Analysis shows Ohio capital gains tax cut is another handout for the rich
HB 617 will cost the state billions, likely require more regressive taxes A proposed Ohio House bill to eliminate the state and local capital gains tax would overwhelmingly benefit Ohio’s highest-income households, according to Policy Matters Ohio analysis of data from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). The bill, H.B. 617, would do […]
Minimum wage too low to meet cost of living anywhere in Ohio
As comparable states pull ahead, Ohioans can’t afford to wait for a $15 minimum wage Ohio’s minimum wage of $11 an hour is not enough for a single worker to afford basic living expenses in any of Ohio’s 88 counties. At just $22,880 annually (for full-time, year-round work), it comes to $4,440 less than the […]
Child care bills remain deeply flawed
HB 649 is misguided, expensive, and risks exposing kids’ biometric data HB 647 has improved but still needs work Join the hundreds of Ohioans who have signed our petition again HB 649. In the face of opposition from child care providers, parents, and other advocates, policymakers have revised two troubling bills that would have increased […]
Another chance to stop data center sales tax exemption
Gov. DeWine protected a wasteful tax break. The legislature should override his veto. Ohio’s House of Representatives may soon vote to limit a generous tax break the state gives to companies building data centers. It would require overriding Gov. DeWine’s veto of an earlier effort to prevent new agreements for sales tax exemptions on certain […]
Gov. DeWine fails to address pressing issues facing Ohioans
Policy Matters Ohio responds to the State of the State Gov. DeWine delivered his final State of the State address in Columbus today, touting his administration’s performance and identifying policy priorities for his last year as governor. Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert released the following statement: “Gov. DeWine ended his State of the […]
Gov. DeWine should acknowledge reality in his final State of the State
At noon today, Gov. Mike DeWine will deliver his final State of the State address as Ohio’s 70th governor. Ahead of that address, Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert issued the following statement: “As Gov. DeWine approaches the end of his term, we expect an address centered on his legacy, especially as it relates […]
As Ohio legislators shortchange public education, they may make vouchers more transparent
The recently introduced House Bill 715 would increase accessibility to data about publicly funded voucher programs and the nonpublic schools they support. It would do so by standardizing the data and publishing it in a central location, making it easier for Ohioans to understand the impact of vouchers on public school enrollment, and evaluate the […]
Legislature continues decades of regressive tax policy
Latest analysis shows impact of shifting state taxes onto everyday Ohioans By passing a “flat” income tax, slate legislators ensured that in 2026, Ohio’s millionaires will pay the same state income tax rate as public school teachers, child care workers, firefighters or any Ohioan with income over $26,050. The policy, included in the most recent […]
Child care surveillance bills raise red flags
Analysis identifies unanswered questions Join the hundreds of Ohioans who have signed our petition again HB 649. A pair of proposals by Ohio lawmakers would increase state surveillance of children and child care providers. The bills raise serious concerns about privacy — allowing the state to collect and store videos of children and other sensitive […]
Revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants will further destabilize Springfield’s economy
Judge’s ruling delays additional harm Subscribe to our newsletter The Trump administration aims to rescind Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, a move that would directly impact communities all around Ohio, especially Springfield, where the Haitian community has made significant contributions to the local economy. A federal judge blocked the TPS termination today, February 3rd, […]
Sen. Husted’s “Upward Mobility Act” uses benefits cliff to threaten SNAP and more
Ohio Sen. Jon Husted has introduced the “Upward Mobility Act,” legislation that purports to address a “benefits cliff” related to federal anti-poverty programs. Policy Matters Ohio Executive Director Hannah Halbert issued the following statement: “Senator Husted framed his ‘Upward Mobility Act,’ as a solution to the so-called ‘benefits cliff.’ We were disappointed to realize, upon […]
Rally for affordable health care
When: January 14, 2026, at 12:00pm Where: 200 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 Who: Community members and labor leaders will rally in front of the Social Security Administration building at 200 N. High St. in Columbus to urge Senators Moreno and Husted to vote for extending ACA Health Insurance Marketplace enhanced premium tax credits. On January 8, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1834, a clean, three-year extension of the credits. […]