Posted on 01/04/18 by Katie Fallon in Smart Transportation
In 2016, consumers, the federal government and California regulators sued the German automaker Volkswagen (VW) for allegedly manipulating emissions tests. As a settlement, $14.7 billion will be allocated to states. Ohio will receive $75 million over the next 10 years from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund. The state is required to use the funds to offset the effects of diesel emissions, improve air quality and promote infrastructure development. Twenty percent of Ohio’s share – or $15 million – will go to the state’s financially-strapped transit agencies.
Now, Ohio agencies must draft a plan to determine how to allocate these funds. Currently,... read more
Posted on 01/02/18 by Guest Writer in Local Sustainability
By Thomas Bier
“All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit … and no special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted…”
Those words are enshrined... read more
Posted on 12/21/17 by Daniel Ortiz in Revenue & Budget
The clock is ticking for Congress to pass the Dream Act, which would protect immigrants brought to the United States as children. If they don’t act, Ohio’s economy could be harmed as thousands of young... read more
Posted on 12/19/17 by Victoria Jackson in Education & Training
The GOP federal tax overhaul slashes taxes for the wealthy and corporations at the expense of our country’s future. The bill increases the deficit by $1.5 trillion, paid for in part by siphoning resources from... read more
Posted on 12/14/17 by Intern Writer in Energy
By Brook Sabin
As climate disasters wreak havoc across the globe, citizens and policy makers are recognizing the urgent need to build strong renewable energy infrastructure – but not without a few setbacks, especially here in... read more
Posted on 12/05/17 by Katie Fallon in Basic Needs + Unemployment Insurance
This year, Congress has repeatedly tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid expansion. Despite these unsuccessful attempts, the Trump administration is taking new steps to restrict health care. Last week,... read more
Posted on 11/27/17 by Intern Writer in Local Sustainability
By Taylor Swift, Policy Matters Intern
Cuyahoga County would join a growing list of communities that place small fees on disposable bags used to bring products home from stores, if a recently proposed ordinance is approved... read more
Posted on 11/22/17 by Hannah Halbert in Education & Training
Military veterans are vulnerable to predatory recruitment by for-profit career colleges. In many cases, for-profit career colleges see them as “dollar signs in uniform,” according to a 2011 report by assistant director for service member... read more