Ohio’s School Voucher Explosion and 5 Potential Solutions
In late November, we noticed there was a startling increase in the amount of taxpayer money being transferred from school districts to private, mostly religious schools. In fact, it was an explosion — $47 million since the end of last school year and $57 million between November 2018 and November 2019
Ohio policy areas to watch in 2020
Ohio legislators proposed more than 700 bills in 2019, with fewer than two-dozen being signed into law. As we look ahead to this new year, here are five policy topics to keep an eye on in 2020:
Higher Education in Ohio’s State Budget
Historically large investments in higher education, not enough yet to overcome a decade of neglect. The new budget includes record funding for higher education, but much work remains to make Ohio’s public colleges and universities more accessible and affordable for more Ohio students.
New Poll Finds Trump Underwater in Ohio, Trailing Generic Democrat
Columbus, OH – A new poll from Public Policy Polling and Innovation Ohio shows that Ohio is set to return to its traditional status as a battleground state in 2020. A memo on the results and the cross tabs can be found on Innovation Ohio’s website. Link to Ohio Poll Memo Link to Ohio poll […]
Ohio’s State Budget Bill – Exploding Vouchers, Lax Charter School Oversight
Exploding Vouchers. Returning to Pre-ECOT Oversight of Charter Schools. See how the July passage of the 2020-2021 operating budget signaled a disturbing return to the lax oversight of Ohio’s charter school system.
Ohio Legislation Watch: Gun Reform Bills
Under halfway into their two-year term, lawmakers have introduced a number of bills to change Ohio's gun laws. We put together a list of pending gun reform bills aimed at reducing gun violence, and offer suggestions for advocates and activists to get them enacted.
Trump Trade Deal Helps Big Pharma At Consumer Expense
President Trump promised to lower prescription drug costs. But an obscure provision in his new NAFTA replacement would give big pharmaceutical companies monopoly power over the most significant sector of the drug market for at least a decade.
Ohio Passes Nuclear Bailout and Rolls Back Renewable Energy Standards
Ohio lawmakers this week finalized a plan to bail out two failing nuclear power plants by enacting House Bill 6, a proposal that also undermines Ohio's renewable energy and efficiency standards.
Innovation Ohio Statement on Charter School Provisions in Operating Budget
"It is disappointing that Republicans in the legislature have once again placed the interests of failing charter schools ahead of Ohio students and communities."
