County boards in recent weeks have launched a legislative advocacy effort focused on the long-term fiscal sustainability of Ohio’s DD system. OACB and several county board superintendents have met with state lawmakers to provide context about the system’s current financial pressures and the need for sustainable policy solutions. Sharing background information now is intended to support more detailed policy discussions as proposals are finalized.
County boards have prioritized meetings with legislators who have prior connections to the system, have supported people with developmental disabilities and county boards in the past, or have expressed interest in learning more about how services are funded.
Lawmakers who have participated in recent meetings include:
Discussions have included high-level overviews of potential policy proposals that may require legislative action. Concepts shared include mandating Early Intervention services and establishing a cost-sharing structure with the state, as well as creating a cap on the amount of local property tax dollars that can be applied to an individual’s waiver before a state funding obligation is triggered. The conversations have been generally positive. Next steps include refining specific policy language for consideration by lawmakers.
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