YWCA Columbus is deeply disappointed and alarmed with the Senate’s proposed budget, which was released this week to the public. We have been working with our legislators in both chambers to secure funding for a shared budget ask across 13 YWCAs in Ohio that provide essential human services throughout the state. This funding, shared amongst this council of Ohio YWCAs, would support: 

• Domestic violence prevention and support for victims of domestic violence; 
• Trauma-informed services for domestic violence survivors; and 
• Youth development programming focused on social-emotional learning and bullying prevention, as well as increased outreach for families in need of services 

In addition to the alarming cuts to our appropriations, we are concerned about the significant cuts to childcare, maternal and infant health, and fighting the mental health crisis impacting our youth. Altogether, these cuts add up to over half a billion dollars – primarily affecting Ohio children – making it even more challenging for providers to serve low-income families and provide high-quality care. At a time when the cost of living is soaring, the housing crisis is expanding, and the childcare crisis is destabilizing families, the Senate’s proposed budget does not meet the needs of the people.  

Call your senator TODAY to let them know that they must restore funding for Ohio’s children so that YWCA Columbus and other human service providers can support and protect the growing needs of families across the state.