Policy Matters Ohio
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 "For a more prosperous, equitable, sustainable and inclusive Ohio" | |
| Formation | January 2000 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Purpose | economic policy |
| Location |
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Executive Director | Amy Hanauer |
| Affiliations | EARN, Demos, Emerald Cities, Economic Policy Institute, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, State Fiscal Analysis Initiative, Community Shares of Greater Cleveland, One Ohio Now, Ohio CASH Coalition |
| Website | www.policymattersohio.org |
Policy Matters Ohio is an Ohio-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. The organization describes itself as a nonpartisan policy research institute that works to create a more vibrant, equitable, sustainable and inclusive Ohio through research, strategic communications, coalition building and policy advocacy. Founded in January 2000, its research focuses on economic issues facing low- and middle-income workers in Ohio.[1] The organization receives funding from a variety of local and national foundations, including the George Gund Foundation, the St. Luke's foundation and the Cleveland Foundation.[2]
Agenda
Policy Matters Ohio works for quality public structures, a fair economy, pathways out of poverty and sustainable communities. Policy Matters provides "ammunition for advocates" to ensure that the interests of working Ohioans are represented at the statehouse.[citation needed]
Policy Matters Ohio contributes extensive research on budget policy and tax policy in Ohio. Topics range from recent state cuts on local health and human service levies to tax cuts that shift the responsibility of revenue to Ohio's working class. Under Governor John Kasich's tenure, Policy Matters has covered the shift in taxation that overburdens working Ohioans and relieves the wealthiest. It has also charted Ohio's budget, specifically allocations to Medicaid and state government assistance.[citation needed]
Policy Matters also focuses on energy issues. It has published press releases on fracking, green energy and the weatherization of low-income households. Among other topics, the organization takes on economic development issues, gathers data on job creation and campaigns against prison privatization.[citation needed]
Affiliations and honors
Policy Matters is a member of Greater Cleveland Community Shares, and was honored as the "Member Organization of the Year" for 2008. Policy Matters also has been recognized by The Nation magazine, Cincinnati CityBeat, the northeast Ohio chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the Mandel Center for Non-Profit Organizations, the Ohio Association of Non-Profit Organizations, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, and Inside Business magazine.[citation needed]
Funding
Policy Matters Ohio has received financial support from a number of foundations, organizations and individuals, including the Ford Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, the St. Luke’s Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, the Sisters of Charity Foundation, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Public Welfare Foundation, the Stoneman Family Foundation, the Working Poor Families Project, Environmental Health Watch, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, the Raymond John Wean Foundation, the EMA Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the Doll Family Foundation, Central Ohio Community Shares, and Greater Cleveland Community Shares.[3]
Outreach
Policy Matters cooperates with Ohio policymakers and has established strong ties with news media. Its research frequently appears in major state newspapers as well as television, radio, and web reports. The group's publications also gets attention from media outlets outside the state. In addition to releasing reports, Policy Matters researchers write op-eds and present findings on panels and at conferences.[4]