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Meet Emeri Ferguson from Franklin County—a passionate advocate and Literacy Differentiation Specialist and Coach at The Wellington School. She’s among the selected cohort of Groundwork Ohio’s 2026 Early Childhood Leadership Fellows, a transformative, year-long program that empowers emerging early childhood professionals through leadership training, policy education, and advocacy tools to amplify their impact for Ohio’s youngest children and families. Q: Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve?   A: I am a Literacy Specialist/Coach for grades 1-4 at The Wellington School. I support students in a variety of ways such as small groups for intervention, extension, reteaching, etc. I also support teachers by modeling, coteaching, and implementing programming goals that follow best practices and alignment with reading science and are supported by research.   Q: What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship?   A: I have always had a passion for early learning and development. Through a variety of roles, I have worked with families and children at many stages of their development. I am also a mom of 4. This role has given me an even greater perspective and empathy for more affordable child care, an increase in pay for employees in child care, and a devotion to finding equality in programming for all children under 5. My experiences have made me eager to begin a fellowship that allows me to expand my reach in early childhood education and policy.   Q: What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A: I am most excited to network with others and use my experience and skills to make a difference for children and families. I am hoping to become a better advocate and leader.   Q: How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?   A: As a volunteer for Future Ready Five and an avid reader/follower of education related opportunities in Ohio, I came across information about Groundwork Ohio on LinkedIn, which led me to do more research and the more I read, the more I wanted to become part of their work.   Q: What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing?   A: I am very passionate about addressing universal Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K). I currently have a 4yr old that attends a Pre-K program and two other children that also had that opportunity. The difference it can make, and the opportunities children receive from an education such as a Pre-K program gives greater success for kindergarten and leads to greater success through a child’s school career. Not all children have the opportunity to participate in Pre-k programming, and many students cannot because of many contributing factors.   Q: How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families?   A: I am the oldest of 3 and had a single mom. Finding opportunities in our rural area were sometimes challenging and each of us received different types of educational experiences. As I became an adult, I found myself participating in activities that allowed me to give back to children and families. I have worked in daycares, have volunteered in schools, was an AmeriCorps member with Children’s Hunger Alliance working with afterschool programs, and I have been a teacher in both public and private institutions in rural and urban areas. These experiences allowed me to notice disparities that fueled my passion for advocacy. Children and families deserve equal access to education.   Q: What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A: It is important that children and families are first. Ohio is the best place to be when we are giving children and families opportunities and support to receive equal educational experiences and financial freedom with lower cost child care.   Q: How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future?   A: I hope to use my voice through gaining greater advocacy skills, attending meetings where my voice has an opportunity to be heard, and using things I am learning, working, and researching to share at my current school, giving my voice another audience.

February 3, 2025 – Columbus, OH –  Today, Governor Mike DeWine released his Executive Budget Proposal for FY2026-2027 that included key priority investments and policy focused on young children and families. Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio,  issued the following statement in response:   “Governor DeWine kicked off his press conference by renewing his commitment to Ohio’s youngest children. He underscored his priority by announcing increased child care investments, a new partially refundable state child tax credit for young children, and expanded home visiting. This budget strengthens families by enabling parents to remain connected to the workforce and provide for their families. We look forward to engaging our vast network of advocates across the state to protect and build upon these investments as the budget moves through the legislative process.”   Governor DeWine proposed the following: Enacting a partially refundable state child tax credit for families with children birth to six years old to reduce poverty, support working families and invest in children. Relevant Poll Data: By an overwhelming margin, Ohio voters (84%) support creating a Child Tax Credit to provide tax relief to working families, with 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats in favor of the relief efforts. The support of these voters edges even higher (87%) when they are informed that both Biden and Trump support expanding the Child Tax Credit. Over a third of parents with children five and younger (34%) share they have been having serious problems paying their rent or mortgage.   ( Source: Groundwork Ohio 2024 Poll ) Increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families at or below 200% the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Relevant Poll Data: More than 6-in-10 Ohio moms with children five and  younger who do not currently work full time (61%) say they would go back to work if they had access to high quality and affordable child care. (Source: Groundwork Ohio 2024 Poll ) Supporting quality early learning experiences that prepare children for Kindergarten. Increased investment in the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library. Continued commitment to curriculum aligned to the science of reading. Improving health outcomes for moms and babies by: Expanding access to evidence-based home visiting from 10,000 to 35,000 families per year (25,000 more families to be served).   Groundwork Ohio will continue to evaluate key policies in the executive proposal alongside partners to better understand how it aligns with their policy agenda  . Groundwork will elevate new policies and investments, among other priority needs for young children, at their upcoming Statehouse advocacy day  on March 12, 2025.   # # # About Groundwork Ohio Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies.

By Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn . Note: the following proponent testimony for Ohio House Bill 96 in support of a partially refundable child tax credit was written and delivered by Lynanne Gutierrez before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on February 26, 2025.     Chair Roemer, Vice Chair Thomas, Ranking Member Troy, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Lynanne Gutierrez, and I serve as the President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading early childhood advocacy organization focused on the healthy development of young children and their families.   Today, I am here to lend our strong support for Governor DeWine’s proposal for a partially refundable Child Tax Credit—a policy that is not only good for Ohio’s economy but also critical for the health, stability, and future success of Ohio’s youngest children and their working families. At Groundwork Ohio, we advocate for policies that support young children because the earliest years of life lay the foundation for a child’s future success. When families are financially secure, children thrive. They can work, provide for the basic needs of their families including stable housing and consistent access to nutritious food, and parents who are less stressed are better able to provide a nurturing environment.   Unfortunately, too many Ohio families are experiencing unprecedented financial strain, and parents of young children are being hit the hardest. Approximately half of Ohioans and parents with young children rate their financial situation as only fair or poor. More than one-third (34%) of parents with children under five report serious problems paying rent or their mortgage, and nearly half (47%) are struggling to pay their credit card bills. Inflation is forcing 82% of parents with young children to cut back on groceries, impacting their ability to provide healthy, nutritious meals for their kids.   Financial insecurity has a devastating impact on children. 1 in 5 Ohio children live in poverty (at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level) and 1 in 10 live in extreme poverty (at or below 50% FPL), a reality that threatens their healthy development and long-term success.   Ohio’s youngest children, ages 0-5, living in Ohio’s Appalachian region are more likely to live in poverty than their peers in other communities across the state.   The research is clear: children growing up in poverty face greater barriers to academic achievement with lower rates of kindergarten readiness in every county in the state, higher rates of health complications, and lower lifetime earnings. These early challenges don’t just hurt individual children—they create long-term economic consequences for our entire state. These aren’t just numbers. These are real Ohio families trying to do everything right—working hard, providing for their children, and contributing to their communities. When our families are financially stable, children do better.   The Child Tax Credit Makes Work Pay One of the most important aspects of the proposed Child Tax Credit is that it rewards work and helps parents stay in the workforce. Right now, families with young children are caught in a financial squeeze—inflation and the rising cost of child care mean that many parents struggle just to break even. For too many families, the financial burden of child care alone can outweigh the benefits of returning to work. In fact, nearly half (49%) of working parents in Ohio have cut back their hours due to child care struggles—impacting over 1 million working parents statewide. Among moms with 3 young children who don’t currently work full time, 61% say they would return to work if they had access to affordable, high-quality child care.   A partially refundable Child Tax Credit ensures that work pays. It helps parents offset the high costs of raising a child while ensuring that families who are working, or trying to work, aren’t left behind. Unlike fully non-refundable tax credits that only benefit those with higher incomes, a partially refundable credit reaches low- and middle-income working families who need it most. It provides the kind of targeted tax relief that encourages work and strengthens family financial stability—without discouraging employment.   The bottom line is this: if we want parents to work, we need to make sure that work is financially viable. The Child Tax Credit helps families afford child care, transportation, and basic necessities, allowing parents to remain in the workforce, contribute to Ohio’s economy, and build a better future for their children.   