Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion: Examining the Surge in Private School Vouchers and Its Impact on Public Education

The number of students receiving state-funded scholarships for private schools has surged after Ohio lawmakers expanded the EdChoice-Expansion voucher program by effectively eliminating eligibility requirements related to annual income. The data reflects, however, that most of these students have never attended a public school, undermining the claim—made by some—of a “public school exodus.”

This means that many voucher student families who were already paying for and attending nonpublic schools are now using taxpayer dollars to supplant their existing tuition payments; some of these families can afford tuition and/or are from communities that are not historically disadvantaged.

This Cleveland.com article examines how the increase in students is attributed to the removal of income eligibility caps (promoting the use of public dollars for families who can otherwise afford tuition) and looks at concerns over the long-term sustainability of funding dual public and private school systems, and its potential impact on public education. Read even more about the continued expansion of school vouchers in ACS’ winter newsletter, What to Watch 2024, Part 2 – Democracy at a Crossroads: Navigating Threats and Charting the Course for the Future.

New Rule to Improve Child Care Access, Affordability, and Stability in CCDF

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC), has introduced a new rule to enhance access, affordability, and stability in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The rule aims to reduce costs for families receiving child care subsidies, improve payment practices to child care providers, and expand families’ child care options. Key updates include limiting family costs to 7% of household income, ensuring timely payments to providers, and simplifying enrollment processes. 
 
The rule also emphasizes flexibility for presumptive eligibility and aims to cut red tape. This initiative builds on the 2014 Child Care and Development Block Grant Act and the 2016 CCDF final rule, seeking to address challenges in the child care system. 
 
This federal policy change will help strengthen the early care and education system by making child care more affordable for families and giving them more options, and by making it easier for child care providers to get paid for their hard work. These are the kinds of positive changes that ACS and its clients fight for on behalf of young children and families around the country.
 
The OCC is hosting webinars on March 7, 2024, to explain the final rule and its impact on Tribal CCDF programs, with recorded sessions available for those unable to attend. Visit the OCC Resource page for more information. 

More than 48,600 18-year-olds are registered to vote in Ohio, a 35% increase

In Ohio, the upcoming 2024 elections—including the presidential race, U.S. Senate race, and other key contestshave contributed to heightened interest amongst the state’s young voters. Voter registration in Ohio has surged, with more than 48,600 18-year-olds registered as of January 6, 2024. But despite this progress, more than 100,000 18-year-olds remain unregistered. Read this article by the Ohio Capital Journal to learn more about the efforts underway to promote voter engagement and registration initiatives with Ohio’s youth.

Two-Thirds of Teachers Censor Themselves Even When They Don’t Have To

In the article, Two-Thirds of Teachers Censor Themselves Even When They Don’t Have To, a new study by the RAND Corp. reveals that two-thirds of U.S. teachers limit discussions on political and social issues in their classrooms, even in areas where there are no legal prohibitions. This self-censorship is driven by concerns about potential parental backlash, with the study highlighting a “spillover effect” causing educators to censor themselves even in communities historically supportive of such discussions.
 
On behalf of our K-12 clients, ACS has and will continue to monitor and push back on legislation that seeks to undermine instructional best practiceswhich must include educators being able to encourage classroom discussion grounded in building critical thinking skill development.

Democracy should not be taken for granted

The United States, and many other places around the world, has experienced challenges to its Democratic Values of Liberty, Equality, and Justice. But Poland portrays a different story, where voters — especially young voters —  have rebelled against a punishing religious nationalism at the polls to demand the restoration of their rights. This piece from the New York Times discusses the similarities Poland and the U. S. have faced and, given Poland’s recent political development, Democratic Values are resilient and can hold their ground. In What to Watch 2024 – Part 2, ACS breaks down how despite the threat of destabilization, democracies can adjust and respond accordingly.

The United States’ Gap in Election Rights

The United States’ Gap in Election Rights

Despite the United States’ perception as a beacon of democracy around the world, the U.S. Constitution possesses no affirmative right to vote. With a constitution void of statements providing the right to vote to every citizen, the United States braces for yet another contentious and contested election cycle in 2024. This Opinion piece from the New York Times discusses how the U.S. created this perplexing problem for itself as the nation’s history led to a distancing in election rights compared to other advanced democracies and what this now means for the recently unpopular Supreme Court. In What to Watch 2024 – Part 1, ACS breaks down how threats to democracy, such as the limited extension of voting rights, impact the functions of a stable democratic system.

Addressing rising child care costs is essential for fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy

Addressing rising child care costs is essential for fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy

Rising childcare costs in Ohio – comparable to college tuition – are straining the state’s system, leading to economic challenges, with parents facing work disruptions or leaving jobs due to high expenses. This article from Crain’s Cleveland Business examines the challenges faced by childcare providers include staffing shortages and financial constraints; the importance of treating childcare as essential infrastructure; and how companies, like The J.M. Smucker Co., are showing the positive impact of prioritizing childcare benefits and the need for government to address the underlying challenges in the childcare system.

ACS is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024!

ACS is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024! For 20 years we’ve helped our clients in nonprofits, for-profits, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations large and small all over the country successfully advance their missions through communication, advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement strategies. From early learning to K-12 education, Medicaid, workforce, and a host of health and human services matters – the breadth and depth of these partnerships are worth a year of celebration with you. So stay close for more exciting news!

 

Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC Recognized in International Business Awards

Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC Recognized in International Business Awards

For the sixth year in a row, Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC (ACS) was selected out of more than 3,700 nominations to receive a Stevie® Award, earning a Bronze in the Company of the Year in Small Business or Professional Services in The 20th Annual International Business Awards®.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2023 IBAs received entries from organizations in 61 nations and territories.

The judges noted that “ACS is a leader in transformational services for consultancy and advocacy. They have a fantastic track record demonstrating their social impact and long-term milestones. Their work is needed and appreciated for early education and their dedication to a prosperous future. ACS investment in time and services result in resiliency in communities.”

ACS, an Ohio-based minority and women-owned firm that has been in business for almost 20 years, received the award for its work in helping non-profit organizations, government agencies, philanthropic organizations and for-profit companies advocate for policy change and communicate effectively with audiences who have the power to effect change. ACS previously won the Bronze Company of the Year Stevie® Women in Business Award in 2018, 2019, and 2020 and the Silver Stevie® Award in the Company of the Year in Small Business or Professional Services in 2021 and 2022.