Catholic Conference of Ohio

The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of Senate Bill 30 (R-Blessing and D-Ingram), requiring retail merchants to give customers the option to pay cash. The CCO testified, “The indigent, the pennywise laborer, or the retiree who knows all too well the caprice of wealth exchanged or generated virtually –– these and many other Ohioans conduct their transactions by cash. SB 30 protects their place in our society. This bill will also help Christians and others of good will to give to God what is God’s, ensuring that an act of charity for the hungry in the form of a few dollars is not rendered useless in a market designed for expediency, not humanity.”

Click “Read more” for the full testimony.

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio issued a signed statement urging lawmakers to include the child tax credit from the Executive Budget in the final version of the FY 2026-2027 State Operating Budget. The Executive Budget included a refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of seven, but it was removed in the House version. CCO has long advocated for the creation of a refundable child tax credit as “a hallmark of pro-family public policy, as reflected in their broad, bipartisan support at the federal level.”

Click “Read more” for the full statement.

Ohio Senators are actively reviewing the State’s Operating Budget, as passed by the House. Now is the time to ask Senators to provide students living in high-poverty areas with the support they need to flourish, regardless of what school they attend.

Catholic schools have historically welcomed students of all backgrounds, with a special focus on those facing economic challenges. Ask your Senator to expand support for these students by extending Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) to chartered nonpublic school students living in high-poverty areas. DPIA provides economically disadvantaged students with reading and math intervention, mental health support, and safety upgrades.

Click Here to Send Your Senator a Note >

The Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 54, which was amended to modify certain capital appropriations and reappropriations. The final version of the bill includes $750,000 for St. Vincent de Paul Social Services Emergency Shelter for Men. Special thanks to Senator Stephen A. Huffman (R-Tipp City) and House Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) for supporting the funding and addressing the need for these essential services. SB 54 now goes to the desk of Governor DeWine.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified this week in support of Senate Bill 159, which would authorize a tax credit for donations made to pregnancy resource centers. Studies in Ohio have shown that black women and women of low socio-economic status are more likely to visit a pregnancy resource center. Given the plight of maternal health outcomes in Ohio by race and class, it is obvious that pregnancy resource centers are invaluable institutions serving women most in need. SB 159 would encourage directing funds to organizations whose efforts to support women with material resources, counseling, and personal accompaniment are a heroic witness to the dignity of women and their preborn children.  

Click "Read more" for the full testimony.

On Wednesday, May 3, the Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of HB7, the Strong Foundations Act which would support mothers and babies to address maternal and infant mortality and improve health and developmental outcomes. CCO stressed the importance of the family as the foundation of society and the Church’s commitment to solidarity with the marginalized which this bill upholds. Reference was also made to the Catholic Charities and programs like Walking with Moms in Need in which the Church accompanies and supports women, children, and families.  

Also, on Thursday, May 4, both CCO and Frank O’Linn, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cleveland, testified to support increased funding for scholarship programs at the Ohio Senate Education Committee hearing for House Bill 33 as the Senate considers its version of the budget. They also emphasized their support for universal school choice in SB11, which would expand eligibility for Educational Choice scholarships.

(Click Read More for Testimony Quotes) 

The USCCB recently issued their annual reflection on the world of work and the importance of upholding the dignity of all laborers. In the reflection, Archbishop Coakley reiterated support for improved public policy to support working families, such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Join us in Ohio by advocating for state policies that are pro-women, pro-family, and pro-worker. This unique time calls us to witness emphatically for authentic, life-affirming social policies. 

Read the full statement HERE.

With approval from federal agencies, Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in Ohio increases from 60 days to a full year – the maximum allowable by federal law. The Conference commends the General Assembly and the DeWine Administration for enacting this measure in the current state budget under HB 110. According to Catholic Social Teaching, legislation and budget priorities promoting a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, including mothers and babies, is essential for a flourishing society. The Catholic Conference of Ohio continues advocacy for initiatives that allow all Ohioans to thrive and contribute to the common good, regardless of their income level or stage of life.

According to Catholic teaching, the family is "the most basic form of human community," and therefore is "intimately linked" to the long-term future of our nation. The Child Tax Credit is an economic and social policy that supports the strength and stability of family life. Last year, more than 36 million families received a monthly payment through the expanded Child Tax Credit program to help make ends meet. Join us in asking Congress to continue the Child Tax Credit so that our economic and social policies reflect our desire to promote the family.

The call from Pope Francis to address the cry of the earth through sustainable climate investment requires our action. Join us in supporting tax incentives to support existing and emerging technologies in clean energy, resilience investments focused on protecting low-income and minority communities, and incentives to decarbonize the economy. 

See more information and contact your federal officials HERE. The Catholic Conference of Ohio advocates for more support for Ohio families and policies to promote care for our common home. 

During Poverty Awareness Month, we are called to take up the challenge to live in solidarity with the poor. Over 13% of Ohioans live in poverty, slightly above the national average. We thank our Catholic Charities agencies, healthcare services, and parish ministries across Ohio for their tireless work to reach out to those suffering from poverty, especially during the ongoing pandemic. Learn more about the Church’s response to poverty and our promotion of integral human development here.