Bipartisan Support for Action on the Child Tax Credit Voters understand that when families can afford the basics, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to Ohio’s economy. Ohioans overwhelmingly agree: families need relief, and the Child Tax Credit is a solution that works. A staggering 84% of Ohio voters support a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats. That support only grows—to 87%—when voters learned that both President Trump and the former president have backed expanding the Child Tax Credit. We don’t see bipartisan consensus like this often, especially in today’s political climate. This is a unique moment for Ohio to take action on a policy that truly unites voters across the political spectrum.   Conclusion Ohio families are struggling, parents want to work, and voters across party lines overwhelmingly support this policy. Governor DeWine’s proposal for a partially refundable Child Tax Credit is a smart, fiscally responsible way to give families the breathing room they need to succeed—while strengthening our workforce and economy.   At Groundwork Ohio, we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. But that’s only possible when their families have the financial security to provide the basics. By supporting this Child Tax Credit, you have the opportunity to make a real difference for Ohio families—and to demonstrate that Ohio is a leader in putting working families and their children first. I urge you to support this critical policy, and I thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome any questions.   Attached to this testimony is a copy of the polling memo that is the source for all poll data used in this testimony. To view additional polling data, visit www.groundworkohio.org/poll .   Also attached to this testimony is a summary of the impact of the proposed child tax credit proposed in House Bill 96 from the Prenatal-to-Three Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University.   To learn more about economic security for families with young children or view the poverty data cited in this testimony, view Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard 2025 .   See testimony and attachments here .

By Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn . Note: the following proponent testimony for Ohio House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Lynanne Gutierrez before the Ohio House Children & Human Services Committee on February 27, 2025.     Chair White, Vice Chair Salvo, Ranking Member Lett, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Lynanne Gutierrez, and I serve as the President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading early learning and maternal and young child health advocates, focused on the healthy development of young children, prenatal-to-five, and their families. We work with policymakers, business and community leaders, early childhood professionals, and families to advance policies that support the healthy development of young children to build a more prosperous future for Ohio.   We are testifying today because access to affordable, high-quality child care is not just a family issue—it is an economic issue that affects businesses, workforce participation, and the future prosperity of our state. Parents across Ohio are struggling to balance work and child care, often facing difficult choices that impact their ability to stay employed and financially stable. At the same time, child care programs are facing challenges in sustaining their businesses and meeting the growing demand for care. Without meaningful policy action, Ohio risks exacerbating labor shortages and hindering economic growth. That is why we strongly support expanding publicly funded child care and enacting a refundable Child Tax Credit to provide much-needed relief to working families as proposed in House Bill 96.   Ohio families are working harder than ever to provide for their children, yet too many are still struggling to make ends meet. Rising costs and financial uncertainty have made it increasingly difficult for parents of young children to stay in the workforce and contribute to our economy. The numbers tell a clear story: More than a third of parents with children five and younger (34%) report serious problems paying their rent or mortgage. Nearly half (47%) are struggling to pay their credit card bills. These are hardworking Ohioans trying to do the right thing, but they’re finding it increasingly difficult to get ahead. Child care is a key driver of this financial strain. Almost half of parents (49%) say child care is difficult to find, and a staggering 73% agree that child care is simply too expensive. It is now one of the biggest expenses a family faces—exceeding the cost of housing or in-state college tuition.   Ohio’s publicly funded child care program currently provides assistance to working families earning up to 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Only families who are employed qualify for assistance. The proposed expansion in HB 96 would increase eligibility to 160% FPL, ensuring more working families can access high-quality child care. Additionally, the proposal supports the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which would provide assistance for families earning between 161% and 200% FPL. This expansion ensures that more parents remain in the workforce while supporting the economic stability of child care programs in a fiscally responsible way.   Ohio’s economic future depends on a strong workforce. But today, too many parents are being forced to make impossible choices. These disruptions are not just personal hardships—they have a direct impact on Ohio’s economy, exacerbating workforce shortages and slowing economic growth.   We know that investing in early childhood development is one of the smartest decisions we can make for our state’s long-term economic success because high-quality early childhood education is the foundation for kindergarten readiness, ensuring children enter school prepared to learn and thrive. Unfortunately, most Ohio children are not ready to learn when they begin school (65% of all children), and this increases to 79% of low-income children. The disparity between low-income children and their higher income peers exists in every county in the state. Children who participate in high-quality early learning programs are more likely to be kindergarten ready, graduate from high school, and contribute to a stronger workforce in the future. Simply put, today’s child care investments not only support families and the workforce of today, but shape the workforce of tomorrow.   Ohio has an opportunity to respond to what families are asking for, and Ohioans—across party lines—want us to act. Nearly 9-in-10 Ohioans (84%) believe the state should increase funding for child care to increase access, affordability, and quality. Notably, this support includes 77% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 92% of Democrats. They recognize what so many Ohio parents already know: when families have access to reliable child care, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to their communities. Expanding publicly funded child care is the most direct and effective way to support working parents and ensure that Ohio businesses have the workforce they need. A robust child care infrastructure allows parents to reenter the workforce, increase their hours, and provide for their families without the constant worry of unreliable care. This investment pays off in the long run—producing a healthier economy, a stronger workforce, and greater opportunities for Ohio’s youngest learners.   To ensure this investment is effective, we must also support program compliance measures that prioritize families' needs while strengthening the capacity of child care programs. We support the additional child care system improvements required by the federal government included in HB 96.   In addition to expanding child care assistance, we must also enact a refundable Child Tax Credit to help working families keep more of their hard-earned money. Voters understand that when families can afford the basics, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to Ohio’s economy. Ohioans overwhelmingly agree: families need relief, and the Child Tax Credit is a solution that works. A staggering 84% of Ohio voters support a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats. That support only grows—to 87%—when voters learned that both President Trump and the former president have backed expanding the Child Tax Credit. We don’t see bipartisan consensus like this often, especially in today’s political climate. This is a unique moment for Ohio to take action on a policy that truly unites voters and working families across the political spectrum.   A Child Tax Credit ensures that work pays for Ohio families. It incentivizes parents to stay in the workforce, reduces financial stress, and allows families to invest in their children’s futures. Studies have consistently shown that when families receive this kind of targeted tax relief, they spend it on essential goods and services—groceries, rent, child care—directly stimulating the local economy and supporting small businesses.   This is Ohio’s moment to act. By expanding publicly funded child care and the Child Care Choice Voucher program to serve families up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and enacting a refundable Child Tax Credit, we can remove barriers that keep parents out of the workforce, strengthen our economy, and ensure Ohio remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These are policies that reward work, reduce dependency, and promote the growth of our youngest children and the economy. Supporting Ohio’s youngest children is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do for our state’s future.   Finally, we support other key programming proposed by the Department of Children and Youth in HB 96, which provides further critical support for young children and families including, but not limited to, the following: Investments to scale community impact models like Cradle Cincinnati to encourage collaboration between women, clinicians, hospitals, managed care and other community partners to reduce infant and maternal mortality. Increased access to evidence-based home visiting programs including scaling of the Family Connects model statewide. Increased state investment in Early Intervention (Part C) to ensure timely evaluations, assessments, and service coordination for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Expanded access to evidence-based early literacy initiatives, including curricula grounded in the science of reading and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio.   Investing in these initiatives ensures Ohio’s babies have access to the care and resources they need to survive and thrive, strengthening our communities and our economy for generations to come.   Thank you for your time, and I welcome any questions you may have.   Attached to this testimony is a copy of the polling memo that is the source for all poll data used in this testimony. To view additional polling data, visit www.groundworkohio.org/poll .   Also attached to this testimony is a summary of the impact of the proposed child tax credit proposed in House Bill 96 from the Prenatal-to-Three Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University.   To learn more about the needs of young children and families, view Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard 2025 .   View the testimony and attachments here .

