Ohio House Community and Family Advancement Committee Holds First Summer Hearing in Cleveland

The Ohio House Community and Family Advancement Committee held a hearing at the Friendly Inn Settlement House in Cleveland yesterday to examine the effects of poverty on families and the ways that the state can help lift up struggling Ohioans, including through workforce development programs.

“I was very impressed by all the witnesses who shared their perspective with the committee,” said Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Oxford), Chairman of the committee. “We learned a lot about how Cleveland is dealing with workforce development for folks living in poverty. Equally impressive was learning about how different area neighborhoods are working hard to serve this segment of their population.”

Several area organizations testified before the bipartisan panel, including the Garden Valley Neighborhood House, The Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga Community College and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

“The Community and Family Advancement Committee meeting was an inspiring experience,” said Rep. Steve Hambley (R-Brunswick). “It was great to hear from agencies, charities, and individuals devoting themselves to helping people successfully get out of poverty. There is a lot of good being done, but much more needs to be done to provide hand-ups instead of hand-outs.”

"Summer study committees provide the opportunity for the legislature to actively engage with Ohio citizens in locations all across the state,” said Rep. Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills). “It was a privilege to participate in the first study committee for Community and Family Advancement.  The committee members had the opportunity to hear many informative testimonies from Cleveland-area natives.  I look forward to taking legislative action where necessary, based on the committee's findings and reports in the fall.”

Following the summer hearings, the committee will issue a report of its findings, testimony and recommendations that will be available to the public and will guide future legislative action in these areas.

This was the first of three summer hearings the committee will hold throughout the state. It will also meet in Cincinnati (August 18) and East Liverpool (September 15).