Ask the Candidates: How Will You Support Low-Income Ohioans?

As you are probably aware from yard signs popping up and 30-second, slow motion ads, we are well into election season in Ohio. There is much focus on the US Senate contest and the statewide races but importantly, the November 8 ballot will include all 99 Ohio House Districts and 17 of the 33 Ohio Senate Districts. 

We are asking candidates to consider issues that impact low-income Ohioans as they campaign this fall. In addition to a general overview of poverty in the state, we provided background information and recommendations on several of our priority issues to all General Assembly candidates. As we go into the final weeks of the campaign, we are asking you to “Ask the Candidate” what they can do to help people in their communities on issues such as increasing access to childcare, stabilizing housing, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and addressing health disparities.

The last day to register to vote is October 11. Election Day is November 8. 

Governor DeWine Announces Initiatives to Improve Maternal and Child Health and Support Families 

Last Friday, Governor Mike DeWine announced additions to his Bold Beginnings Initiative to remove barriers to health care, ease financial burdens, and support parents. As part of his initiative, Governor DeWine said he will ask the General Assembly to: 

• Expand Medicaid eligibility to include pregnant women and children in families earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level or $69,090 a year for a family of three.
• Increase eligibility for publicly funded childcare to 150 percent of the federal poverty level or $34,545 for a family of three. The current eligibility is at 142 percent of the federal poverty level.
• Eliminate state and local taxes on diapers, car seats, and other supplies used by families with babies.
• Include additional funding in the next budget for public children’s services agencies.

The Governor also committed to expanding programs such as Healthy Beginnings at Home, which connects housing-unstable pregnant women and new mothers with housing and wrap-around supports. These programs have proven successful at reducing infant mortality and improving birth outcomes among the families they serve. Ohio will pursue a federal waiver to provide short-term housing and wrap-around care to pregnant women and new families who are struggling to find stable housing. Additionally, the Governor committed to expanding Healthy Beginnings at Home to more Ohio communities. Along with our partners, OPLC has been advocating for the expansion of the program as part of needed investments in affordable housing.