By Lynanne Gutierrez Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn . At Groundwork Ohio, we are committed to ensuring that every child in our state has the strongest possible start in life. But for too many working families with young children, financial insecurity is an overwhelming barrier. That’s why we have been leading efforts to convene a bipartisan coalition to support a refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the state budget—a policy that rewards work, strengthens families, and ensures that Ohio’s youngest children have the resources they need to thrive.   Governor DeWine’s CTC proposal presents a unique opportunity to bring together voices from across the political spectrum—early childhood advocates, faith communities, health and human services advocates and policymakers—to advance a pro-family, pro-work tax relief solution that benefits Ohio’s families, economy and workforce.   Broad, Bipartisan Support for Families The idea of a Child Tax Credit is not new, nor is it partisan. Public Opinion Strategies recently conducted polling that found overwhelming support among Ohio voters. 84% of Ohio voters support a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents and 94% of Democrats. Support grows to 87% when voters learn that both President Trump and former President Biden have backed expansions of the federal Child Tax Credit. This rare bipartisan agreement underscores a simple truth: helping families afford the basics is about doing what’s right for Ohio’s youngest children and economy.   Governor DeWine’s proposal for a refundable Child Tax Credit is a fiscally responsible way to give families the stability they need while ensuring that parents who work, or are trying to work, aren’t left behind. Unlike non-refundable credits that primarily benefit higher earners, a refundable credit helps working families who need it most, offsetting the rising costs of child care, housing, and daily essentials.   Why This Matters for Ohio’s Youngest Children The data is clear: financial insecurity is one of the greatest threats to a child’s long-term success. Ohio families are facing immense financial strain: Nearly half of parents with young children rate their financial situation as only fair or poor . 34% of parents with kids under five report struggling to pay rent or their mortgage. 47% are falling behind on credit card bills due to economic pressures. 82% of parents have been forced to cut back on groceries due to inflation, impacting their ability to provide healthy meals for their children.   When families don’t have the financial stability to meet their children’s basic needs , the consequences are lifelong —lower kindergarten readiness, higher rates of health complications, and reduced future earnings. Poverty in early childhood doesn’t just affect families today; it impacts Ohio’s future workforce and economy for generations to come.   This reality is even more stark in Ohio’s Appalachian region, where young children experience higher rates of poverty than their peers across the state. Supporting a refundable Child Tax Credit is a targeted, evidence-based solution to address these disparities and set Ohio’s children on a path toward success.   The Child Tax Credit Makes Work Pay A refundable Child Tax Credit doesn’t just provide relief—it supports work and strengthens Ohio’s workforce. Right now, nearly half (49%) of working parents in Ohio have had to cut back their hours due to child care struggles . Among mothers of young children who aren’t working full-time, 61% say they would return to work if they had access to affordable, high-quality child care.  By providing direct support to working families, a refundable Child Tax Credit helps ensure that work remains financially viable. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between paying for child care and keeping a job. When we support working families, we strengthen Ohio’s workforce, boost economic participation, and create a more resilient economy.   An Invitation to Join Us As we work to enact a refundable Child Tax Credit in the state budget, we invite partners from across Ohio to engage with us. Your   voice is critical in making this bipartisan solution a reality. Take Action Now: Read Our Testimony – View our testimony to the House Ways & Means Committee outlining why this tax credit is essential for Ohio families. Review the Polling Data – Check out the Public Opinion Strategies memo that shows overwhelming bipartisan support for this policy. Join Our Coalition – If you or your organization would like to support this effort, we want to hear from you! Contact us at lgutierrez@groundworkohio.org  to learn how you can get involved.   This is our chance to move forward together  on a policy that strengthens Ohio families, supports our workforce, and ensures that all children—no matter where they live—have the opportunity to succeed. Let’s get this done. The Conversation: The Future of Ohio's Children

Lynanne Gutierrez Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn . Note: the following proponent testimony for Ohio House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Lynanne Gutierrez before the Ohio House Finance Committee on March 11, 2025.   Chair Stewart, Vice Chair Dovilla, Ranking Member Sweeney, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Lynanne Gutierrez, and I serve as the President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading early learning and maternal and young child health advocates, focused on the healthy development of young children, prenatal-to-five, and their families. We work with policymakers, business and community leaders, early childhood professionals, and families to advance policies that support the healthy development of young children to build a more prosperous future for Ohio.   We are testifying today because access to affordable, high-quality child care is not just a family issue—it is an economic issue that affects businesses, workforce participation, and the future prosperity of our state. Parents across Ohio are struggling to balance work and child care, often facing difficult choices that impact their ability to stay employed and financially stable. At the same time, child care programs are facing challenges in sustaining their businesses and meeting the growing demand for care. Without meaningful policy action, Ohio risks exacerbating labor shortages and hindering economic growth. That is why we strongly support expanding publicly funded child care and enacting a refundable Child Tax Credit to provide much-needed relief to working families as proposed in House Bill 96.   Ohio families are working harder than ever to provide for their children, yet too many are still struggling to make ends meet. Rising costs and financial uncertainty have made it increasingly difficult for parents of young children to stay in the workforce and contribute to our economy. The numbers tell a clear story: More than a third of parents with children five and younger (34%) report serious problems paying their rent or mortgage. Nearly half (47%) are struggling to pay their credit card bills. These are hardworking Ohioans trying to do the right thing, but they’re finding it increasingly difficult to get ahead. Child care is a key driver of this financial strain. Almost half of parents (49%) say child care is difficult to find, and a staggering 73% agree that child care is simply too expensive. It is now one of the biggest expenses a family faces—exceeding the cost of housing or in-state college tuition.   Ohio’s publicly funded child care program currently provides assistance to working families earning up to 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Only families who are employed qualify for assistance. The proposed expansion in HB 96 would increase eligibility to 160% FPL, ensuring more working families can access high-quality child care. Additionally, the proposal supports the Child Care Choice Voucher Program, which would provide assistance for families earning between 161% and 200% FPL. This expansion ensures that more parents remain in the workforce while supporting the economic stability of child care programs in a fiscally responsible way.   Ohio’s economic future depends on a strong workforce. But today, too many parents are being forced to make impossible choices. These disruptions are not just personal hardships—they have a direct impact on Ohio’s economy, exacerbating workforce shortages and slowing economic growth.   We know that investing in early childhood development is one of the smartest decisions we can make for our state’s long-term economic success because high-quality early childhood education is the foundation for kindergarten readiness, ensuring children enter school prepared to learn and thrive. Unfortunately, most Ohio children are not ready to learn when they begin school (65% of all children), and this increases to 79% of low-income children. The disparity between low-income children and their higher income peers exists in every county in the state. Children who participate in high-quality early learning programs are more likely to be kindergarten ready, graduate from high school, and contribute to a stronger workforce in the future. Simply put, today’s child care investments not only support families and the workforce of today, but shape the workforce of tomorrow.   