May 2026 – OOTF Signs Letter Opposing HR 8095 (Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026)
The Coalition on Human Needs, Committee for Education Funding, Coalition for Health Funding, and Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce drafted a letter to congressional appropriations leaders urging them to provide a robust FY 2027 allocation for the Labor–HHS–Education Subcommittee. The letter calls on Congress to reject the Administration’s proposed cuts and instead reverse recent reductions so these vital programs can meet the needs of families, communities, and local economies. OOTF signed on to this letter in oppositions to the cuts.
Apr. 2026 – OOTF Signs Letter Opposing HR 8095 (Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026)
American Academy of Pediatrics circulated a sign-on letter opposing HR 8095, which would weaken Family First’s protections for children through changes to the Medicaid Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion. We instead urge policymakers to use this opportunity to invest in community-based trauma-informed mental health services to ensure young people receive the appropriate care they need in the least restrictive environment. OOTF signed on to this letter in opposition to the bill.
Apr. 2026 – OOTF Submits Comments Opposing HUD’s Work Requirements and Time Limits Proposed Rule
HUD issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on March 2, 2026 that would allow public housing agencies and HUD-assisted owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted families. If implemented, such policies will lead to more families and children experiencing eviction and homelessness, with people of color at greater risk. OOTF was added to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s sign on-comment opposing these policies.
Additionally, OOTF submitted its own letter to HUD, stating, “Additionally, although people with disabilities are purportedly exempted from the proposed rule, OOTF is rightfully concerned that the onus of proving one’s disability will be placed on the individual with the disability. When the burden shifts to the individual to prove their disability, there is inherent risk for something going wrong and the person’s “so-called” exemption being lost. While we strenuously oppose work requirements, if such requirements are imposed, we advocate for an automatic exemption for people with disabilities”
Apr. 2026 – OOTF Submits Comments on OHFA’s Design and Architecture Standards
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) held stakeholder engagement sessions for its 2027 Design and Architectural Standards (DAS) Update. The DAS establish mandatory quality, durability, accessibility, and amenity requirements that apply to all Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) rental affordable housing projects. OOTF Housing Workgroup members attended these sessions and also submitted recommendations in writing to OHFA, which can be read below.
Dec. 2025 – OOTF Writes to North Central Area Transit, Regarding Loss of Transportation Services
North Central Area Transit (NCAT) announced it is stopping services in Huron County in January 2026, which means the loss of paratransit and other transportation services that are often the only options for people with disabilities. OOTF leadership was interviewed on this matter and our letter was published in the Norwalk Reflector.
“Transportation is a significant barrier for folks with disabilities and many rely on public transportation, paratransit and other accessible modes of transportation to go to medical appointments, places of employment, community activities, other social events and provide public feedback…People with disabilities have the right to access their community just as their peers without disabilities.
OOTF urges NCAT and Huron County to reconsider the decision to remove paratransit services without the supports to institute a similar system for the individuals who utilize that service.”
Nov. 2025 – OOTF Provides Testimony on OH HB450, Regarding Accessible Parking Policy
HB450 seeks to permit any pregnant person to use ADA accessible parking spots, regardless of whether they have a disability. OOTF opposes current language in HB450 noting the most pressing concerns with this legislation: decreasing accessible spots to increase expectant mother parking; limiting community access for people with disabilities; and the possible violation of federal and/or state law. Read our testimony in full below.
Ohio Olmstead Task Force 