Catherine Candisky
Columbus
recovering journalist
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Articles by Catherine Candisky
Foster care crisis forcing kids to sleep in offices (Part 3)
By Catherine Candisky Editor’s Note: This story is one in a series of three about the foster care crisis in Ohio. “It’s sad to me that we’re accepting this as the new normal, that it’s fine for kids to have to sit in a government agency until we find some placement whether appropriate or not for this kid.” Ohio is among nine states where child-welfare services are administered by counties and overseen by the state.
Foster care crisis forcing kids to sleep in offices (Part 2)
By Catherine Candisky Editor’s Note: This story is one in a series of three about the foster care crisis in Ohio. Last spring, a teen spent a month in Cleveland’s University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. The youth was ready to be discharged, but the mother, working with child welfare officials, was not able to find a treatment facility and refused to pick up the youth until she could secure a safe option.
Foster care crisis forcing hundreds of kids to sleep in offices (Part 1)
By Catherine Candisky Editor’s Note: This story is one in a series of three about the foster care crisis in Ohio. COLUMBUS – Twice in the last year, Zoey, a 16-year-old in foster care, had to spend the night in the Franklin County Children Services office. She had nowhere else to go. “It was bad,” recalled the soft-spoken Zoey, a stuffed bunny clutched under her arm. “It wasn’t scary.
Foster care crisis forcing hundreds of kids to sleep in offices as officials seek solutions
COLUMBUS – Twice in the last year, Zoey, a 16-year-old in foster care, had to spend the night in the Franklin County Children Services office. She had nowhere else to go. kAm“xE H2D 325[” C642==65 E96 D@7E\DA@<6? +@6J[ 2 DEF7765 3F??J 4=FE4965 F?56C 96C 2C>] “xE H2D?’E D42CJ] xE H2D ;FDE F?4@>7@CE23=6]”k^Am kAm+@6J[ H9@ 2D<65 E@ 36 :56?E:7:65 3J @?=J 96C 7:CDE ?2>6[ 2E6 42??65 C2G:@=: 2?5 42>A65 @FE @? 2 D@72 :? 2 H:?5@H=6DD G:D:E2E:@?
Ohio's proposed state-run pharmacy benefit manager plan draws skepticism
After years of being out-maneuvered by pharmacy benefit managers, Ohio is on the cusp of a revolutionary approach to rein in the middlemen in the prescription drug supply chain for the state's 3 million poorest and disabled people.
Ohio's proposed state-run pharmacy benefit manager plan draws skepticism
After years of being out-maneuvered by pharmacy benefit managers, Ohio is on the cusp of a revolutionary approach to rein in the middlemen in the prescription drug supply chain for the state's 3 million poorest and disabled people.
Educators urge Ohio lawmakers to reconsider eligibility changes to tuition voucher program
The overhaul of Ohio’s tax-funded tuition voucher program last week by majority Republican lawmakers did little to appease critics' complaints that the program diverts local tax dollars away from public school students and sends them to private schools. In a letter to Gov.
One huge drug contract for all state, local employees could save big bucks, panel says Original
A state panel of government, business and consumer advocates on Monday released sweeping recommendations aimed at reducing consumer drug prices, saving tax dollars and ensuring that Ohioans have access to the medications they need.
Panel recommendations aim to help more foster children find permanent homes
A group reviewing ways to improve Ohio’s children services system on Friday released 37 recommendations to help more foster children find permanent homes and make other reforms to the child welfare system. The Children Services Transformation Advisory Council, created a year ago by Gov.
Ohio's faulty Medicaid eligibility system costing taxpayers hundreds of millions
For the second time this week, a review has revealed widespread problems with Ohio's $1.2 billion online system for determining eligibility for Medicaid. The faulty and complex system, state Auditor Keith Faber said, is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions in erroneous payments. "As one of Ohio's largest budget items, with annual spending in excess of $27 billion, any inefficiencies in the Medicaid system can quickly run up a large tab," Faber said.
Ohio Senate approves school voucher plan; bills to loosen gun training and lift fair ban
The Republican-controlled Ohio Senate on Wednesday approved a new system for awarding tax-funded vouchers for private school tuition in hopes of avoiding more confusion over who qualifies for assistance. The Senate voted 23 to 8 along party lines to accept the compromise on Senate Bill 89 reached by a joint conference committee just days before enrollment opens on Dec. 1 for the next school year. The agreement still must be approved by the House.
Ohio Senate approves school voucher plan; bills to loosen gun training and lift fair ban
The Republican-controlled Ohio House and Senate approved a compromise plan to change eligibility requirements for the state's tax-funded vouchers program for private school tuition. Supporters say the move will avoid more confusion over which students are eligible for assistance and avoid a massive expansion of qualified schools.
No dancing, no socializing in large gatherings as coronavirus cases soar
With new coronavirus cases going through the roof and Gov. Mike DeWine considering new closures, the Ohio Department of Health is clamping down on wedding receptions, funerals and other mass gatherings where people tend to have close contact. The new order signed by Interim Health Department Director Lance Himes goes into effect Tuesday. It bans dancing, walk-up bars, buffets and any sort of socializing in open congregate areas.
Why do some Ohioans find it hard to get Medicaid? Survey says it's a glitchy online form
The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has devastated many Ohio families, causing thousands to rely on tax-funded benefits such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and cash assistance. A new survey by the Cleveland-based Center for Community Solutions found that Ohio Benefits, the more than $1 billion eligibility system to process applications and manage benefits, isn’t up for the job and is frustrating for those seeking help.
