A Quality Ohio

Adequate and fair taxes to support the schools, neighborhoods, communities and infrastructure we all need.

A quality Ohio starts with the tiniest children, which is why Policy Matters promotes policies that will expand pre-K and high quality childcare. Strong communities have strong schools, and a well-prepared workforce, which is why we push to better fund K-12 education, higher education and workforce training programs. To have a quality state, we also need all our citizens to be full enfranchised, which is why we've taken a hard look at Ohio's criminal justice system, with an eye toward a fair, accountable approach that avoids racial profiling, keeps our communities safe, and is fully accountable to our communities. 

Revenue & budget

Ohio needs a budget that invests in everyone. Policy Matters promotes smart revenue and budget policies that ensure Ohio has what it takes to create a thriving state.

Good schools, sound infrastructure and quality health systems lay the foundation for thriving communities. Ohio can pay for these programs with a fair and balanced tax code that works for everyone, not just a powerful few. At Policy Matters Ohio, we know that strong public programs can help create a prosperous Ohio for all.

Education & training

Education has the potential to be society's great equalizer, but only if all students attend safe, high-quality schools, no matter where they live. At Policy Matters we push for innovative workforce training programs, better funded schools, high quality child care, and universal pre-K because those investments yield the best long-term returns. 

Justice reform

Since our founding in 2000, Policy Matters has produced a number of reports that seek to create a more accountable criminal justice system. Communities will be safer when we devote resources to preventing crime, reducing recidivism, and rehabilitating prisoners. Our prisons should be reserved for violent offenders and those who really threaten our communities. We're particularly concerned with criminal justice is unequally applied. We recommend a common sense approach that keeps our communities safe. 

Privatization

Public services need to be accountable and transparent. At Policy Matters Ohio, we see evidence that the public sector is best able to provide public services with equity and fairness. Some things shouldn't be driven by profit. That's why we push back against privatization in our prison system, public transportation and other key public services.