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Policy Matters Ohio
FormationJanuary 2000
TypeNonprofit
Purposeeconomic policy
Location
Executive Director
Amy Hanauer
AffiliationsEARN, Demos, Apollo Alliance, Economic Policy Institute
Websitewww.policymattersohio.org

Policy Matters Ohio is an Ohio-based nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization founded in January 2000. Its research focuses on economic issues facing low- and middle-income workers in Ohio. Through research, advocacy, media work, public events, and forging partnerships, Policy Matters aims to promote fair economic development for all workers.[1] Policy Matters is a member of the Greater Cleveland Community Shares, and was honored as the "Member Organization of the Year" for 2008[2]. The Nation in its blog on Most Valuable Progressives of 2008 called Policy Matters Ohio the "most valuable state or regional group" in the country, praising it as "intellectually rigorous, yet accessible in its approach."[3]

Policy Matters Ohio receives financial support from a number of foundations, organizations and individuals, including the Joyce Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, the Sisters of Charity Foundation, the New World Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the Open Society Institute, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, KnowledgeWorks, the Public Welfare Foundation and Greater Cleveland Community Shares. Agency partners include: the Economic Policy Institute, Economic Analysis and Research Institute (EARN), Demos, Apollo Alliance, the Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, and Greater Cleveland Community Shares.[4]

Media Coverage and Accomplishments

Policy Matters has established a visible voice with Ohio politicians and news media, appearing in every major newspaper as well as television, radio, and web reports. In addition to releasing reports, Policy Matters researchers have also written opinion editorials and appeared on panels and conferences.[5] Most recently, Executive Director Amy Hanauer and board member Susan Helper were featured on a panel with Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, when he visited WK Solar in Perrysburg, Ohio on June 23, 2009 [6][7]. Researcher David Rothstein's June 2009 report on the rent-to-own industry (Paying More, Renting Debt) has been featured in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) [8], National Public Radio [9], and the Business Journal [10].

In September 2009, Policy Matters staff prepared: a Testimony on the 3C Corridor, a Testimony to Postal Regulatory Commission regarding Post Office closings in Ohio, and a Testimony on H.B. 209-Payday Lending.[11].

Currently, Policy Matters Ohio is partnering with Demos on the project, "Talking About Government" in order to re-frame the discussion to focus on the values and purpose of the public sector. An effective public sector and better state policies will help ensure a more successful Ohio.[12]. [2] In April 2010, Policy Matters Ohio will be speaking at the Lorain County Transit Coalition.[13].

The organization's influence has also had reach outside of the United States. In 2008, Policy Matters Ohio accused a Chinese factory, Xiamen Topstar Lighting Co., of violating China's labor law and GE's own corporate policies [14][15][16][17][18]. The "Good Bulbs, Bad Jobs" report erupted a firestorm of intrigue in both American and Chinese media outlets and led to an official investigation by the Chinese government.

Issues

Policy Matters Ohio does research on issues affecting poor and working-class families. As the Ohio partner of Apollo Alliance, it also works for sustainable and renewable energy. Publication issue areas include: Work & Wages, Inequality, Economic Development, Trade, Basic Needs, Credit & Debt, Unemployment Compensation, Privatization, Education & Training, Budget Policy, Tax Policy, Energy Policy, Corrections Policy, and Democracy. Policy Matters Ohio also published the report: Campaign Briefing 2008.[19]

2009 Ohio Budget Crisis

In response to Ohio Gov. Strickland's proposed budget cuts of library, health, and children's services,[20], Policy Matters' research director Zach Schiller wrote an editorial in The Plain Dealer calling for a tax increase rather than a steep decrease in public services. Schiller argues that current tax cuts have been ineffective and that cutting public programs to keep the cuts would hurt many Ohioans:

Those who say we should give the tax reform more time should be asked: Why should Ohioans experience drastic cutbacks in public services to test their theory, incorrect so far, that tax cuts will fuel an economic revival? Ohio needs more revenue to pay for today's needs, invest in the future and provide a stable source of funding in the future. Legislators need to reverse key elements of the 2005 tax changes.[21]

