"May is Community Action Month"

More than ever before, this year’s Community Action Month presents us with new opportunities to tell our story, share our success and embody the Community Action spirit of hope, changing people’s lives, and improving our communities.

Since mid-January, daily news alerts have been filled with reports of ongoing federal and state-level threats that bring growing uncertainty. These developments often signal job insecurity, shifting policy landscapes, and potential cuts to essential programs and services that support low-income households. Key concerns include the future of Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and the proposed $780 million allocation for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in FY2026, as well as the continuation of policies that allow Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to serve families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Support and advocacy at the state level are just as critical. As House Bill 96 makes its way to the Senate, we urge policymakers to restore the original funding levels and key health-related amendments included in the House-introduced version. One major anti-poverty provision at stake is the Child Tax Credit (CTC), which would provide a $1,000 tax credit per child under the age of seven for Ohio’s working families. Childcare is not only a family issue—it’s a workforce and economic imperative. According to new research from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio loses $5.48 billion in economic activity and $1.52 billion in tax revenue each year due to childcare-related barriers.

Last week, we witnessed the most severe blow yet at the federal level: the U.S. House of Representatives passed a federal budget—by just one vote—that includes deep cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs that countless Ohioans rely on. For families across the state, this means:

• An estimated 400,000 Ohioans could lose their health insurance due to a combination of new Medicaid eligibility restrictions and the decision not to extend premium tax credits that have helped make coverage under the Affordable Care Act more affordable.

• Severe cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — a vital resource for more than 300,000 Ohio adults and children who rely on it to put food on the table. Without federal support, Ohio would be responsible for at least $645 million annually in new state spending just to maintain current benefit levels.

Now is the time to community out of the chaos. We need all hands-on deck and here’s

how you can help:

• Reach out to Ohio’s representatives, U.S. Senator John Husted and U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno to urge them to reject cuts to critical programs and services in healthcare, food security, and housing.

• Join us on June 17th at 12PM on the West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse. We will gather as one at the Rally for Working Families to urge lawmakers to prioritize Ohio's youngest children and the families who love them. Register today!

• It’s all about the state budget! The Senate Finance Committee meets every day next week. Consider testifying at the Statehouse or submitting written testimony to restore the as-introduced Child Tax Credit, reinstate expanded eligibility for Publicly Funded Child Care (160% FPL initial / 300% FPL continued), and reverse the House’s repeal of continuous Medicaid coverage for eligible children from birth to age 3.

May is Community Action Month. Ohio’s urban community action network champions policies that put families first and open doors to self-sufficiency, equity, and lasting change.