Ohio has an opportunity to respond to what families are asking for, and Ohioans— across party lines—want us to act. Nearly 9-in-10 Ohioans (84%) believe the state should increase funding for child care to increase access, affordability, and quality. Notably, this support includes 77% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 92% of Democrats. They recognize what so many Ohio parents already know: when families have access to reliable child care, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to their communities. Expanding publicly funded child care is the most direct and effective way to support working parents and ensure that Ohio businesses have the workforce they need. A robust child care infrastructure allows parents to reenter the workforce, increase their hours, and provide for their families without the constant worry of unreliable care. This investment pays off in the long run—producing a healthier economy, a stronger workforce, and greater opportunities for Ohio’s youngest learners.   To ensure this investment is effective, we must also support program compliance measures that prioritize families' needs while strengthening the capacity of child care programs. We support the additional child care system improvements required by the federal government included in HB 96.   In addition to expanding child care assistance, we must also enact a refundable Child Tax Credit to help working families keep more of their hard-earned money. Voters understand that when families can afford the basics, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to Ohio’s economy. Ohioans overwhelmingly agree: families need relief, and the Child Tax Credit is a solution that works. A staggering 84% of Ohio voters support a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats. That support only grows—to 87%—when voters learned that both President Trump and the former president have backed expanding the Child Tax Credit. We don’t see bipartisan consensus like this often, especially in today’s political climate. This is a unique moment for Ohio to take action on a policy that truly unites voters and working families across the political spectrum.   A Child Tax Credit ensures that work pays for Ohio families. It incentivizes parents to stay in the workforce, reduces financial stress, and allows families to invest in their children’s futures. Studies have consistently shown that when families receive this kind of targeted tax relief, they spend it on essential goods and services—groceries, rent, child care—directly stimulating the local economy and supporting small businesses.   This is Ohio’s moment to act. By expanding publicly funded child care and the Child Care Choice Voucher program to serve families up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and enacting a refundable Child Tax Credit, we can remove barriers that keep parents out of the workforce, strengthen our economy, and ensure Ohio remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These are policies that reward work, reduce dependency, and promote the growth of our youngest children and the economy. Supporting Ohio’s youngest children is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do for our state’s future.   Finally, we support other key programming proposed by the Department of Children and Youth in HB 96, which provides further critical support for young children and families including, but not limited to, the following: Investments to scale community impact models like Cradle Cincinnati to encourage collaboration between women, clinicians, hospitals, managed care and other community partners to reduce infant and maternal mortality. Increased access to evidence-based home visiting programs including scaling of the Family Connects model statewide. Increased state investment in Early Intervention (Part C) to ensure timely evaluations, assessments, and service coordination for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Expanded access to evidence-based early literacy initiatives, including curricula grounded in the science of reading and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio.   Investing in these initiatives ensures Ohio’s babies have access to the care and resources they need to survive and thrive, strengthening our communities and our economy for generations to come.   Thank you for your time, and I welcome any questions you may have.   Attached to this testimony is a copy of the polling memo that is the source for all poll data used in this testimony. To view additional polling data, visit www.groundworkohio.org/poll .   Also attached to this testimony is a summary of the impact of the proposed child tax credit proposed in House Bill 96 from the Prenatal-to-Three Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University and excerpts from the Columbus Dispatch dated March 2, 2025. Click here to view .   To learn more about the needs of young children and families, view Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard 2025 .

By Sara Loken, Managing Director of Communications Follow Sara on LinkedIn . Ohio families are working harder than ever, yet many are still struggling to make ends meet. Rising costs of rent, food, and child care are putting pressure on parents who want to provide a stable home for their children. The proposed Child Tax Credit (CTC) in House Bill 96 offers a real solution—helping working families keep more of their hard-earned money and invest in their children’s future.   To understand the impact of this tax credit, let's take a look at a few examples of how it could benefit Ohio families. Meet Jacquie. She is a single parent in Akron and works as a preschool teacher. While she only makes $14.20 per hour, she can work full time because her son can attend preschool with her. She earns $29,536 per year.   With the CTC, Jacquie will receive $1000 back in taxes, amounting to a 4% raise. This would cover a month of rent in a neighborhood west of downtown. That’s the difference the CTC makes.   Meet the Reilly family, a married couple from Akron. They just had their first child. One parent is staying home to care for the newborn while the other is working two low-wage jobs to make ends meet. The family’s household annual income is $17,696. With the CTC, they only qualify for about $760 from the Child Tax Credit. Still, this represents about a 4% increase in their income. This would cover one month’s worth of fair market rent for their one-bedroom apartment Northwest of downtown. That’s the difference the CTC makes. Meet Sean and Julie. They live in Columbus with their two young kids. Sean has a reliable job in construction, and Julie picks up shifts at the grocery store when she’s not caring for their kids. Together they make $46,000 a year, filing jointly for taxes. With the CTC, they will get back $2000 on their taxes. This increases their annual household income by 4%. More importantly, it covers about two months of groceries, giving them a little breathing room in their budget. That’s the difference the CTC makes. Meet Natalie, a single mom in Youngstown who works four days a week as a fast food cook while her sister watches her toddler. She makes $19,000 per year. Natalie would work more shifts if she could find a babysitter. With CTC, Natalie would get a little over $800 back on her taxes. That is enough to pay for babysitting for an extra work day per month. That’s the difference the CTC makes. Meet Faith. She is a licensed nurse working full-time and makes $28.04 per hour, earning a little over $58,000 per year. Faith is a single mom of two young elementary school kids in Dayton.    With the CTC, she would get a little over $560 per child back on her taxes for a total of $1,124. That is enough to cover six weeks of afterschool child care, giving her extra money to sign the kids up for swim lessons. That’s the difference the CTC makes.   Meet the Thomas family from Marietta on the West Virginia border. Mike works as a restaurant worker in the evenings and Allison works in retail during the day. They have three kids under 6. Together, they make a little over $54,000 per year.   With the CTC, they will get $3000 – $1000 per child – back in taxes to supplement their income. That covers almost two months of groceries and gas for their family. That’s the difference the CTC makes.   Why This Matters The Child Tax Credit is more than just a tax break—it’s a tool that helps Ohio families afford basic necessities, reduces financial stress, and ensures children grow up in stable homes. With families facing increasing financial burdens, this credit provides meaningful relief and helps parents stay in the workforce.   By supporting the Child Tax Credit in House Bill 96, Ohio lawmakers have the opportunity to strengthen our workforce, reduce childhood poverty, and invest in the future of our state. It’s time to put families first and ensure every child in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive.   Learn more about how the Child Tax Credit can support Ohio families and why it’s a smart investment in our state’s future. Read Groundwork Ohio’s testimony on the Child Tax Credit.

