Ohio Politics & Government Online Community

People with taxable incomes of less than $22,250 a year no longer would be taxed; rates for higher amounts would be cut about 6.6 percent.

New state data shows the number of unemployment benefits claims filed in Ohio last year was the lowest since 1973.

On Tuesday, Ohio could become the fifth state to legalize recreational marijuana. But the story line there is less about how a culturally conservative state feels about pot and more about how a group of savvy political and business operatives are forging a new path forward for the growing movement that could fundamentally change who gets in the game -- and why.

Matt Bevin, the controversial Kentuckian who attempted to dethrone Sen. Mitch McConnell last year and has vowed to eliminate the state's Obamacare programs, orchestrated a remarkable political comeback on Tuesday to win the state's governorship.

Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. is receiving $3,317,564 in federal funding, according to a Tuesday announcement by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ohio's Medicaid program provides access to a many medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, immunizations, and prescriptions. Ohio Medicaid eligibility is determined based on several factors. Some services are limited by dollar amount, the number of visits per year, or the setting in which they can be provided.

Divorced with four children, Pam Harris had no health insurance — choosing between medications to treat her depression and rheumatoid arthritis or paying utility bills — when she suffered her first stroke two years ago. After leaving the hospital, the 40-year-old, who lives in Jamestown in Greene County, couldn’t afford follow-up care or physical therapy. Church friends showed her exercises she could do at home. And after she returned to work with an advocacy group for families with children with behavioral issues, colleagues accompanied her to presentations, stepping in when she couldn’t find the words.

Patrons are surprised to hear that they can't pick up annual federal income tax instruction booklets from the Cincinnati Public Library this year. The IRS is saving money by reducing the amount of instruction booklets and tax forms available in printed form. While participating libraries have been a primary distribution point, especially after the IRS stopped mailing materials to households in 2011, this year taxpayers are being encouraged to get everything they need online at IRS.gov. "There is a gap of people who aren't prepared to switch to paperless taxes," Ben Lathrop, reference manager at the Cincinnati Public Library said. "This year, they got caught off guard, so did we."