Advocacy & The State Budget

NASW Ohio Chapter is a member of the Have a  Heart Ohio coalition. 

Have a Heart Ohio is a nonpartisan, statewide network of over 100 organizations and individuals who advocate for policies and sufficient funding invested in programs that meet basic human needs and develop human capital in order to improve the quality of life of Ohio's must vulnerable persons- including low-income individuals, families, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Have a Heart Ohio Budget and Policy Principles

Ohio's Governor and General Assembly make Ohio compettive in the global marketplace by recognizing the interdependence of investing in health and huaman services, education, and economic development by doing the following:

1- Adopt a responsible budget that has as its primary priority to meet basic human needs (food, shelter, clothing, and medical care) and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable Ohioans.  A responsible budget will ensure opportunity for low-income Ohioans to achieve self-sufficiency through education, training, work, and supportive services.

2- Fund and support quality, seamless services, and education for all children to ensure safe, healthy, successful learners and endure adults have access to affordable lifelong learning opportunities.

3- Ensure affordable and sustainable access to quality physical, dental, and behavioral health care services for all Ohioans in a variety of cost-effective community settings based on consumer need and choice emphasis on prevention, care management, comprehensive treatment, and maintenance of a sound public health infastructure.

4- Adopt a fair, progressive, diversified system of taxation that eliminates Ohio's structural deficit and provides stable revenues sufficient to fund services and invest in Ohio's people.