Its stores nationwide, including […]
Ohio governor considers natural gas impact fee, higher severance tax
By Pam Kasey As the gas industry ramps up the extraction of gas from the Utica and Marcellus shales in Ohio, a proposal for increasing the natural gas severance tax in Ohio could come about in late winter. The subject was raised Dec. 19 by Policy Matters Ohio. “Part of preparation for the coming boom […]
Taxing the Fracking in Ohio
By Mary Kuhlman The oil and gas industry is anticipating a boom in natural gas and possibly oil production in Ohio, but a new report finds the state could lose out on a half-billion tax dollars that could help offset drilling-related costs. According to research by Policy Matters Ohio, if the state levied a severance […]
Policy Matters welcomes new board, staff
For immediate release Contact Amy Hanauer, 216.361.9801 Download PDF Think tank increases capacity, brings in new voices Policy Matters Ohio, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center, today announced the appointment of two new directors to its board, Kamla Lewis of Shaker Heights and Renuka Mayadev of Columbus. The think tank also filled two newly created staff […]
Fracking’s challenges
Commentary As Ohio seeks to cash in on expanded oil and natural-gas exploration and production, it needs stronger rules governing drilling procedures to protect Ohioans’ health and safety. Gov. John Kasich’s administration cannot dismiss new seismic evidence that draws potential links between the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and earthquakes. Nor can the […]
Lucas County residents offered free tax service
By Kate Giammarise Blade staff writer If you worked in 2011 and your household made less than $50,000, United Way of Greater Toledo wants to do your taxes for free. It’s part of a combined effort with Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz and a number of social service […]