Minimum wage to track inflation to $10.10 January 1
40-year inflation high shows wisdom of voters’ safeguard Next month, Ohio’s minimum wage gets an 80-cent adjustment to $10.10 per hour to keep up with rising prices. The adjustment is the biggest on record, and will benefit some 466,000 Ohioans. The Economic Policy Institute estimated that 188,300 Ohioans now paid less than $10.10 will see […]
CEOs at wealthy Ohio corporations make 396 times the typical worker
Fifty-four of Ohio’s largest employers paid their CEOs a median of 396 times what they paid the typical employee in 2021 – an increase over 2020’s ratio of 322, according to a new report by Policy Matters Ohio. The federal Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to provide the ratio of CEO pay to the […]
Ohio Budget 101 gives overview of state budget
In anticipation of Gov. Mike DeWine’s 2024-2025 state budget proposal next month, Policy Matters Ohio is releasing “Ohio Budget 101” to provide advocates, journalists and the general public with an overview of how the state generates revenue, where policymakers have chosen to spend it, and how the people of Ohio can influence the process. The […]
Policy Matters applauds Cleveland City Council for Passing Wage Theft Ordinance
Cleveland City Council voted tonight to approve the Wage Theft and Payroll Fraud Prevention Ordinance, a move that will hold dishonest employers accountable, help working Clevelanders make ends meet, and make sure our city budget is not rewarding companies who steal from their workers. Over the past year, the Guardians for Fair Work coalition, which […]
State thriving families tax credit would increase stability for nearly 2 million Ohio children
A new report by Policy Matters Ohio shows the potential benefits of two state thriving families tax credit proposals. Both proposals would help nearly 986,000 Ohio families and 1.8 million children under 18 and provide eligible families with an average tax refund of roughly $1,000 a year, according to the analysis. “During the COVID pandemic, […]
SB 355 would remove barriers to unemployment compensation for some of the lowest paid Ohioans
A bill introduced over the summer would extend unemployment compensation (UC) coverage to 482,000 working Ohioans who are now blocked from benefits primarily because they are paid too little, according to a new report from Policy Matters Ohio. Senate Bill 355, sponsored by Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), would lower the amount a working Ohioan must […]
Survey shows need for “care response” for Clevelanders experiencing crises
Today, Policy Matters Ohio and REACH NEO released findings from a survey of Clevelanders directly impacted by policing and emergency response. The survey paints a complex picture of what happens when first responders show up on emergency calls for people in crisis, including those experiencing mental and behavioral health issues, homelessness, substance use and withdrawal. […]
Policy Matters Ohio urges Ohioans to vote no on Issue 1
Today, Policy Matters Ohio issued support for a coalition working to defeat Issue 1 — a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution which would double down on inhumane and ineffective wealth-based detention. Senior Researcher Piet van Lier released the following statement: “Most Ohioans believe that liberty and justice for all means everyone, no matter their […]
Intel tax credits are a missed opportunity
Semiconductor project lacks needed safeguards, accountability Today, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a tax credit that could be worth up to $650 million for Intel Corporation’s semiconductor plants in New Albany. Policy Matters Ohio released the following statement by Research Director Zach Schiller on the action: “When policymakers decide to give a wealthy corporation […]
New census data show Ohio lags most states in median income and childhood poverty
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released data from the American Community Survey (ACS), which provides state and local estimates on income, poverty, housing, and health insurance coverage, and the well-being of people nationwide. Today’s data release covers 2021. The 2021 estimates show typical Ohioans are not faring as well as Americans as a whole when […]
New census data show government relief made millions of children more stable and secure in 2021
Today, the Census Bureau released data from the Current Population Survey, which provides data on income, poverty, health insurance coverage, and the well-being of people nationwide. Today’s data release covers 2021, the second year of the pandemic. The data show a child poverty rate of 4.5%, the lowest child poverty rate on record. The data […]
Education debt cancellation and reforms a step toward a more equitable Ohio
President Biden has announced executive action to cancel some education debt and make other changes to federal loan programs. Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert released the following statement: Ohioans know that higher education can open doors and help make possible a better future — not only for students, but for their families, communities, […]