Schiller also authored an official Policy Matters report entitled "Limiting Loopholes: A dozen tax breaks Ohio can do without" released in September 2008.[22] The report estimates that Ohio would generate an additional $270 million annually if the loopholes were closed.[23]

Ohio Governor's Initiative On Graduation Rates

Also in response to Ohio's budget crisis, Policy Matters released a cost-benefit analysis of a state program aimed at increasing the graduation rates of at risk male high school students. The report concluded that the program should not have been eliminated because it would have saved the state money in the long run due to the increased rates of incarceration and social services usage of high school dropouts as compared to graduates.[24]

Rent-to-Own Stores

In June 2009, Policy Matters released a report entitled "Paying More, Renting Debt: Why Rent-to-Own is a Bad Deal for Ohio Consumers" authored by researchers David Rothstein and Mike Stanek.[25] The report finds rent-to-own stores in Ohio were selling to customers items that cost up to 450% their retail counterparts. In response, Policy Matters outlined several proposed policy changes such as placing a ceiling on prices and applying credit laws to rent-to-own transactions.[26] However, Rent-to-Own Industry News questioned the report's proposal to rein in cash prices by basing them on prices at traditional retail stores, citing similar initiatives in the past that were unsuccessful due to "unclear guidelines" and an "unmanageable" system.[27]

Recent policy reports

Policy Matters has published over 260 reports on economic development, education, taxes, and sustainability. These are the most recent reports on these fields, as of July 2011.

Economic development

Report Name Description
Recovery Act Investment in Ohio's Workforce: Use and Distribution of Workforce Investment Act Awards[28] This report, third in a three-part series, investigates investment in Ohio’s workforce development system through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
Recovery Act Investment in Ohio's Workforce: Use and Distribution of Department of Labor Recovery Act Awards[29] This report, second in a three-part series, investigates investment in Ohio’s workforce development system from Department of Labor sources.
Recovery Act Investment in Ohio's Workforce: Use and Distribution of Recovery Act Awards[30] This report, first in a three-part series, presents a broad overview of the Recovery Act and investment in Ohio’s workforce development system from non-Department of Labor sources.
Local Jobs for America Act Would Bring Relief to Ohio Communities [31] Cities, counties and school districts in Ohio have seen sharp revenue declines over the past two years, according to this report. The Local Jobs for America Act would enable local governments to retain teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and other local employees, stabilizing the economy and helping to prevent a second downturn.
Back to Work: The Case for Public Job Creation in Ohio[32] In this report, Policy Matters Ohio examines the high costs of lingering unemployment. Labor market conditions in Ohio are reviewed. Public works programs from the past are reviewed. Recommendations for public works jobs are outlined. A sketch of the administrative structure of a public works program is provided.
Policy Matters testifies on job tax credits[33] Policy Matters Ohio congratulates the Ohio Department of Development for proposing to boost wage standards required of companies that receive incentives under the Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC) and the Job Retention Tax Credit (JRTC) programs. These are among the state’s important economic development incentives. The proposals are part of official rulemaking after the General Assembly expanded the incentives in last year’s budget bill. Following through on a 2009 state study of economic development incentives, the department proposes that minimum average wages paid by firms receiving these credits be raised from at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage to at least 175 percent. As explained in testimony presented by Wendy Patton at a hearing on the rules June 25, 2010, the department has written a loophole into the proposal so broad that it would not apply right now anywhere in the state.
The Impact of IMPACT: Creating Jobs in Ohio[34] This report examines the Investment in Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology Act of 2009 and concludes that IMPACT is the first step on a long road to rebuilding America’s manufacturing muscle.
Trade Adjustment Assistance in Ohio 2010 [35] This July 2010 report finds that the U.S. Department of Labor certified 20,677 Ohio workers for help last year under TAA, nearly double the average annual number in the three preceding years.
Jobs and the Trade Deficit: A Growing Problem [36] A table indicating how job loss occurred in every Ohio congressional district.

