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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