Buckeye residents aren’t imagining things when the economic recovery that is said to be happening across the country seems to be being left behind by our economic woes. The Association of Action Agencies reports that Ohio’s poverty rate is 12.7%. This is 0.8% higher than the national average. And that trend has been consistent over the past five years.
“Our approach this year was to look at[employment, childcare, student loan debt, housing]and how they relate to each other.” Tina Kassebaum, project director at Strategy Research Group, told WYSO-FM, which is run by Antioch College in the Dayton suburb of Yellow Springs. “Because poverty is rarely the result of a single problem. It has become difficult and complicated.”
There is hope that Ohio may see some improvement as a result of Intel’s new semiconductor facility. But it is right in the heart of the state. Appalachian Ohio may get some benefits, but it’s only a dent.
“We need to make sure these opportunities are open to all of Ohio and all income groups. When that happens, we will see real improvements for our citizens and economy.” OACAA executive director Philip Cole told WYSO:
And to ensure that our education system gives our children a quality start and prepares them for the jobs ahead. If so, cut their work short. But if they remember that they are working for us, not themselves, they will choose to get it done.
