Advocates: DeWine’s Budget Prioritizes Ohio’s Children
Source: http://www.wyso.org
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed budget has drawn positive reactions from the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio (CDF Ohio), as new data highlights the economic struggles of children across the state.
According to CDF Ohio’s 2024 Kids Count Data, more than 50% of children in Ohio are economically disadvantaged, with 20% living in poverty—amounting to nearly half a million children.
The data shows particularly high poverty rates in Montgomery, Hamilton, Clinton, Fayette, and Clark counties. Research also found that urban and Appalachian regions face similar challenges in child poverty and hunger.
DeWine’s budget proposal includes several key measures aimed at addressing these issues:
✅ Refundable Child Tax Credit – Up to $1,000 per child for young families (though limited by income thresholds).
✅ School-Based Health Centers – Expansion in high-need counties to improve healthcare access.
✅ Quality Child Care Access – Increased efforts to ensure families can access essential child care services.
✅ OhioSEE Program – Focused on supporting student success through their education and beyond.
CDF Ohio officials emphasize that while these initiatives are a step in the right direction, more work remains to ensure Ohio’s children do not face poverty and hunger.
Read more of the story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/advocates-say-dewines-proposed-budget-invests-in-ohios-children/
Image Source: http://www.wyso.org