Education and Correction

Report Name Description

Budget Brief: Slash, Seize and Privatize (K-12 education) [37]

The education budget that was passed by the House and the Senate imposes the harshest cuts on education.
Testimony on HB 153 (the budget and its impact on public education) to the Senate Finance Committee [38] Testimony of Piet van Lier to Senate Finance Committee.
Budget Brief - Higher Education [39] Higher Education in Ohio's new budget- Ohio needs a more balanced approach that relies on new revenues and fewer spending cuts.
Budget Brief - K-12 Education[40] Rather than depending on unproven reforms and relying on cuts to balance the budget, the governor and Ohio legislature should work to strengthen to public system that educates 90 percent of Ohio’s children.
Toledo charter school re-opening skirts Ohio law [41] This release documents how the Leona Group, a Phoenix-based, for-profit management firm, skirted Ohio law by opening a new school to replace one closed by the state.
Authorized Abuse: Sponsors, Management and Ohio Charter School Law [42] -|National Association of Charter School Authorizers, to see whether the 150 or so Ohio charter schools that are run by management organizations are |conforming to these basic criteria, and finds violations.
Testimony of Piet van Lier on for-profit charter school operators [43] Piet van Lier testifies that for-profit charter schools are a poor choice for Ohio.
Public Good vs. Private Profit: Imagine Schools, Inc. in Ohio [44] This report highlights the need to eliminate for-profit companies from the education picture in Ohio.
Building Ohio's Future Middle Class [45] This report from Policy Matters Ohio and Demos documents how weakening policies and structural changes are making things harder for today's young individuals and families.
Cells for Sale: Understanding Prison Costs & Savings [46] This April 2011 report, written by journalist Bob Paynter for Policy Matters Ohio, finds that cost calculations performed over a number of years by the state have not reliably demonstrated the savings required under the law.

Tax policy

Report Name Description
National Income Tax Day Special: Policy Matters Ohio Reviews Ohio Tax and Budget Issues[47] Press release on tax policies.
Policy Matters Ohio Testifies before House Ways & Means Committee on House Bill 400[48] Testimony outlines the effect of repealing the state income tax on the budget, government services and the people of Ohio.
Little-known state budget fact: Funding for minimum-wage enforcement will cease July 1 [49] A brief report on minimum wage enforcement in Ohio.
Who Takes Credit?: The Earned Income Tax Credit in Cuyahoga County, 2009 [50] A report on the EITC in Cuyahoga County.
Who Takes Credit: The Earned Income Tax Credit in Franklin County 2009 [51] A release on the extent of free tax preparation completed by the Franklin County EITC Coalition.
Who Pays?: A Distributional Analysis of the Tax Systems in All 50 States [52] A co-release with the Center for Community Solutions and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analyzing tax payments by income level.
Boosting Revenue: Tapping Top Earners to Meet Ohio's Needs [53] Examines the Governor's proposal to balance Ohio's state budget.
Not A Fat Cat: Commercial Activity Tax Adds to Ohio's Budget Problems [54] Reviews Ohio’s broad state tax on business – the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).
Stimulus for Ohio: US Unemployment Compensation Aid [55] Reviews the ways in which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is bolstering families and communities across Ohio through new and expanded UC programs.
Spending By Another Name: The 2009 Ohio Tax Expenditure Report [56] Reviews tax breaks and their associated foregone revenue and recommends elimination of unnecessary credits and exemptions.
Business Tax Revamp: A Deficit in the Making [57] Reviews the effects to date of tax changes on state and local government revenues, what the overhaul has meant for different types of companies and industries and how the effects have compared with how the reform was promoted.
Connecting Free Tax Preparation and Asset Building: Cuyahoga EITC Coalition client study [58] Analysis of Cuyahoga County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition clients.
The 2005 Tax Overhaul and Ohio's Economy [59] Recommends revising our current tax structure to raise adequate amounts of revenue and enable the state to provide public services at a time of economic crisis.
Federal Estate Tax covers few Ohioans [60] Explains why the threshold of the tax needs to be restored, not set permanently at a lower level than it was prior to the cuts.
Limiting Loopholes: A dozen tax breaks Ohio can do without [22] Identifies tax breaks the elimination or limitation of which would make Ohio's tax system more fair and generate additional revenue.
Who takes credit: The Earned Income Tax Credit in Franklin County 2008 [61] Analyzes the benefits of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites run by the Franklin County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition
Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Cuts: No boon to the middle class [62] Reductions in taxes on investment income disproportionately benefit the wealthy and do not result in a increase in tax revenue.
A Step Toward Fiscal Balance: Options for Ohio's Income Tax [63] Recommends measures to address Ohio's budget shortfall.
Statement on the Budget Shortfall [64] Testimony regarding Ohio's budget shortfall.
Who Takes Credit: The Earned Income Tax Credit and Free Tax Preparation in Ohio[65] Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in Cuyahoga County helped many working families receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Sustainability

