A bipartisan group of more than 30 state lawmakers is backing a pair of new Statehouse bills that would make it mandatory for insurance companies to provide coverage for autism treatment. Thirty-two states — including every state in the Midwest, except Ohio — have laws requiring insurance companies to provide diagnostic and therapy services for […]
State Says New Consumer Guides Make Insurance Easy
October 12, 2012 by
Lieutenant Governor and Insurance Director Mary Taylor has announced the Ohio Department of Insurance has unveiled new consumer guides that explain insurance in a simple-fashion and said they should be a trusted companion to help Ohioans make confident, smart insurance coverage decisions for themselves and their family. “One of the top priorities of the Department […]
State Reports Jump in Unclaimed Funds Being Returned
October 10, 2012 by
The Division of Unclaimed Funds is reuniting Ohioans with their lost treasure. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division paid 58,953 claims, a 27.5% increase over the prior fiscal year. The Division returned $61.1 million in FY 2012, a .3% increase over the prior fiscal year. The average paid claim was $1,037. “Through aggressive outreach, the […]
State Agency Offers Lowest Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates in Their History
October 8, 2012 by
On Friday, October 5, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) announced the lowest fixed mortgage interest rates in the Agency’s history for its First-Time Homebuyer Program. “The new rates put first-time homebuyers in an even better position to purchase a home with affordable and secure financing,” said Doug Garver, Executive Director of the Agency. “OHFA […]
October is Energy Awareness Month
October 5, 2012 by
The Ohio Development Services Agency and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio have partnered to increase awareness of energy efficiency during Energy Awareness month. Throughout October, the agencies will provide tips on reducing energy costs as well as more information on energy assistance programs. “As we recognize Energy Awareness month, we encourage all Ohioans to […]
Ohio Minimum Wage Going Up 15 Cents
October 1, 2012 by
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase on January 1, 2013 to $7.85 per hour for non-tipped employees and to $3.93 per hour for tipped employees, plus tips. The 2012 Ohio minimum wage is $7.70 per hour for non-tipped employees and $3.85 for tipped employees, plus tips. On January 1, 2013, the increased minimum wage […]
LWVM Offers “Doubleheader” Open Forum to Discuss 2 Fall Election Issues
September 18, 2012 by
On Wednesday, September 19 at Tri-Rivers auditorium, Marion League of Women Voters will hold a “Got questions? Come get answers!” meeting for residents that will address two election year topics: State Issue 2, the Redistricting Reform Amendment and the Health Care Reform’s “Affordable Care Act” (ACA). The open forum will begin at 6:00 p.m. with […]
Foster Youth Offered Help With Credit Report Errors
September 18, 2012 by
Attorney General Mike DeWine recently sent letters to the state’s public children services agencies offering help in meeting a new federal mandate requiring youth at least 16 years old and within the foster system to have their credit checked. The mandate also requires the clearance of any errors found on their credit report. “Unfortunately, foster […]
Lawmakers Approve Changes to Ohio Public Pension Programs
September 13, 2012 by
Beginning in January, many Ohio public workers will face increased pension contribution rates and higher retirement-age requirements — changes included in a package of public pension reforms Ohio lawmakers approved Wednesday with bipartisan support. The pension reform legislation — a package of five bills, one for each retirement system — is headed to Gov. John […]
Marion Matters Workshops Focus on Breaking the Poverty Cycle
August 29, 2012 by
Marion Matters is working to help local residents pull themselves out of a cycle of poverty and move ahead in their lives with a more confident financial outlook. To provide an understanding of the issues surrounding poverty, as well as to train new volunteers, Marion Matters will host a “Basic” Bridges Out of Poverty session […]
