Rep. Liston Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Put Money Back in the Hands of Low-income Families

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Beth Liston (D) Thursday, with her joint sponsor Rep. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky), introduced legislation that allows families on temporary cash assistance through Ohio Works First to directly receive their child support money, which in turn will help the families and the well-being of the communities around them. 

“This legislation puts the earned money of low-income families back with the children who need it the most,” said Rep. Liston. 

Current law in Ohio requires the child support from these families to go directly to the state as payment towards the program they are on. To remedy this, this legislation creates a partial ‘pass-through’ whereby child support payments of $100/month per child up to $200/month per family are NOT assigned to the state and instead “passes through” to the families, so they can in turn put that money towards the needs of their child.

The overall goal of this legislation will be to increase money impoverished children receive in child support, decrease the money that our poorest families pay to the government, maximize policies that encourage two parent involvement, and decrease reliance on SNAP and other government programs.

The bill is now awaiting a number and will soon be in the Rules and Reference Committee where it will receive its committee assignment. 

If you are interested in supporting this bill or would like to know more, you can email Rep08@ohiohouse.gov or call our office at 614-644-6030.