More people died in Ohio from an opioid overdose than any other state in the country in 2014, according to the latest national numbers from the Kaiser Family Foundation. It’s a dilemma law enforcement, faith groups and other community leaders are all trying to get a grip on. Statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports they’re hoping sharing as many ideas as possible can be the first step in winning the fight against this epidemic.
Hearings continue on Gov. John Kasich’s budget, and some Democratic state lawmakers say they plan to fight the proposed tax reforms Kasich has outlined. And the liberal-leaning Policy Matters Ohio has released a breakdown of Kasich’s proposal on different groups, saying it shows most low- and middle-income Ohioans won't benefit like the highest earners will.
The governor’s budget includes a plan to change how businesses file their net profits taxes. Tax commissioner Joe Testa says it would streamline the process for businesses working in more than one municipality, which most do. But Kent Scarrett with the Ohio Municipal League says it's unnecessary, cumbersome and may even cost some communities money.
A book released on Valentine’s Day is a bit of a bittersweet love letter from its author to its subject – his hometown, Lancaster. And the story it tells has been heard in towns all over Ohio and across the country - how the loss of a major employer through a series of outside actions devastated the community. And some, like Lancaster, have worked for decades to try to bring that economic stability and security back.