Lynanne Gutierrez Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn . Note: the following testimony about Substitute Ohio House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Lynanne Gutierrez before the Ohio House Finance Committee on April 3, 2025.   Chair Stewart, Vice Chair Dovilla, Ranking Member Sweeney, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Lynanne Gutierrez, and I serve as the President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading early learning and maternal and young child health advocates, focused on the healthy development of young children, prenatal-to-five, and their families. We work with policymakers, business and community leaders, early childhood professionals, and families to advance policies that support the healthy development of young children to build a more prosperous future for Ohio.   Ohio Families and the State’s Future We appreciate the Ohio House’s stated commitment to investing in Ohio families and the state’s future. However, we are concerned that decisions reflected in the House’s budget proposal fall short of meeting that important goal. By removing critical investments originally included in the Governor’s proposed children’s budget, the House’s current version risks leaving behind the very children and families who need the most support—at a time when working families and the systems that serve them are stretched thin.   We respectfully urge lawmakers to fully restore the Governor’s children’s budget so that Ohio’s youngest and most vulnerable are once again at the center of our state’s priorities. The breadth of the House’s proposed cuts compared to the Governor’s children’s budget is deeply concerning. Please see the attached list of cuts impacting young children and families.   Access to Safe, Affordable Child Care Child care is a top concern for families and employers across Ohio. Just Tuesday, the Ohio Chamber’s Untapped Potential in Ohio report highlighted that the state loses $5.48 billion in lost economic activity and $1.52 billion is lost in tax revenue each year as a result of child care issues. Recent polling further reveals that access to affordable quality child care would prompt more than 6-in-10 non-working Ohio moms with children under age 6 to return to work. This underscores just how urgent and costly the issue has become.   Despite this, the House budget falls short of addressing these challenges. While we recognize the inclusion of $13.2 million for new child care pilot programs, this one-time funding doesn’t begin to address the $300 million gap left by House cuts to the TANF-funded core of Ohio’s child care system. The House proposal does not expand eligibility to child care beyond 145% FPL keeping Ohio at the bottom of eligibility across the country and restricts the Child Care Choice Voucher Program to $50 million per year (maintaining current program capacity), representing a cut of $125 million over the biennium from the Governor’s proposal. These reductions threaten the stability of a system already in crisis and will result in   fewer options and higher costs for families including serving 30,000 less children than proposed by Governor DeWine at a time when demand is increasing and only 35.4% of kindergartners are entering the classroom ready to learn. Further, the House has   eliminated the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment altogether, the only measure we have for every kid in Ohio to understand the impact of experiences they are having in the first five   years of life and where they begin their academic journey.   Perhaps, most concerning is the breadth of cuts to children from the Governor’s proposal and existing programs beyond child care, including the removal of the proposed Child Tax Credit, cuts to infant and maternal vitality, home visiting, health care coverage, public health infrastructure, early learning and literacy. These cuts undermine the Governor’s vision for a comprehensive, forward-looking investment in our youngest Ohioans and instead signal a step backward at a time when we can least afford it.   The following is additional topline data from Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard and polling commissioned by Public Opinion Strategies that demonstrate the mismatch between the needs of Ohio families with young children and the proposals in substitute bill:   Economic Stability: 1 in 5 Ohio children ages 0-5 live in poverty (under 100% FPL) and 1 in 10 live in extreme poverty (at or below 50% FPL). More than one-third (34%) of parents with children under five report serious problems paying rent or their mortgage, and nearly half (47%) are struggling to pay their credit card bills. Inflation is forcing 82% of parents with young children to cut back on groceries, impacting their ability to provide healthy, nutritious meals for their kids. Infant & Maternal Mortality: With 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ohio continues to rank among the bottom 10 states for infant mortality compared to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 nationally. 11% of infants are born preterm. Maternal mortality increased by 17% between 2011 and 2021 even though research suggests more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The severe maternal morbidity rate is 84.9 per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations. Home Visiting: Ohio is ranked 30th in the nation for infant maltreatment and 43rd for infant mortality. Only a small portion of eligible Ohio families are currently able to access home visiting services. Although 12,436 families were enrolled in home visiting programs in 2024, there are approximately 141,474 children 0-2 living under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means that only 8.8% are currently benefitting from home visiting services. Medicaid Access for Moms and Babies: Nearly 48% of all Ohio children under age six depend on Medicaid for health coverage, the program covers about half of all births in the state and thousands of Ohio women rely on Medicaid to ensure a healthy pregnancy and support postpartum recovery. Lead Poisoning : Lead paint can be found in as many as two-thirds of Ohio’s homes built before 1978, where young children can ingest lead through contact with contaminated paint, soil, or water. There is no safe blood lead level. Even small amounts of lead exposure in early childhood can harm the brain, delaying growth and development, and may cause learning, behavior, speech, and other health problems. Ohio has nearly double the national rate of children with elevated blood lead levels. Tobacco Use : While the percent of women who smoked cigarettes in the last 3 months of pregnancy has decreased by 36% between 2020 and 2022, the percent of women who used e-cigarettes has increased by 188%. Early Learning & Literacy: Nearly 4 out of 5 low-income children are not demonstrating kindergarten readiness, an early predictive measure of their later performance in literacy and math proficiency, high school graduation and postsecondary attainment. 44% of Ohio’s kindergartners are not on track for literacy.   Thank you for your attention to these issues. We understand that you are making tough decisions, and we look forward to further conversations with you.   For more information on the proposed budget’s impact on early childhood programs, see a summary of proposed cuts .

