Latest news with #PolicyMattersOhio
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio near the top in April unemployment
Stock photo from Getty Images. Ohio had the sixth-highest unemployment of any state in April. The news comes after years of state officials spending billions on economic growth programs tilted heavily toward the wealthy. It might seem ironic, but Ohio's economy added jobs in April even as unemployment continued to grow. That's because job growth isn't keeping up with the numbers joining the workforce. And there are reasons to believe that things will get worse, according to the think tank Policy Matters Ohio. Data released last week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services estimated that the state added 22,200 jobs in April. But statewide unemployment rose for the fifth consecutive month, to 4.9%. That's the sixth-highest of any state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Heather Smith, a researcher at Policy Matters Ohio, said the new state data raise some questions. 'The civilian labor force has increased at about the same rate as the number of unemployed workers, suggesting that while more Ohioans are entering the job market, they are not all securing employment,' she said in a written statement. 'This raises questions around the reported increases in jobs across service-providing industries – why aren't Ohioans getting hired?' The Department of Job and Family Services conducts a monthly survey, releases its estimate of the number of new jobs, and then often revises it downward. For example, it initially estimated that 7,500 jobs were created in March, and then cut that number to 5,200. Of the jobs thought to be created in April, the great majority were in the service sector, 18,800. More than 6,500 of those were in hospitality as those businesses staff up for summer. Construction and manufacturing added 1,200 and 1,100 jobs, respectively, while the number of government jobs increased by 1,300. A separate household survey indicated that 15,000 joined the Ohio job market in April. But only 6,000 found jobs while the rest were unemployed. 'Legislators ought to pay attention to the growing unemployment rate, given its steady increase over the last five months,' Smith said. 'The last time we saw the unemployment rate in Ohio decrease was between September and October – prior to the November election.' Ohio's economy has lagged for more than a decade after the creation of billion-dollar programs mostly benefitting the well off on the promise that they would create jobs for average Ohioans. Created in 2013 under the auspices of then-Gov. John Kasich, the LLC tax loophole costs about $1 billion a year. It was sold as a way to boost small business. But an analysis showed that hiring in that sector has fallen relative to other states, while the wealthiest 7% are claiming nearly 40% of the benefit. Started around the same time, JobsOhio is funded through a state liquor franchise that used to flow into state coffers. Its well-paid staff has grown rapidly as it has doled out more than $1 billion in incentives to businesses. But it hasn't proven that those incentives have created any jobs. Controversial 'private corporation' JobsOhio gets billions more without paying more to state Even so, the Ohio Controlling Board in February extended JobsOhio's control of the state liquor franchise to 2053. The 'private' corporation paid the state $1.41 billion for its initial lease of the franchise. But the state didn't require an additional penny to extend it another 15 years. Meanwhile, Smith of Policy Matters Ohio warned that several developments at the federal level could further drag down the Ohio job market. 'A recent survey of Fourth District businesses by the Federal Reserve of Cleveland found that 22% of respondents anticipated the tariffs would force them to decrease their staff,' she wrote. 'This is already underway: Several large employers across the state have submitted mass layoff notices, including 744 manufacturing jobs in Fremont. A Chillicothe paper plant, which was set to layoff 826 union workers by the end of June, agreed to remain open until December. While this buys impacted Ohioans a bit more time, the plant closing will be a devastating hit to workers in the area.' In addition to potential harm from tariffs, the Trump administration is trying to cut hundreds of thousands of federal jobs and to slash services as it tries to fund further tax cuts. 'Ohio policymakers need to hold their federal counterparts accountable for the impact of funding cuts on the state and stop preemptively cutting critical public services with trigger language in the state budget,' Smith said. 'If federal budget hawks get their way and force the state to pick up a greater share of the Medicaid budget, proposed trigger language could cut off the health insurance of 770,000 Ohioans.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Child health programs including even pediatric cancer research see cuts in Ohio House budget draft
