Public Policy

The December Education Initiative meeting provided an update on the Ohio General Assembly’s education priorities during the lame duck session. The meeting discussion focused on a bill that would restructure the Ohio Department of Education and State Board of Education.

This webinar recording shares the Ohio General Assembly’s lame duck session priorities and what it means for Philanthropy Ohio’s legislative agenda, funder’s work and local communities. Byers, Minton & Associates provided an update on Ohio’s post-election policy landscape; legislation in Philanthropy Ohio’s priority areas of health, housing and education; and previewed expectations for the next biennium.

The September meeting reviewed and reflected on Philanthropy Ohio's policy engagement and partnerships since the Education Initiative began in 2005. Attendees of this working session provided input as we refresh and refocus our education policy agenda for the next biennium. Shaun Yoder, the Ohio Department of Education’s former chief strategy officer & director of external partnerships, discussed the impact of Philanthropy Ohio’s collaborative work and stakeholder engagement. Executive in Residence Claudia Herrold facilitated a strategic conversation to identify vital education policy issues, accomplishments, remaining work and opportunities for impact.

Philanthropy Ohio submitted interested party testimony on SB 135, legislation that would reform degree programs and limit free speech, but contains provisions related to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act and a path for donors’ descendants to sue about how endowed funds are being spent.

The February Education Initiative meeting focused on the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on student mental health and included an update on Ohio's education policy landscape, including divisive concepts bills and school property tax issues. The meeting included a panel of experts, with community and practitioner perspectives, on mental health challenges faced by different student groups and promising practices for schools and communities to support student wellness.

At the September meeting, the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio shared a report on the growing gap between wages and rising rent across the state and their proposal to invest Ohio’s American Rescue Plan Act Funds in affordable housing, particularly for the state's most vulnerable residents. The program recording shares how funders can support housing stability policies during this fall’s lame duck session and the upcoming legislative session.