FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS:
Many of us are scared and fearful of what we don’t know. We don’t know how long this will last and what this means for us. Our public officials want to reduce the time and the risk as quickly as possible, and they need to hear from us. The reality is we have viewpoints and thoughts that help them to lead through it.
The Ohio Legislature needs to take action to help alleviate the suffering among Ohioans. Governor DeWine is limited in his powers to fully provide the relief needed to Ohioans. (You can send them this list by clicking here)
Here are steps the Ohio Legislature should take (Or download the one pager here)
Guarantee that everyone has access to their daily bread.
Appropriate an additional $25 million to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
Waive income and other verification requirements to reduce the use of shared devices that risk the spread of COVID-19 through the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Ohio Food & Agricultural Clearance Program.
Create healthy living environments for our neighbors.
Institute a 60 day freeze for evictions for rent payment related issues.
Invest in emergency rental assistance.
Expand Rapid Re-housing and homeless prevention services to reduce shelter populations.
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Support those who can’t work.
Create a state of emergency cash assistance fund from TANF to support households. Avoid strict requirements and asset tests with such a program.
Suspend work requirements and work searching requirements for those receiving TANF or unemployment compensation.
Lower the earnings threshold to qualify for unemployment benefits (below the current $269 a week level).
Place into statute that parents caring for children during a state of emergency qualify for unemployment benefits.
Review and strengthen existing laws, and instruct the Ohio Attorney General’s office to investigate and prosecute price gouging, profiteering, and exploitation of necessities.
Expand TANF payments to households.
Help people to stay healthy and have access to care.
Expand Medicaid eligibility to 300% for children and 200% of the federal poverty level for adults (Which can be done through a 1135 waiver through the Stafford Act).
Create state level paid sick leave policy that provide all employees access to paid time off when sick or to care for sick relatives in their homes.
Determine the need for additional public heath services, and make an appropriation (in the capital budget) to build the infrastructure for public health in rural, urban, and other underserved areas.
During times of crisis, we have opportunities to move our communities forward and strengthen the fabric that binds us together.