() From changes to Medicaid to elimination of lead abatement funding, the Ohio House budget proposal concerns many who have championed child wellbeing and improvement of metrics with which Ohio struggles, like infant mortality, as important budget priorities. 'It just felt like they had taken a hacksaw to some of these line-items without real consideration to what they did,' said Kathryn Poe, budget and health researcher for the think tank Policy Matters Ohio. Poe said it seems as though state legislators are taking cues from the federal government are trying to drastically cut spending, but that don't improve the state in the process. 'These cuts at the federal level also feel really haphazard,' Poe said. 'But the state doesn't have the amount of money or time or influence to make these sort of haphazard cuts.' Specifically, Poe sees the elimination of Ohio's Medicaid expansion as a significant change that will create struggles for low-wage workers who count on Medicaid for their health insurance, and who will be prevented from planning for the future without the ability to count on proper health insurance. As Poe put it, 'what do you do when 700,000 people lose their insurance overnight?' The House's version of the budget absorbed a proposal by Gov. Mike DeWine in his executive budget that creates a trigger effect, eliminating Group VIII, or the Medicaid expansion eligibility group, 'if the federal government sets the federal medical assistance percentage below (its current level of) 90%,' according to budget documents. The federal medical assistance percentage (or FMAP) refers to the amount of federal funding the state receives for Medicaid, based on a state's per capita income. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The expansion group is made up of Ohioans ages 19 to 64 who have household incomes of less than 138% of the federal poverty line and aren't eligible in other Medicaid categories. According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, the Medicaid expansion 'has been a major contributor to Ohio's uninsured rate dropping by half from 14% in 2010 to 7% in 2022.' The group said the expansion has also improved access to care, with data showing a 31% decrease in Ohioans who went without care due to cost from 2013 to 2023. According to the state, the expansion population caseload is projected to be 779,000 Ohioans in fiscal year 2026, and 772,000 in 2027. That would account for more than $13.5 billion in expenditures over the two fiscal years. Without the expansion, workers under the program would be less likely to have insurance, partly because many workers earning less than 138% of the federal poverty line are working jobs where they aren't given enough hours to receive medical benefits, such as entry-level retail jobs or customer service. Citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio said even workers in the skilled trades like electricians and medical assistants could lose benefits, considering the federal poverty level of 138% for a family of three represents an annual income of $36,777. 'It would be a devastating economic loss,' Poe said. 'The answers (for Ohioans who would lose the coverage) are everything from going to the emergency room, to not getting care, to letting that pain in your abdomen go on so long that you have to go to the emergency room anyway.' The budget proposal comes amid attempts by DeWine and the state to apply work requirements to that particular group of Medicaid participants. Not only will it create expensive health decisions, but the ripple effects will extend to the ability to afford groceries or have reliable transportation, according to Poe. Those effects would trickle all the way down to Ohio's children as well, according to advocates. Groundwork Ohio criticized a House measure that would end a requirement that the Medicaid department 'seek approval to provide continuous Medicaid enrollment for Medicaid-eligible children from birth through age three Budget documents say the change could create 'possible service cost savings.' Groundwork called on the legislature to take back the changes, saying nearly 48% of all Ohio children under the age of 6 'depend on Medicaid for health coverage.' 'The program covers about half of all births in the state and thousands of Ohio women rely on Medicaid to ensure a healthy pregnancy and support postpartum recovery,' according to an analysis of budgetary proposals in the House draft. The organization also criticized a provision of the budget that would limit Medicaid coverage for doulas, leaving the coverage for only the six counties with the highest infant mortality rates. The House plan also cuts pediatric cancer research by $5 million and eliminates lead abatement programs within the Ohio Department of Health. Groundwork Ohio noted the lead abatement program as part of their analysis of the budget plan, saying Ohio has 'nearly double the national rate of children with elevated blood lead levels.' 'Even small amounts of lead exposure in early childhood can harm the brain, delaying growth and development, and may cause learning, behavior, speech and other health problems,' the group stated. Advocates have already been publicly critical of the House plan to slash public education funding and drop a child tax credit proposed by DeWine in his budget plan. But adding the Medicaid changes, along with reducing funding in the areas of child development and a $1.5 million cut to 'infant vitality' programming just make things worse, advocates say. 'The House's proposal represents a step backward at a time when we can least afford it,' said Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO of Groundwork Ohio, in a statement. 'We urge lawmakers to fully restore these investments and prioritize Ohio's future.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Axios
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Columbus leaders troubled by federal funding threats