Urges Lawmakers to Reinstate Governor’s Budget Proposals April 3, 2025, Columbus OH – Today, Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez is providing testimony to the Ohio House Finance Committee, urging lawmakers to restore vital investments in early childhood programs that were removed from the Governor’s proposed children’s budget.   “The House’s current budget proposal falls short of its commitment to invest in Ohio families and the state’s future,” said Gutierrez. “By cutting crucial funding for child care, a refundable Child Tax Credit, infant and maternal vitality, home visiting, health care coverage, public health infrastructure, and early learning and literacy, we risk leaving behind the very children and families who need the most support.”   Gutierrez pointed to alarming statistics underscoring the urgency of investing in Ohio’s youngest residents:   Child Care Crisis: A recent Ohio Chamber of Commerce report  found that child care barriers cost Ohio $5.48 billion in lost economic activity and $1.52 billion in lost tax revenue annually. More than 6-in-10 women would return to the workforce if they had access to child care. Yet, the House budget fails to expand child care eligibility, only maintains the existing Voucher program, and cuts $300 million of critical federal funding, leaving 30,000 fewer children with access to care than proposed by Governor DeWine. Economic Stability: 1 in 5 Ohio children ages 0-5 live in poverty. More than one-third (34%) of parents with children under 5 report serious problems paying rent or their mortgage, and inflation is forcing 82% of parents with young children to cut back on groceries. And 84% of Ohio voters support a state Child Tax Credit. Yet, the House budget removed the proposed refundable Child Tax Credit of up to $1,000 per child under age 7. Infant & Maternal Mortality:  With 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ohio continues to rank among the bottom 10 states for infant mortality compared to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 nationally. 11% of infants are born preterm. Maternal mortality increased by 17% between 2011 and 2021 even though research suggests more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Yet, the House budget scales back proposed infant vitality funds. Home Visiting:  Ohio is ranked 30th in the nation for infant maltreatment and 43rd for infant mortality. Only 8.8% of eligible babies are currently benefitting from home visiting services. Yet, the House budget reduces $22.5 million in proposed investment in this evidence-based programming . Medicaid Access for Moms and Babies:  Nearly 48% of all Ohio children under age 6 depend on Medicaid for health coverage. The program covers about half of all births in the state and thousands of Ohio women rely on Medicaid to ensure a healthy pregnancy and support postpartum recovery. Yet, the House budget cuts existing law requiring multi-year continuous Medicaid enrollment for babies ages 0-3 championed by House leaders last budget cycle and restricts the use of doula services to Medicaid eligible women. Lead Poisoning :   Lead paint can be found in as many as two-thirds of Ohio’s homes built before 1978, where young children can ingest lead through contact with contaminated paint, soil, or water. There is no safe blood lead level. Even small amounts of lead exposure in early childhood can harm the brain, delaying growth and development, and may cause learning, behavior, speech, and other health problems. Ohio has nearly double the national rate of children with elevated blood lead levels. Yet, the House budget cuts funding and eliminates the Lead Safe Home and Lead Abatement programs from the Ohio Department of Health. Tobacco Use : While the percent of women who smoked cigarettes in the last 3 months of pregnancy has decreased by 36% between 2020 and 2022, the percent of women who used e-cigarettes has increased by 188%. Yet, the House budget cuts funding for prevention programming. Early Learning & Literacy:  Nearly 4 out of 5 low-income children are not demonstrating kindergarten readiness, an early predictive measure of their later performance in literacy and math proficiency, high school graduation, and post-secondary attainment. 44% of Ohio’s kindergartners are not on track for literacy. Yet, the House budget removes requirements to integrate the science of reading in early learning, removes additional funding for the Governor’s Imagination Library, and eliminates the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment—the only tool the state has to understand the impact of early childhood experiences for every child.   “The Governor’s children’s budget was a comprehensive, forward-thinking investment in our state’s youngest children and families,” Gutierrez stated. “The House’s proposal represents a step backward at a time when we can least afford it. We urge lawmakers to fully restore these investments and prioritize Ohio’s future.”   Groundwork Ohio remains committed to working with policymakers to ensure that Ohio’s children have the strong start they deserve. For more information on the budget’s impact on early childhood programs, see a summary of proposed cuts .   Read testimony by Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio, given before the Ohio House Finance Committee on April 3, 2025. # # # About Groundwork Ohio Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies.

By Caitlin Feldman, Policy Director Follow Caitlin on LinkedIn . Note: the following testimony about Substitute House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Caitlin Feldman before the Ohio Senate Government Oversight & Reform Committee on May 14, 2025. Interested Party Testimony in Support of the Partially Refundable Child Tax Credit   Chair Manchester, Vice Chair Brenner, Ranking Member Weinstein, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Caitlin Feldman, and I serve as the Policy Director at Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading early childhood advocacy organization focused on the healthy development of young children and their families.   Today, I am here to urge restoration of Governor DeWine’s proposal for a partially refundable Child Tax Credit. This policy is not only good for Ohio’s Economy, but also critical for the health, stability, and future success of Ohio’s youngest children and their working families. At Groundwork Ohio, we advocate for policies that support young children because the earliest years of life lay the foundation for a child’s future success. When families are financially secure, children thrive. They can work, provide for the basic needs of their families including stable housing and consistent access to nutritious food, and parents who are less stressed are better able to provide a nurturing environment.   Unfortunately, too many Ohio families are experiencing unprecedented financial strain, and parents of young children are being hit the hardest. Ohio’s current tax system places a disproportionate burden on low-income families. As a share of income, Ohio’s highest earners pay less than half as much as the lowest-paid Ohioans in state and local taxes. While Ohio’s highest earners pay 6.3% in state and local taxes, the bottom 20% of Ohioans pay 12.7%, meaning a much greater share of earnings are taken out of the pockets of families with young children and given to local and state taxes. [1] Refundable tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, can level-set this system and provide relief to hardworking families.   Approximately half of Ohioans and parents with young children rate their financial situation as only fair or poor. More than one-third (34%) of parents with children under five report serious problems paying rent or their mortgage, and nearly half (47%) are struggling to pay their credit card bills. Inflation is forcing 82% of parents with young children to cut back on groceries, impacting their ability to provide healthy, nutritious meals for their kids.   Financial insecurity has a devastating impact on children. 1 in 5 Ohio children live in poverty (at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level) and 1 in 10 live in extreme poverty (at or below 50% FPL), a reality that threatens their healthy development and long-term success. Ohio’s youngest children, ages 0-5, living in Ohio’s Appalachian region are more likely to live in poverty than their peers in other communities across the state. The research is clear: children growing up in poverty face greater barriers to academic achievement with lower rates of kindergarten readiness in every county in the state, higher rates of health complications, and lower lifetime earnings. These early challenges don’t just hurt individual children— they create long-term economic consequences for our entire state. These aren’t just numbers. These are real Ohio families trying to do everything right — working hard, providing for their children, and contributing to their communities. When our families are financially stable, children do better.   