Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) received the first hearing on this universal preschool proposal on 12/3/2024 in Ohio House Finance Committee. The bill would create a statewide, public, half-day preschool option and require all-day kindergarten for all Ohio students.

HB 570 received its first hearing on 12/3/2024. Sponsored by Reps. Bride Sweeney (D-Westlake) and Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), the legislation would allow for child care workers to receive categorical eligibility for child care subsidies. This would provide a financial incentive for attracting much-needed additional staff to the child care workforce.

In Ohio, families of children with developmental disabilities are navigating a fragmented early childhood system that presents numerous challenges. These barriers create an environment where families must constantly juggle emotional, financial, and logistical stress to secure the basic services their children need. House Bill 676 was introduced by Representative Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison). This bill would address these disparities by establishing Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers for children with complex medical needs. These facilities are designed to provide specialized care for medically dependent or technologically dependent children, who require ongoing medical interventions or skilled nursing supervision due to their medical conditions These centers would be staffed with trained medical professionals and allow for services to be billed through Medicaid.

This bi-partisan initiative brought forward by Reps. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Anita Somani (D-Dublin) has informally passed the Ohio House and is awaiting an administrative procedure to refer the bill from Ohio House Rules & Reference Committee before moving to the Ohio Senate at the time of this writing. This resolution, which Groundwork Ohio testified in support of earlier this spring, would create significant awareness for perinatal mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances. If passed, this resolution will help reduce stigma and encourage conversations that would lead more moms to potentially life-saving mental health interventions. 

Sponsored by Senators Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), SB 207 will recognize September 19 as Stillbirth Awareness Day. Miles’ Mission championed this bill at the Statehouse and Groundwork Ohio offered proponent testimony earlier this year, recognizing the disproportionate and tragic impact of stillbirths on families of color. The bill passed out of the legislature the week of December 9 and is headed to Governor DeWine’s desk for signature.

Groundwork Ohio offered proponent testimony on 11/13/2024 for this proposal to create a Child Care Cred program that would pilot splitting the cost for child care between an employer, a family, and the state. The bill is being sponsored by Senator Michelle Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) and has a companion piece of legislation in the House, HB 610, sponsored by Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe). SB 273 also received proponent testimony from the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, among other employers.

HB7 is landmark legislation that would impact maternal and infant health outcomes if fully adopted. HB 7 has been championed by Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus). The Senate Finance Committee requested a revenue-neutral substitute version of the bill, which the committee adopted on Tuesday, December 10. This sub-bill will become the basis for further hearings and remove the previous investment components of the legislation. Remaining provisions would:

• Reduce administrative burden on child care providers seeking to meet quality standards;

• Require Ohio Department of Medicaid to recognize the DC 0-5 Crosswalk, which provides age-appropriate mental health diagnoses for young children;

• Prioritize home visiting services for families that live in areas of the state with high infant mortality rates, as well as families most at risk for involvement with the child welfare system; and,

• Greater emphasize interagency information sharing to improve program evaluation and reduce wait times for eligible Ohio families to receive services.

Representative Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) and Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) introduced the bill designating April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week.

We employ a variety of ways to impact change for Ohio’s youngest. Review our recent public comments submissions for more information.