Report Name Description
Jobs and the Trade Deficit: A Growing Problem[66] Ten-page brief is based on analysis done by the Economic Policy Institute, who authored a longer national report on the effect of trade between the United States and China on jobs.
The Impact of IMPACT: Creating Jobs in Ohio[67] This report examines the impact of the proposed federal program, the ‘Investment in Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology Act of 2009’ (IMPACT).
Mapping Green Career Pathways: Job Training Infrastructure and Opportunities in Ohio[68] This report highlights existing programs and provides policy recommendations on how to begin the challenging, but critical, work of building and strengthening green career pathways.
Save Transit Now, Move Ohio Forward![69] For the first time ever, a host of transportation, public policy, social service, and environmental organizations have joined forces in a campaign to reverse the decline of public transportation here and around Ohio.
Testimony to the Ohio House Alternative Energy Committee on the Advanced Energy Fund (H.B. 301)[70] Ohio Apollo Alliance’s representative testified to the Ohio House Alternative Energy Committee on the Advanced Energy Fund, telling the legislators how investments in renewable energy could build jobs in Ohio.
The Road to Recovery: Analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Transportation Funds in Ohio[71] Reviews the distribution patterns in three primary transportation programs to determine how Ohio addressed the intent of the federal law.
Greening Ohio Industry [72] Examines Ohio's manufacturing sector and industrial efficiency.
A Comparison of Climate Legislation Studies [73] Reviews various studies on the impact of climate legislation on economic development.
A Renewable Borrowing Authority For Ohio? [74] Reviews the proposal, the history of FPMAs and comparison of rates.
American Clean Energy And Security Act Of 2009: A Potential Boost For Midwestern Manufacturers [75] Outlines key provisions of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) that will help domestic manufacturers capture new markets and create and retain jobs.
The Apollo Alliance Green MAP Proposal and the Ohio Economy [76] Maps out firms that currently produce in sectors that serve new energy markets.
Carbon Cap And Invest (In Ohio) [77] Briefing paper on green jobs.
Good Bulbs, Bad Jobs [78] Explores the conditions of workers at a Chinese manufacturing plant that produces CFLs for General Electric.

