State policies fail the poor, official says

[theHandpuppet]

The Athens News
Wednesday, May 14,2014
State policies fail the poor, official says

The state's safety-net programs have not been meeting poor Ohioans' basic needs due to drastic changes in state and federal policies, according to Jack Frech, director of Athens County Job and Family Services.

Repressive work policies and benefit reductions have resulted in a loss of more than $570 million a year from the poorest families and the poorest communities in the state, he charged in testimony that he presented in Columbus on Wednesday.

As a result of these policies, poor families have lost out on more than $400 million in food assistance, he said. Also, 100,000 recipients, including 60,000 children, have been cut off cash assistance since January 2011, he said.

During Wednesday's Senate hearing on the goals of the new Office of Human Services Innovation, Frech will urge legislators to add a goal that would assure "basic human needs are met for all Ohioans."

MORE at http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-42422-state-policies-fail-the-poor-official-says.html