The Child Tax Credit Makes Work Pay The Child Tax Credit rewards work and helps parents stay in the workforce. Right now, families with young children are caught in a financial squeeze - inflation and the rising cost of child care mean that many parents struggle just to break even. For too many families, the financial burden of child care alone can outweigh the benefits of returning to work. In fact, nearly half (49%) of working parents in Ohio have cut back their hours due to child care struggles—impacting over 1 million working parents statewide. Among moms with young children who don’t currently work full time, 61% say they would return to work if they had access to affordable, high-quality child care. A refundable Child Tax Credit ensures that work pays. It helps parents offset the high costs of raising a child while ensuring that families who are working, or trying to work, aren’t left behind. Unlike fully non-refundable tax credits that only benefit those with higher incomes, a partially refundable credit reaches low- and middle-income working families who need it most. It provides the kind of targeted tax relief that encourages work and strengthens family financial stability—without discouraging employment.   The bottom line is this: if we want parents to work, we need to make sure that work is financially viable. The Child Tax Credit helps families afford child care, transportation, and basic necessities, allowing parents to remain in the workforce, contribute to Ohio’s economy, and build a better future for their children.   Bipartisan Support for Action on the Child Tax Credit As the cost of goods and services outpaces wages, a single parent with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old making $45,0000 annually would receive a tax credit of $2,000. This tax credit would make a real impact, enabling this parent to pay for diapers, gas, car repairs, or pay off debt. This timely support helps to reduce caregiver stress, decreases food insecurity, and helps parents manage rising prices. According to a recent press conference, Governor DeWine’s As Introduced proposed tax cut would help 450,000 Ohio families.   Families and Ohio voters understand that when families can afford the basics, they work more, earn more, and contribute more to Ohio’s economy. Ohioans overwhelmingly agree: families need relief, and the Child Tax Credit is a solution that works. A staggering 84% of Ohio voters support a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats. That support only grows—to 87%—when voters learned that both President Trump and the former President have backed expanding the Child Tax Credit. We don’t see bipartisan consensus like this often, especially in today’s political climate. This is a unique moment for Ohio to take action on a policy that truly unites voters across the political spectrum.   Conclusion Ohio families are struggling, parents want to work, and voters across party lines overwhelmingly support this policy. Governor DeWine’s proposal for a partially refundable Child Tax Credit is a smart, fiscally responsible way to give families the breathing room they need to succeed—while strengthening our workforce and economy.   At Groundwork Ohio, we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. But that’s only possible when their families have the financial security to provide the basics. By supporting this Child Tax Credit, you have the opportunity to make a real difference for Ohio families—and to demonstrate that Ohio is a leader in putting working families and their children first.   I urge your support for this critical policy by adopting HEALTH amendment SC0572 to restore the child tax credit in the As Introduced version. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome any questions.   [1] Ohio: Who Pays? 7th Edition. (n.d.). ITEP. https://itep.org/whopays/ohio-who-pays-7th-edition/   To view the attachments that accompany this testimony, click here . Attachments: A copy of the polling memo that is the source for all poll data used in this testimony. To view additional polling data, visit http://www.groundworkohio.org/poll A summary of proposed state child tax credit policies for working families, including the proposed child tax credit in Governor DeWine’s executive proposal for House Bill 96, from the Niskanen Center. A series of op eds highlighting opportunities in Governor DeWine’s executive budget proposal to enhance the future of Ohio’s children, as published by The Columbus Dispatch.   To learn more about economic security for families with young children or view the poverty data cited in this testimony, view Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard 2025 .

By Troy Hunter, Managing Director of Policy Follow Troy on LinkedIn . Note: the following testimony about Substitute House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Troy Hunter before the Ohio Senate Health Committee on May 13, 2025.   Chair Huffman, Vice Chair Johnson, Ranking Member Liston, and members of the committee: Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Troy Hunter, and I serve as the Managing Director of Policy at Groundwork Ohio. Groundwork Ohio is the state's leading advocacy organization focused on early learning, maternal, and young child health, supporting the healthy development of Ohio's youngest children, prenatal through age five, and their families. We work alongside policymakers, business and community leaders, early childhood professionals, and families to build a stronger, more prosperous future for Ohio.   Today, I am here to respectfully urge you to restore and strengthen critical investments in young children and families within House Bill 96.   Ohio’s Families, Economy, and Future Are at Risk We appreciate the important commitment that many of you have made to investing in Ohio’s families and workforce. However, the budget as passed by the House falls short of fulfilling that commitment. By cutting core investments originally included in Governor DeWine’s proposal, the House version leaves behind our youngest Ohioans at a time when families, employers, and communities are calling for greater support.   The need is urgent: One in five Ohio children under age five live in poverty, and one in ten lives in extreme poverty. More than a third (34%) of parents with young children struggle to pay rent or their mortgage; nearly half (47%) are struggling with credit card debt. Inflation is forcing 82% of parents of young children to cut back on groceries, basic necessities needed for healthy child development. Recent data indicate it costs $297,675 to raise a child over 18 years, according to Lending Tree. This is a 25.3% increase over similar data available as recently as 2023. [1]   When families struggle, Ohio’s economy struggles. And when young children lack access to health care, safe housing, high-quality early learning, and family stability, we all pay the price in lost potential, lost productivity, and diminished public health.   Working Families Need a Child Tax Credit The financial pressures facing Ohio families reflect the daily reality for working parents across our state. These challenges strain family stability and limit parents’ ability to participate in the workforce or invest in their child’s healthy development. That’s why policies like a refundable Child Tax Credit are essential not just to alleviate hardship, but to drive economic mobility and statewide prosperity. We must restore the proposed refundable Child Tax Credit, which would provide up to $1,000 per child under age 7 for working families.   Ohio voters overwhelmingly support this solution: 84% support creating a Child Tax Credit, including 83% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.   A Child Tax Credit would reduce financial stress and directly stimulate Ohio’s economy by helping families afford basics like rent, groceries, and child care. We urge the committee to support amendment SC0572 and restore the child tax credit, as introduced.   Access to High-Quality, Affordable Child Care Child care is a workforce issue and an economic imperative. New research released by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce earlier this month highlights the magnitude of the problem: Ohio loses $5.48 billion annually in lost economic activity and $1.52 billion in lost tax revenue due to child care barriers. The cost of center-based child care in Ohio has seen a dramatic rise over the past three years. In 2023, for center-based care, annual infant care averaged $12,351, annual toddler care averaged $11,125 and annual preschooler care averaged $9,580, up to a 23% increase from 2021. The burdensome cost of child care is preventing more mothers from entering the workforce and child care expenses force many families to make difficult financial decisions. Over six out of every ten non-working Ohio moms with children under age 6 would return to work or work more hours if they had access to affordable quality child care . Yet under the House budget: Eligibility for Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) remains capped at 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), leaving Ohio near the bottom nationally. Over $200M in dollars cut from child care. The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, the only statewide tool for understanding child development at school entry, has been eliminated.   At a time when only 35.4% of Ohio kindergartners are demonstrating readiness for school, these are steps in the wrong direction. We ask that this committee put families first by supporting amendment SC0460 to restore initial eligibility for PFCC to 160% FPL and support amendment SC0459 to restore the additional $25M to the Child Care Choice Voucher Program.   Why the KRA Must Be Restored The KRA is Ohio’s only statewide, child level tool that measures how prepared every kindergartner is across four domains: social emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics, and physical wellbeing.   