A new by a coalition of social service groups says state leaders need to invest more in families, seniors and low-income residents when they approve the next two-year state budget.
The report by says it鈥檚 important for Ohio to maintain Medicaid expansion while increasing mental and behavioral health services, especially in schools. Lisa Hamler-Fugitt of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks also recommends the state bring food assistance programs under one umbrella.
鈥淥ur request is for $30 million per year. That represents $1.25 per person per month served through the emergency food assistance network," Hamler-Fugitt says.
The report urges increased investment in job training, publicly funded child care and preschool programs, alternatives to youth incarceration, and at least $125 million per year for public transportation.
Another proposal includes tripling investments in home visitations to support at-risk parents and children, something Gov. Mike DeWine in his newly-created advisory commission.
DeWine might include other suggestions made in this report when he unveils his budget next month.
