Effective participation in public policy at the local, state and national levels is a tenet embedded in United Ways’ mission to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another. Ohio United Way leads and facilitates such participation–emphasizing state-level government relations–through technical assistance, research, monitoring, information services, and lobbying.
The following areas will be the primary focus of United Way’s public policy efforts over the next three years, although other issues may surface that will also require work. Below is a summary of Ohio United Way’s Public Policy Positions which identify the areas where the agency can be expected to weigh in on policy debates.
Ø Maintain and expand United Ways’ ability to impact state and federal public policy.
o Help Ohioans achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
o Advocate for an effective, ongoing TANF/Ohio Works First/Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program.
o Ensure that implementation of the Workforce Investment Act supports the interests of TANF/OWF and low-income families.
o Monitor the merger of ODHS/OBES for its impacts on clients and communities.
o Support continuation and expansion of Adult Emergency Assistance.
o Expand availability of affordable, quality health care, alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services.
o Support federal and state programs that provide flexible funding for United Way-served populations.
Ø Advance the well-being of Ohio’s children and their families through accessible early education and care programs and the restructuring of both Ohio’s child protection and school funding systems.
Ø Promote the continued role and vitality of charities.