Policy Priorities
In the 2025 State Operating Budget, EMAO advocated to:
1. Make Ohio’s state Earned Income Tax Credit Refundable
The final budget did not include a refundable state Earned Income Tax Credit or refundable state Child Tax Credit.
2. Increase eligibility for Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)
In the final budget, Publicly Funded Child Care initial eligibility will be maintained at the current 145 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The budget funded the continuation of the Child Care Choice Voucher program, which supports families above PFCC eligibility but under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Funding for the voucher program will allow the state to serve 20,000 more children.
3. Expand Ohio’s Benefit Bridge Pilot Program and increase public reporting and transparency
Established in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget, the Benefit Bridge pilot program uses federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds and a small amount of state General Revenue Funds to help Ohioans who are facing benefits cliffs. Ohioans in participating counties apply to be part of the 18-month program, which provides success planning, financial wellness curriculum, supportive services and work supports to help workers stay employed through benefits cliffs, and earn up to $8,000 in cash incentives if employment and performance benchmarks are achieved.
The program began in 2021 with six pilot counties. The pilot is now operating in 12 counties. More than 500 Ohioans are currently enrolled in the program.
The pilot program was unchanged in the state budget.