David Dewitt, Athens News
MEANWHILE, state Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, said that in balancing the last biennial budget, she and other state legislators worked hard to protect the most vulnerable people and invest in things that position Ohio for recovery, such as education.
“It is important to protect vulnerable people, help people develop needed skills to help them find jobs and ensure a good education system,” said Phillips, whose 92th House District includes Athens County. “Our education system must include an effective pre-K through 16 system, career-technical education, and smart workforce development.”
She said poverty indicators need to be evaluated for their effectiveness in measuring the problem. Also, she said, programs that are individually targeted should be developed so that people are able to get appropriate education and training while basic needs are met.
“Programs must allow for a rational transition off of assistance,” she said. “Too often, if an individual starts to earn money, they lose benefits to the extent that they are unable to continue their education or their job (child care, medical care, etc.). Policies should encourage efforts toward self-sufficiency.”
Phillips pointed to various opportunities in the area to gain experience working on public projects.
“Some people are working on public works, through stimulus-funded projects in the region,” she said. “The Nelsonville bypass is one, and the weatherization program is another. Community Action agencies in the area have been able to hire additional people to do this work, and those people are earning a paycheck, and learning marketable skills at the same time.”
Read the whole story at Athensnews.com.