References

  1. ^ http://policymattersohio.org/aboutpmo.html
  2. ^ http://www.communityshares.org/pressreleases/powerlunch.html
  3. ^ http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/392577/most_valuable_progressives_of_2008?rel=hp_blogs_box
  4. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/
  5. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/media.htm
  6. ^ Pakulski, Gary: "Biden lauds Toledo solar work", Toledo Blade, 24 June 2009.
  7. ^ http://obama.wsj.com/photo/0gGLawO0QbgxG?q=Joe+Biden
  8. ^ http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/06/policy_matters_ohio_shows_rent.html
  9. ^ http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/news/26734/
  10. ^ http://www.business-journal.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=13931&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1711&hn=business-journal&he=.com
  11. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/index.html
  12. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/TalkingAboutGovernment2009.htm
  13. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/LorainTransitFlyer.pdf
  14. ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-tasini/general-electric-killing_b_94420.html
  15. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/manufacturing/2008-03-25-ge-china-supplier-labor-abuses_N.htm
  16. ^ http://www.chinasourcingnews.com/2008/04/24/53230-acftu-ge-seriously-violated-chinas-labor-law/
  17. ^ http://origin.foxnews.com/wires/2008Mar25/0,4670,GEChinaFactory,00.html
  18. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/business/worldbusiness/26iht-safety.1.11429302.html
  19. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/apollo/index.htm
  20. ^ Majors, Stephen. "Advocates blast Ohio Gov.'s proposed budget cuts", Forbes, 24 June 2009.
  21. ^ Schiller, Zach. "What Ohio needs is a tax boost", The Plain Dealer, 26 June 2009.
  22. ^ a b Schiller, Zach. "Limiting Loopholes: A dozen tax breaks Ohio can do without", Policy Matters Ohio, Sept 2008.
  23. ^ http://daytonos.com/?p=3760
  24. ^ Krueger, Tim. [1], Policy Matters Ohio June 2009.
  25. ^ Rothstein, David and Stanek, Mike. "Paying More, Renting Debt: Why Rent-to-Own is a Bad Deal for Ohio Consumers", Policy Matters Ohio June 2009.
  26. ^ "Study finds rent-to-own costs excessive" Business Journal Daily, 23 June 2009.
  27. ^ "Policy Matters Ohio Prepares Rent-to-Own Report", RTO Online, 22 June 2009.
  28. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ARRA_OhiosWorkforce2011_05.htm
  29. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ARRA_OhiosWorkforce2011_03.htm
  30. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ARRA_OhiosWorkforce2011.htm
  31. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/LJAA2010.htm
  32. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/BackToWork2011.htm
  33. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/Testimony_JCTC_JRTC2010_0625.htm
  34. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/IMPACT.htm
  35. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/TradeAdjustmentAssistance2010.htm
  36. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/JobsAndTheTradeDeficit2010.htm
  37. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/BudgetBriefEducation2011_0623.pdf
  38. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/PvanLierHB153Testimony2011_0517.pdf
  39. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/HigherEducationBudgetBrief2011_04.htm
  40. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/EducationBudgetBrief2011_03.htm
  41. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ToledoCharterRe-Opening.htm
  42. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/AuthorizedAbuse.htm
  43. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/TestimonyOnProfitCharterSchools2010_0602.pdf
  44. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ImagineSchools.htm
  45. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/BuildingOhio2010.htm
  46. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/CellsForSale.htm
  47. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/IncomeTaxDayPR2010_0414.pdf
  48. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/TestimonyOnHB4002010_0224.htm
  49. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/MinimumWageEnforcementPR2009_12.pdf
  50. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/WhoTakesCredit2009.pdf
  51. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/FranklinCountyEITC2009.pdf
  52. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/WhoPays2009.htm
  53. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/BoostingRevenue2009.htm
  54. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/NotFatCAT2009.htm
  55. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/StimulusForOhio2009.pdf
  56. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/OhioTaxExpenditures2009.htm
  57. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/BusinessTaxRevamp2009.htm
  58. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/FreeTaxPrep2008.htm
  59. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/2005TaxOverhaul.htm
  60. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/FederalEstateTax2008.htm
  61. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/WhoTakesCredit2008.pdf
  62. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/CapGainsDivTaxCuts2008_0513.htm
  63. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/StepTowardFiscalBalance.htm
  64. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/StatementOnTheBudgetShortfall2008_0227.htm
  65. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/publications.htm#tax_policy
  66. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/JobsAndTheTradeDeficit2010.htm
  67. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/IMPACT.htm
  68. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/GreenCareers2010.htm
  69. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/SaveTransitNow.htm
  70. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/pdf/TestimonyApolloHB3012009_12.pdf
  71. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/roadtorecovery2009.htm
  72. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/GreeningOhioIndustry.htm
  73. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ComparisonOfClimateLegislationStudies.htm
  74. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/RenewableBorrowingAuthority2009.htm
  75. ^ http://www.policymattersohio.org/ManufacturingOpportunity.htm
  76. ^ http://policymattersohio.org/GreenMAPBriefing2009.htm
  77. ^ http://policymattersohio.org/CarbonCapInvest2009.htm
  78. ^ http://policymattersohio.org/GoodBulbsBadJobs.htm
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