State should make transit agencies whole
Policy Matters testifies before House Finance Committee Ohio’s 61 public transit agencies badly need a boost from the state. Governor Kasich’s 2018-2019 budget increases funding for transit by $10 million. But by 2019, changes to the state sales tax base essentially offset the state’s $40 million investment in public transportation. Due to federal requirements, Ohio […]
Kasich budget cuts funding for 2/3 of districts
Governor’s plan hurts struggling schools the most The budget increases funding for K-12 education over the last two-year budget by 3.2 percent, but that’s not enough to keep up with inflation, Policy Matters found. Moreover, changes to the foundation funding formula hurt districts with enrollment declines, place caps on funding increases, freeze per pupil funding […]
Funding needed to fight addiction
Despite raging drug epidemic, Kasich budget flat funds treatment In 2015, more than 3,300 people died from drug overdoses in Ohio. Despite a raging drug epidemic, Governor Kasich’s budget for 2018 and 2019 flat funds mental health and addiction services. In a new Budget Bite released today, Policy Matters Ohio calls for increased investment, especially […]
Ohio needs investment, not tax shifting
House should remake state budget, Policy Matters testifies Policy Matters Ohio told the House Finance Committee today that the state needs more investment in education, health care and communities instead of the mostly flat spending in Governor John Kasich’s proposed two-year state budget. “Ohio has the money to generate the resources we need,” said Policy […]
Ohio Transportation Budget: Progress made, more needed
Increases for public transit vehicle fleets, potholes for operating support Ohio is making some progress on helping public transit agencies bring their fleet of vehicles to a state of good repair. But deep fiscal potholes remain to be filled to support the day-to-day operations side of the ledger for Ohio’s 61 local public transit systems. […]
Slow down on Q deal
With uncertainty in Washington and Columbus, local leaders should prioritize more pressing needs
Early care and education need investment
Kasich budget underfunds childcare, preschool and kindergarten Governor Kasich’s proposed budget for 2018-2019 misses several opportunities to invest in Ohio’s families and children. In two “Budget Bites” released today, Policy Matters Ohio examines the state’s underinvestment in early education and childcare, and lack of investment in tuition-free all-day kindergarten. Ohio doesn’t do enough to provide […]
Leveraging SNAP to improve worker skills
A new pathway to education and training for Ohio Ohio ranks sixth in the nation for people living with food insecurity. Amidst this crisis, state policymakers increased work search and work requirements for SNAP benefits, the supplemental nutrition assistance program once known as food stamps. A new report from Policy Matters Ohio outlines a pathway […]
Senate Bill 35 improves Ohio EITC
The reform would lift more Ohio workers out of poverty Ohio is one of 26 states with an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but it doesn’t go far enough. Senate Bill 35 would reform the state’s EITC and provide a much-needed boost to Ohio’s working poor. Today, Policy Matters Ohio Policy Liaison Kalitha Williams testified […]
Policy Matters testifies on state budget
Calls for additional support for public transit, reversal in tax policy Policy Matters Ohio testified in two Ohio House committees today regarding Governor Kasich’s proposed state budget. The Cleveland-based nonprofit research institute called for greater state support of public transit and a reversal in state tax policy, which has focused on income-tax cuts and increases […]
More state support needed for children, seniors
Policy Matters calls for funding increases in 2018-2019 budget
Trump budget would end vital programs in Ohio
Local governments, the Great Lakes, senior services, Legal Aid – all at risk Download press statement Statement from Wendy Patton, Senior Project Director, Policy Matters Ohio For more information, see Wendy’s initial analysis “President Donald Trump’s ‘skinny’ budget blueprint would hurt many people and communities in Ohio. Federal funds made up 37 percent of our […]