Tracks Return on Investment. Policymakers and taxpayers can see whether public dollars for child care, preschool, and home visiting programs are improving outcomes statewide and in local communities. Identifies Delays Early. The KRA highlights gaps among student groups, allowing districts to direct resources before small differences become entrenched achievement gaps. Predicts Later Success. Children who enter kindergarten demonstrating readiness are nine times more likely to score proficient or higher on the third-grade Ohio State Test in mathematics and seven times more likely to do so in English Language Arts [2]   Eliminating the KRA would leave Ohio without a critical early indicator of student progress, making it harder to identify learning gaps and invest in the supports that children need most. Nearly 4 out of 5 low-income children in Ohio are not demonstrating kindergarten readiness. We need to double down on early literacy, not walk away. We ask you to support amendment SC0456 and restore the KRA.   Improving Health Outcomes for Moms and Babies The health and well-being of Ohio’s youngest children are inseparable from the health of their mothers. Yet today, too many moms and babies in Ohio face preventable risks simply because they lack access to the supports and services that promote healthy pregnancies, safe births, and strong starts to life. Unfortunately, the House-passed budget threatens to reverse progress by cutting key initiatives that protect mothers and babies at a time when Ohio’s maternal and infant health outcomes already lag behind much of the nation.   We cannot afford cuts to maternal and infant health programs: Ohio’s infant mortality rate is 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to a national average of 5.6. Maternal mortality has increased by 17% over the past decade, despite most pregnancy-related deaths being preventable. Families who participate in Home Visiting are 60% less likely to experience infant loss. 15,000 less children served in Home Visiting due to cuts Only 8.8% of eligible families are served by home visiting programs that can prevent child maltreatment and support healthy development. Yet the House budget eliminates or reduces funding for: Home visiting expansion ($22.5 million cut) Infant vitality efforts (reduces by $2M and $2.1M each FY)   Protect Medicaid Coverage and Expanding Access to Services Substitute House Bill 96 removes existing law requiring the Ohio Department of Medicaid to provide continuous Medicaid coverage for eligible children from birth through age three. We ask you to adopt amendment number SC0457 to remove the House’s repeal of this law .   Additionally, it restricts access to evidence-based services like doulas for Medicaid-eligible mothers, despite clear data showing doulas improve birth outcomes and lower costs. We ask this committee to support amendment SC0461 to remove the restriction on Medicaid reimbursement for doulas to only six counties.   Supporting Ohio’s youngest children is not just the right thing to do, it is one of the smartest economic investments we can make. The policies we advance today will determine whether Ohio families, communities, and businesses can thrive tomorrow. We urge you to restore the Governor’s vision for a children’s budget, and in doing so, ensure that Ohio’s youngest children and their families remain at the center of our state's future.   Groundwork Ohio seeks your support for HEALTH Amendments: SC0456 (Health: Restore the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment the House removed SC0457 (Health): Remove the House’s repeal of existing law that would require Ohio Dept of Medicaid to seek approval for continuous coverage of Medicaid enrollment for Medicaid-eligible children birth through age three SC0458 (HEALTH): Restore As Introduced investments in Help Me Grow and Infant Vitality. SC0459 (HEALTH): Restore additional $25M in FY 27 from As Introduced in Child Care Choice Voucher Program. SC0460 (HEALTH): Restore As Introduced language expanding Publicly Funded Child Care Eligibility to 160% FPL for initial eligibility and 300% for continued eligibility SC0461 (HEALTH): Removing restriction of Medicaid reimbursement for doulas to only 6 counties. SC0572 (HEALTH): As introduced version restore child tax credit.   Thank you for your time and your commitment to Ohio’s children. I welcome any questions you may have.   [1] McGrath, M. (2024, April 23). Raising a child costs nearly $240K — and that's before college. LendingTree. https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/raising-a-child-study/ [2] Ohio Department of Children and Youth. (2024). Impact Brief .   To view the attachments that accompany this testimony,   click here . Attachments: Groundwork Ohio’s comprehensive Budget Priorities for FY 26 & 27. A copy of the polling memo that is the source for all poll data used in this testimony. To view additional polling data, visit www.groundworkohio.org/poll . Columbus Dispatch Article “The American Dream in Ohio depends on stronger Buckeye families”   To explore the full findings on how child care challenges are impacting Ohio’s economy and workforce, view the Untapped Potential in Ohio report .   To learn more about the data sourced in this testimony on the needs of young children and families, view Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Data Dashboard 2025 .

By Vanessa Butler, Senior Director of Community Relations & Special Projects Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn . On May 8, 2025, Groundwork Ohio gathered with an extraordinary group of women leaders, advocates, and community champions for the first time in its organizational history. A long-held vision by leadership, the Women’s Coalition kick-off was more than an event – it was a call to action, a celebration of collective strength, and moment to acknowledge the long road of work ahead of us.   We were honored to be joined by a dynamic group of panelists and speakers: Councilwoman Vanice Williams, Toledo City Council Commissioner Julie Ehemann, Shelby County Board of Commissioners Liz Keating, Vice President of Government Affairs, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Kimberly Lee Minor, President & CEO, Women of Color Retail Alliance Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus   Each woman brought her own unique perspective, representing public service, business leadership, retail, and community advocacy. And, one truth was undeniable – economic mobility for all women cannot be achieved without addressing the child care crisis at a systems-level.   The Economic Realities for Women in Ohio Today, female-headed households are more than three times as likely as all Ohio households to live in poverty. Having children in the household increases the likelihood of living in poverty by four-fold. We also know that 61% of mothers working part-time would return to work full-time if they had access to quality, affordable child care. These realities, among so many more, are sobering. But, we must not lose hope.   This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s an economic issue. It’s a workforce issue. And as our speakers called out - it’s a community and humanity issue.   Key Insights Councilwoman Vanice Williams reminded us of the human side of policy. Reflecting on her faith-led convictions into her lived experiences as a small business owner and public servant, she sees firsthand how lack of child care access disrupts families and the local Toledo community. Her call for holistic, community-rooted solutions resonated for all in attendance.   Commissioner Julie Ehemann  highlighted the unique challenges rural counties face. She spoke candidly about the hardships she witnessed as a retail pharmacist and the necessity of county-level leadership in driving tangible change, particularly where child care deserts exist.   From the business sector, Liz Keating  shared a data-driven perspective on how workforce participation is directly shared a data-driven perspective on how workforce participation is directly tied to child care availability. Her focus was clear: investments in child care are investments in Ohio’s economy.   Kimberly Lee Minor  brought such a rich and invaluable intersectional lens, calling attention to the woefully low wages earned by women working in retail, and emphasizing how women of color are disproportionately impacted by these barriers. Her challenge to us was to ensure that every woman be treated as a whole person, instead of implementing policies in silos.   Elizabeth Brown  powerfully connected the dots between women’s economic stability and public health, safety, and overall community well-being. As she noted, when we support women and support policies such as a refundable child tax credit, entire communities thrive.   What’s Next for the Women’s Coalition The Kick-off Breakfast is only the beginning. We are building a movement of women across Ohio committed to advancing policies that uplift families, create economic opportunities, and remove barriers to success.   Our coalition continues to grow, and so does our impact. From ongoing advocacy efforts to amplifying lived experiences, the Women’s Coalition is a space where women’s voices shape real policy change. If you haven’t yet, I invite you to join nearly 650 women, advocates, and 15 women-serving organizations and sign our Women’s Coalition Sign-On Letter . This letter urges members of the Ohio Legislature to prioritize support of the child care and Child Tax Credit investments in Governor DeWine’s Executive Budget Proposal. Please also consider joining our Women’s Coalition quarterly calls. 👉  REGISTER NOW  for June 20 | 1:00 pm 👉  REGISTER NOW  for September 19 | 1:00 pm 👉  REGISTER NOW  for December 12 | 1:00 pm   Together, we can create an Ohio where every woman and every family has the opportunity to thrive.