Forum explores problems

Tuesday, August 29, 2006 Recessions in Ohio tend to begin earlier and last longer, a speaker said. By SEAN BARRON VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT LIBERTY — If Ohio's children and their families are healthy and have access to health care and other vital resources, the state's economy will benefit. So why did the state Legislature create a proposed tax-reform package as part of the state budget for fiscal year 2008-09 that could result in an estimated $2.5 billion less over two years for health, education and social services to benefit such children and families? That central question was explored during Monday's Voices for Children of Greater Cleveland's community briefing at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex. Giving ideas The forum, which featured a series of local and regional speakers as well as panel discussions by experts on children's issues, was set up to provide advocates for children and families with ideas for effectively addressing legislators. The four-hour session also was designed to strengthen or form relationships between agencies that work with children and to let advocates network or form connections with one another, explained Amy Swanson, Voices for Children's executive director. Kicking off the briefing was a presentation by Dr. David Ellis, director of policy, planning and programming with The Center for Community Solutions, of Cleveland. Ellis predicted that the state's economy will undergo various transitions in the next few years and that "it's imperative economic supports are in place for families facing these challenges." "The long-term investment in children is the best and most strategic investment we can make for the long-term economic health of the state," Ellis said. Influencing economy A multitude of short- and long-term factors influencing Ohio's economy, such as changes in tax policy and the political system, are tied in with demands for services that benefit children and families, he noted. For example, because of the state's heavy manufacturing-based economy, recessions in Ohio tend to begin earlier and last longer than in most other states — all of which affect the economic well-being of youngsters and their families, Ellis added. The estimated $337 billion federal budget deficit and certain federal mandates also affect families, he noted. Deficits, new tax cuts and increased defense and homeland security spending mean cuts in spending on health care, social services and education, Ellis continued. A spending proposal for FY 2008-09 Ellis put forth for attacking such problems included a 2 percent increase in education costs for those in kindergarten through grade 12 (roughly $150 million annually). Experts' input Several experts offered their input as part of a panel that focused on opportunities, challenges and policy recommendations in areas such as child welfare, education, juvenile justice family economic security and health. Among them: Carol Hawkins, an early-childhood-education professor at Youngstown State University. Hawkins said too many people working with children earn wages at or near minimum wage, and emphasized what she said was the value of preschool for youngsters. Hawkins cited a study that showed a correlation between good preschool programs and higher graduation rates, fewer teenage pregnancies, higher earnings and less incarceration. Anthony D'Apolito, a magistrate and administrator at the Mahoning County Juvenile Court. D'Apolito noted that the court conducts risk and needs assessments to consider why a juvenile committed a certain crime. Issues such as the teenager's mental health, possible drug use and family history are looked at, with an emphasis on addressing the causes instead of doling out punishment, he said.