For Immediate Release: Friday, September 30, 2022
Contact: Becca Thomas bthomas@groundworkohio.org
COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced a thoughtful and bold agenda to advance his vision that Ohio be the best place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family.
Groundwork Ohio celebrates Governor DeWine’s continued commitment to Ohio’s youngest children. From the beginning of his administration, Governor DeWine has elevated Ohio’s infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children as a priority.
“Today, Governor DeWine builds on his esteemed legacy, taking an unprecedented stand for Ohio babies and families,” said Shannon Jones, Groundwork Ohio’s President & CEO. “Despite the significant challenges ahead, there is abundant common ground in favor of bold state policy that builds a strong foundation for every Ohio baby,” continued Jones. "Groundwork Ohio remains deeply committed to supporting Governor DeWine’s vision to protect and act urgently to meet the growing needs of Ohio babies and their families." Commitments made by Governor DeWine include vital health care supports for pregnant women and young children, targeted initiatives to ensure families are financially, physically and emotionally stable, and the pursuit of family-friendly policies for the state’s workforce. Systems-level commitments include:
Increasing eligibility for Medicaid-sponsored health care to pregnant women and children in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
Expanding the reach of perinatal depression screening tools helping mothers connect to necessary care and improving their mental wellness.
Increasing eligibility for publicly funded child care to 150% of the federal poverty level.
Extending paid maternity leave from six weeks to twelve weeks and the elimination of all co-pays related to prenatal care, labor, and delivery for state employees.
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Shannon Jones' remarks here.
To learn more about what policymakers must do to support the needs of Ohio’s babies, visit www.GroundworkOhio.org/babies and sign the petition!
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Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization formed in 2004 that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. Learn more about Groundwork Ohio at groundworkohio.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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