In Case You Missed It: Ohio's Effort to Ease the Cost of Childcare

COLUMBUS - Ohio is helping families to their feet by temporarily waiving the copays for publicly funded childcare. The Department of Jobs and Family Services is putting up $50 million to fund the initiative. 

The announcement could not be more welcomed as I and other lawmakers continue to address Ohio’s current workforce shortage. Childcare has proven to be a major contributor to the problem; working parents are forced to stay home due to waiting lists for classrooms, affordability and a slew of other circumstances. 

For the 90,000 families who utilized PFCC, this is going to provide more flexibility to their monthly budget. As the chairman of the House Finance Committee, I understand just how important a little extra cash can be.  

ODJFS plans to administer the program until the funding is depleted. 

Parents who are working or in school can apply for assistance with child care from the state through the PFCC program. Parents already enrolled in the PFCC program should have already received notification of the waived copay. 

In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.