Common United Way Legislative Goals
Ohio United Way is committed to being at the forefront of public policy issues facing United Ways across the state. To better serve the United Way community throughout Ohio, we have published our set of five "White Papers" dealing with issues including Early Care and Education, Hunger and Nutrition Issues, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Statewide 2-1-1, and the recently proposed State Agency Non-Profits budget provision. Once again, you may access these policy papers by using the Public Policy White Papers link on the left, or by CLICKING HERE.
Ohio's Legislative & Executive Contact Information
For your convenience, Ohio United Way has a phone listing of Ohio's State & Federal Officials available on our website. It can be accessed by using the Ohio Officials' Contact Information link on the left, or by CLICKING HERE.
Ohio United Ways Position Statement Regarding the State Budget Gap
With recent reports showing 1 in 8 Ohioans now living in poverty, we know further cuts to Ohio’s health and human services programming will have devastating effects. More and more of Ohio’s families are finding themselves for the first time turning to state and local charitable organizations, many funded by local United Way agencies, for assistance in meeting their families basic human needs – food, shelter, and utility assistance.
Last year, Ohio’s 2-1-1 call centers received over 1.2 million calls for assistance. A recent poll of our member United Ways and Ohio 2-1-1 call centers asked for their top 5 assistance request calls-to-date (January – September 2009). The results showed the following: Utility Assistance (93%); Mortgage Assistance (93%); Food (76%); Medical Care (45%); and Homeless / Shelter Assistance (35%). Many of the families seeking help have never had to worry about paying their mortgage, utilities, or how to put food on their tables.
The Census Bureau reports Ohio families are living on $400 a year less than they did just one year ago, and $4,900 less than in 1999 after adjustments for inflation. Ohio’s families are struggling. Given the initial budget cuts to the many health and human services safety net programs, it is imperative members of our Ohio legislature not apply further reductions to programs which serve as critical lifelines to Ohio’s families. Local United Ways do not have the capacity to meet the needs that will be created as a result of additional cuts to health and human services programming.
All available data/indicators are that people are hurting and we cannot sustain any further cuts at this time. We ask our legislators to protect badly needed health and human services programs as you work to repair the $850 million budget shortfall.
Action Steps for local United Ways:
· Insert your local data into the position statement;
· Communicate this message with your elected officials;
· Distribute this information to your local newspapers;
· Provide Ohio United Way with feedback, i.e., who you met or spoke with and their reaction.
What's Happening in Ohio?
Legislature Announces Session Schedule |  |
Legislative leaders from the Ohio House & Senate have announced the session schedule for the second half of 2009. The newly updated calendar allows for a number of session days in September and October, two possible days in November, and up to three weeks of session in December. To take a look at the new schedule, please CLICK HERE.
If you have any questions regarding the new calendar, or any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Roe at (614) 224-8146 or email at troe@ouw.org.
Ohio House Passes Foreclosure Moratorium
Last week, the Ohio House passed a bill that would allow for a six-month moratorium on home foreclosures by a vote of 54 to 43. After hours of debate on the topic, the bill won out on mostly a straight-party vote, with three Republicans joining the Democrats.
Foreclosures in the state have risen by more than 50% statewide since 2004, or from 59,000 to over 85,000; however no state legislature in the country has yet passed such a moratorium. The bill now goes before the Ohio Senate for approval.
Outline for Ohio's ARRA Funding Released
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 is pumping billions of dollars into America's economy as well as benefitting social programs nationwide, with Ohio receiving millions for programs of its own. The Center for Community Solutions has put together a data chart to explain the various funding levels and the programs set to benefit from these federal funds.
From Early Child Care initiatives, to Homeless Prevention, the appropriation chart acts as an informational aid for those looking to see just where money is being spent in Ohio.
To view the funding chart, CLICK HERE.
Congressional News & Notes
Call to Action to Fund Serve America Act
After achieving one of its top public policy priorities in the passing of the Serve America Act, United Way of America is now working to ensure that the program receives adequate funding. Congress is now considering appropriations for the Act, which includes volunteerism grant programs that United Ways would be able to utilize.
United Way of America, in conjunction with many other advocacy organizations, is asking that concerned citizens phone their Representatives and Senators and express their support for full funding of the Serve America Act. For contact information, please click here.
Strong advocacy from local United Ways was the key to quick passage of this critical volunteerism legislation and will play a crucial role in ensuring the Act is fully funded.
Calling for 2-1-1 Act Gains Senate Majority
The Calling for 2-1-1 Act looks to be gaining fresh momentum in the new Congress. H.R. 211 is legislation that would facilitate nationwide availability of the 2-1-1 telephone service, providing information and referral on health and human services, including volunteer services. Such services would reduce the strain on 9-1-1 emergency response centers and provide necessary human services information to Americans in these tough economic times.
With 238 cosponsors in the U.S. House and over a majority (60 cosponsors) in the U.S. Senate, awareness of the Act, as well as 2-1-1 services, is growing everyday. We encourage you to call your local Representative and voice your support for the Calling for 2-1-1 Act!