On May 30, 2025, the Ohio Senate Finance Committee convened to discuss critical funding issues impacting family stability and autism services in the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of restoring the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant earmarked for the Seamer Institute, which plays a vital role in supporting family stability programs across Ohio.

A representative from the Seamer Institute emphasized the transformative impact of TANF funding since its inception in 2019. The funding has allowed programs in major cities like Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati to serve over 13,000 families and more than 33,000 children. The speaker noted that the initial investment of $7 million has effectively doubled through private matching funds, resulting in nearly $16 million in total funding. This financial support has been crucial in preventing school disruptions for children, with a reported 98 percent success rate in avoiding moves that could lead to educational setbacks.

The representative urged the Senate to restore the TANF earmark to $1.5 million per fiscal year, arguing that continued investment in family stability not only benefits the families served but also reduces future costs associated with more intensive interventions. The data presented underscored the program's effectiveness in maintaining stable housing and improving educational outcomes for children.

In a separate discussion, Anthony Brownell, a behavior analyst and advocate for autism services, addressed the challenges faced by families seeking access to behavioral health care in Ohio. He highlighted the inadequacies in both commercial and Medicaid insurance networks, which have led many families to relocate to neighboring states for better access to services. Brownell called for support of amendments to the Ohio Autism Insurance Coalition's Medicaid provisions, which aim to improve access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy without imposing additional fiscal burdens on the state budget.

He pointed out that only 8 percent of Medicaid-eligible children with autism currently receive ABA therapy, despite it being the most prescribed treatment. Brownell urged the committee to remove existing caps on age, hours, and visits for ABA therapy to align with federal mental health parity laws, thereby ensuring that families can access necessary services without the threat of relocation.

The discussions during this meeting reflect ongoing efforts to address critical social issues in Ohio, particularly the need for stable family environments and adequate healthcare access for children with autism. As the committee considers these requests, the outcomes could significantly influence the support available to vulnerable populations across the state.