Columbus officials and organizations face uncertainty about the potential impacts of President Trump's attempted funding freeze that was halted by a judge. Why it matters: The directive could freeze or eliminate funding to many Central Ohio nonprofits and government programs. Catch up quick: Trump's memo seeks to pause federal grant, loan and financial assistance programs, particularly those that involve "DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal." It's created confusion across the country. A federal judge temporarily blocked the order with an administrative stay that expires next Monday. Threat level: Hannah Halbert, executive director of progressive think tank Policy Matters Ohio, tells Axios the memo is a "debacle" that threatens programs that fund opioid recovery, unemployment and cancer patient support. "The only thing certain about this memo is that it is causing a tremendous amount of uncertainty and panic." Case in point: The nonprofit LifeCare Alliance runs Columbus' Meals-on-Wheels program. Its president and CEO, Charles Gehrig, tells us the organization was happy to hear the White House's clarification that Meals-on-Wheels won't be targeted. However, he's still worried about funding for other LifeCare Alliance programs that support older adults and those with AIDS. But, he emphasized: "Don't worry, your meal is coming tomorrow." Behind the scenes: City Attorney Zach Klein's office is meeting to discuss next steps and begin identifying what may be at risk, per city spokesperson Melanie Crabill. The city will flag any federal grant awards that could be affected, particularly those related to green and DEI initiatives. What they're saying: Mayor Andrew Ginther, in his capacity as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, released a statement saying "America's mayors are deeply concerned" about the "sweeping freeze." Other Democrats are similarly uncertain. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) called the move "thoughtless" and a "deliberate attack on our nation's democracy" in a statement Tuesday. What we're watching: A spokesperson for Klein tells Axios that "all options, including litigation, remain on the table as we navigate the impacts of this executive action."
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 in 10 Ohio moms would return to work if they had quality child care, new poll finds
Six in 10 Ohio mothers of young children would return to work if they had reliable, affordable child care. But most families struggle to find a quality option in the Buckeye State, according to a new poll released by Groundwork Ohio. And parents say the problem is getting worse. Two-thirds of families had trouble accessing high-quality child care in December, up from 56% in February 2023, according to the poll of 800 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.95 percentage points. Part of the problem is the price: The average annual cost for an infant is $11,438 at a child care center or $8,919 for a home-based provider, according to a review by Policy Matters Ohio, a left-leaning think tank. The numbers are slightly lower for preschoolers, between $8,580 at a center and $7,977 at a home-based provider. That's in part because the ratio of teachers to children is larger. Inflation has increased the cost of food, diapers and rent, which hit child care providers. And Ohio has the lowest eligibility level for publicly funded child care in the nation. The other problem is access: Childcare workers make near minimum wage, which means turnover is often high. And some parents have limited options, especially if they work second- or third-shift. "We know for a fact that costs have gone up and we hear from our folks in the provider space that their staffing challenges have increased," said Brittany Boulton, managing director of advocacy and engagement at Groundwork Ohio, which advocates for child care access solutions. More and more, businesses view Ohio's lack of child care as a workforce crisis. Half of those polled said child care access issues played a role in Ohio's labor shortages and 86% said increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care would strengthen Ohio's economy. That's because parents without child care options, don't return to work or they face challenges when they do. About 87% of parents reported missing at least one day of work because of a lack of child care; 41% had missed at least five days of work, according to the poll. The poll found nearly seven in 10 Ohioans support state funding for child care. About 84% support a child care or child tax credit, a concept that both President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed during the 2024 election. That support was across partisan lines with 83% of Republicans, 78% of independents and 94% of Democrats backing an Ohio child tax credit, according to the poll. "In this day and age to see more than three-quarters of independents, Republicans and Democrats agreeing on anything It's pretty unprecedented," said Jarrett Lewis, the pollster with Public Opinion Strategies. Gov. Mike DeWine proposed a $2,500 annual tax deduction for people with kids in 2023, but lawmakers removed it from the final budget. Later, Ohio lawmakers considered an income tax credit for some child care expenses, but that didn't pass before the end of the year. Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator, has called for a $5,000 per child tax credit nationwide. The federal credit is currently between $2,000 to $3,600 for qualifying children under age 6 and $3,000 for other qualifying children under age 18. At the federal level, there is the child and dependent care tax credit, which reduces how much parents owe in taxes by an average of $500 to $600. However, the credit hasn't been updated since the early 2000s even though child care costs have increased 223% over that time, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington, D.C. think tank. Groundwork Ohio highlighted other ways to improve child care in Ohio. They include: Increasing eligibility for publicly funded childcare to 200% of the federal poverty level, which is about $64,300 for a family of four. Ohio's eligibility is currently the lowest in the nation at 145% with some vouchers available at 200%. Limiting copays to no more than 7% of a family's income. Improving teacher pay, which is often near minimum wage. Jessie Balmert covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Poll: Republicans, Dems say Ohio needs to spend more on child care
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Business
- USA Today
6 in 10 Ohio moms would return to work if they had quality child care, new poll finds
6 in 10 Ohio moms would return to work if they had quality child care, new poll finds Two-thirds of Ohio families had trouble accessing high-quality child care and they say it's getting worse Six in 10 Ohio mothers of young children would return to work if they had reliable, affordable child care. But most families struggle to find a quality option in the Buckeye State, according to a new poll released by Groundwork Ohio. And parents say the problem is getting worse. Two-thirds of families had trouble accessing high-quality child care in December, up from 56% in February 2023, according to the poll of 800 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.95 percentage points. Part of the problem is the price: The average annual cost for an infant is $11,438 at a child care center or $8,919 for a home-based provider, according to a review by Policy Matters Ohio, a left-leaning think tank. The numbers are slightly lower for preschoolers, between $8,580 at a center and $7,977 at a home-based provider. That's in part because the ratio of teachers to children is larger. Inflation has increased the cost of food, diapers and rent, which hit child care providers. And Ohio has the lowest eligibility level for publicly funded child care in the nation. The other problem is access: Childcare workers make near minimum wage, which means turnover is often high. And some parents have limited options, especially if they work second- or third-shift. "We know for a fact that costs have gone up and we hear from our folks in the provider space that their staffing challenges have increased," said Brittany Boulton, managing director of advocacy and engagement at Groundwork Ohio, which advocates for child care access solutions. Child care crisis is a workforce crisis, poll says More and more, businesses view Ohio's lack of child care as a workforce crisis. Half of those polled said child care access issues played a role in Ohio's labor shortages and 86% said increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care would strengthen Ohio's economy. That's because parents without child care options, don't return to work or they face challenges when they do. About 87% of parents reported missing at least one day of work because of a lack of child care; 41% had missed at least five days of work, according to the poll. Republicans, Democrats support spending more on child care The poll found nearly seven in 10 Ohioans support state funding for child care. About 84% support a child care or child tax credit, a concept that both President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed during the 2024 election. That support was across partisan lines with 83% of Republicans, 78% of independents and 94% of Democrats backing an Ohio child tax credit, according to the poll. "In this day and age to see more than three-quarters of independents, Republicans and Democrats agreeing on anything It's pretty unprecedented," said Jarrett Lewis, the pollster with Public Opinion Strategies. Gov. Mike DeWine proposed a $2,500 annual tax deduction for people with kids in 2023, but lawmakers removed it from the final budget. Later, Ohio lawmakers considered an income tax credit for some child care expenses, but that didn't pass before the end of the year. Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator, has called for a $5,000 per child tax credit nationwide. The federal credit is currently between $2,000 to $3,600 for qualifying children under age 6 and $3,000 for other qualifying children under age 18. At the federal level, there is the child and dependent care tax credit, which reduces how much parents owe in taxes by an average of $500 to $600. However, the credit hasn't been updated since the early 2000s even though child care costs have increased 223% over that time, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington, D.C. think tank. What are some solutions? Groundwork Ohio highlighted other ways to improve child care in Ohio. They include: Increasing eligibility for publicly funded childcare to 200% of the federal poverty level, which is about $64,300 for a family of four. Ohio's eligibility is currently the lowest in the nation at 145% with some vouchers available at 200%. Limiting copays to no more than 7% of a family's income. Improving teacher pay, which is often near minimum wage. Jessie Balmert covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
