New state budget includes funding for affordable housing, one of the social drivers of health

Ohio's latest biennial budget, which was signed into law earlier this month by Gov. Mike DeWine, includes new affordable housing initiatives, including $100 million for a state tax credit program to help finance 4,000 rental units and tax credits for single-family housing (Source: “Ohio budget provides first 'comprehensive housing policy.' Here's what's in it” Columbus Dispatch, July 20).

"It's the first time the state has had a comprehensive housing policy like this," said Dan Tierney, spokesman for Gov. Mike DeWine, who proposed the $100 million for the tax credit, which the House had boosted to $500 million before the legislature scaled it back.

State legislators also decided to save the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, which determines what developers receive federal low-income housing tax credits and now will make decisions on the state credits.

HPIO recently released an action guide that highlights policy options for improving housing, one of the social drivers of infant mortality in Ohio. The action guide is based on recommendations from HPIO’s report Social Drivers of Infant Mortality: Recommendations for Action and Accountability in Ohio.