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Budget Update
Impacting the state budget in the House before it moves to the Senate
a statewide coalition of over 475
organizations working together to promote
health and human service budget and policy
solutions so that all Ohioans live better lives.
Advocates for Ohio’s Future is…
Bill SundermeyerState Director
Advocates for Ohio’s Future
Gail ClendeninCommunications Director
Advocates for Ohio’s Future
Jon HoneckDirector of Public Policy
The Center for Community Solutions
Budget Updates
BUDGET PROCESSGovernor introduced budget early February
HB 64 sponsored by Rep. Ryan Smith
Administration officials presented to House Finance Committee mid Feb. – early Mar.
House Finance Subcommittee on Health & Human Services held hearings mid-Mar.
House Finance Committee held hearings in April
Introduced a sub-bill with changes, amendments
Will send budget to the full House to vote on next week
AOF OVERALL POLICY OBJECTIVES
AOF believes all Ohioans should have the opportunity to participate in the economy, obtain basics, and pursue higher quality of life
AOF places heavy emphasis on eliminating poverty, the effects of poverty
AOF believes that work should allow workers to lift themselves out of poverty
These goals are challenging in an economy with declining wages and median income (-13% 2003-13)
1. PERSON-CENTERED WORK PROGRAM
Goal: assess the barriers to work facing Ohioans and provide support using case management and
Broad program ideas and timelines for case management were in the introduced budget bill
This week: case management proposal removed from budget bill to be put in a separate bill, recommendations released by workgroup that are similar to AOF goals
Next steps: Get AOF a seat at the table, work with legislators on the new bill
2. WORK SUPPORT PROGRAMS: CHILD CARE & EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
Goal: Increase child care eligibility, make EITC refundable (more $ back to working Ohioans)
This week: Expect amendment to increase child care eligibility to be introduced.
Next steps: Watch for child care amendment, work on EITC with the Senate
3. DIRECT SERVICE WORKFORCE
Goal: Increase pay, improve conditions, improve care for workers providing daily care for Ohioans in their homes
This week: 6% rate increase for developmental disabilities IO and level 1 waivers, other related issues were the focus (like independent providers)
Next steps: Continue to promote pay increases across all direct care systems (aging, DD, disabilities, mental health)
4. ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Goal: Ensure safety of Older Ohioans by building a statewide APS system, secure funding
APS got $3.2 million in the introduced budget bill
This week: amendment to increase funding was not included in the sub-bill
Next steps: re-submitting amendment today for $10 million per year, continue in the Senate
5. FOOD ASSISTANCE
Goal: Increase funding for food assistance by $5.5m per year
This week: funding for food assistance was increased by $2.75 million per year.
Next steps: Thank House members and continue to ask for $5.5 million per year increase to meet growing hunger in Ohio
6. HOUSING
Goal: Maintain funding for Ohio Housing Trust Fund
This week: funding for the Ohio Housing Trust Fund was maintained
Next steps: Thank House members, monitor in Senate
7. MEDICAID
Goal: maintain eligibility, oppose cuts and reforms that make keeping coverage more difficult
Introduced bill stopped coverage for pregnant women, breast and cervical cancer, and family planning in certain income range
This week: many changes including health savings account (HSA) proposal
Next steps: restore access for the groups above, participate in HSA proposal discussion in the Senate
8. MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Goal: Support integration into managed care, appropriate timelines
This week: Budget maintains language that describes the populations in managed care
Next steps: work with Senate to ensure clear process and timeline for the transition to managed care
9. CHILD WELFARE
Goal: increase funding to meet growing need
This week: no changes in funding proposed
Next steps: continue to support request for additional services to protect children in all counties
Today: One more chance to advocate in the Ohio House
Gail Clendenin
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Make 2 calls to Finance Committee members today
Tell the Representatives:
I am a supporter of Advocates for Ohio’s Future and I care about policies that strengthen Ohio’s families and communities.
Please review and support the recommendations of our coalition.
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