Why do some Ohioans find it hard to get Medicaid? Survey says it's a glitchy online form
The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has devastated many Ohio families, causing thousands to rely on tax-funded benefits such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and cash assistance. A new survey by the Cleveland-based Center for Community Solutions found that Ohio Benefits, the more than $1 billion eligibility system to process applications and manage benefits, isn’t up for the job and is frustrating for those seeking help.
Why do some Ohioans find it hard to get Medicaid? Survey says it's a glitchy online form
The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has devastated many Ohio families, causing thousands to rely on tax-funded benefits such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and cash assistance. A new survey by the Cleveland-based Center for Community Solutions found that Ohio Benefits, the more than $1 billion eligibility system to process applications and manage benefits, isn’t up for the job and is frustrating for those seeking help.
Former ECOT treasurer could help state recover millions from school's founder Bill Lager
The former treasurer of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow has agreed to help the state in a lawsuit to recover millions in tax dollars from the online charter school's founder Bill Lager. Attorney General Dave Yost asked Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook to approve a settlement with former ECOT treasurer Michele Smith, according to a motion recently filed with the court.
Portman holds off congratulating Biden, urges vote count, legal challenges be completed Original
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman issued his first statement on the presidential election on Tuesday,, acknowledging that Democrat President-elect Joe Biden was leading while supporting President Donald Trump’s right to contest the results. The Ohio Republican held off congratulating Biden, who won the election on Saturday when he clinched Pennsylvania to exceed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House.
Where are the kindergartners? COVID causing enrollment drop in Columbus-area schools
They registered him for kindergarten with months to spare. Academically, and socially, they knew he was ready for school. But as a family, they soon realized they weren't ready for the risks that could come with it, said Amanda Talicska, 34. As COVID-19 cases ballooned in central Ohio during summer, Talicska and her husband, Andy, ultimately decided it just wasn't the right time to enroll their 5-year-old son, August, in the Gahanna-Jefferson school district.
DeWine acknowledges President Trump's challenge of election results Original
Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday congratulated President-elect Joe Biden while acknowledging that President Donald Trump is contesting the results. The Ohio Republican issued a brief statement: “I congratulate Vice-President Biden" DeWine said. "It would appear that President Trump's legal team will be filing legal actions.
Lawmakers pushing revamped plan to overhaul Ohio's school-funding formula by end of year Original
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers on Friday unveiled a complex and long-sought overhaul of the Ohio's school-funding system that would provide another $1.6 billion a year — about a 24% increase — to local districts when fully implemented.
Ohio Medicaid requesting bids for pharmacy administrator to help clean up the PBM mess
The Ohio Department of Medicaid on Thursday started the process of hiring a private administrator to oversee its $3 billion pharmacy benefit program. The department requested proposals for a pharmacy operational support vendor to help design its program and provide financial oversight once it's up and running. Medicaid created the new post as part of a broader overhaul of its managed care program.
Ohio Medicaid caseload soars due to COVID-19, but now program faces budget gap of billions
Medicaid caseloads have surged during the coronavirus pandemic, topping 3 million this year, up 9%, from last year. But as needs intensify, declining state revenues and a projected budget shortfall will challenge the $23 billion health care program for poor and disabled Ohioans, Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran said during a virtual post-election conference Thursday. "We are looking at several-billion-dollar shortfall in this current fiscal year," Corcoran said.
Ohio Medicaid requesting bids for pharmacy administrator to help clean up the PBM mess
The Ohio Department of Medicaid on Thursday started the process of hiring a private administrator to oversee its $3 billion pharmacy benefit program. The department requested proposals for a pharmacy operational support vendor to help design its program and provide financial oversight once it's up and running. Medicaid created the new post as part of a broader overhaul of its managed care program.
Ohio Medicaid caseload soars due to COVID-19, but now program faces budget gap of billions
Medicaid caseloads have surged during the coronavirus pandemic, topping 3 million this year, up 9%, from last year. But as needs intensify, declining state revenue and a projected budget shortfall will challenge the $23 billion health-care program for poor and disabled Ohioans, Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran said during a virtual post-election conference Thursday. "We are looking at several-billion-dollar shortfall in this current fiscal year," Corcoran said.
Ohio Medicaid caseload soars due to COVID-19, but now program faces budget gap of billions
Medicaid caseloads have surged during the coronavirus pandemic, topping 3 million this year, up 9%, from last year. But as needs intensify, declining state revenue and a projected budget shortfall will challenge the $23 billion health-care program for poor and disabled Ohioans, Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran said during a virtual post-election conference Thursday. "We are looking at several-billion-dollar shortfall in this current fiscal year," Corcoran said.
2 incumbents among 6 six elected to Ohio state school board
Voters elected six members to the state Board of Education on Tuesday, returning two of three incumbents and filling one of three open seats with a former state lawmaker, according to unofficial results from the Ohio Secretary of State. Three of the seats represent the central Ohio area. In the 6th district, Antoinette Miranda, interim chair of Ohio State's Department of Teaching and Learning and who lives in Columbus, won a second four-year term, defeating challenger Alice Nicks, of Galena.
Ohio trying to ease burden on parents forced to give up kids to get them needed health care
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Mark Butler, relinquishing custody of his 16-year-old son so he could get the behavioral health services the child so desperately needed was "the hardest thing I had to do in my life." kAmqFE qFE=6C 2?5 9:D H:76 C62==J 925 ?@ @AE:@?]k^Am kAm%96:C D@?[ H9@ 92D 2FE:D>[ H2D 92G:?8 G:@=6?E @FE3FCDED 2?5 >6?E2= 962=E9 :DDF6D E92E 4@F=5 ?@E 36 EC62E65 2E 9@>6] s@4E@CD D2:5 96 ?66565 E@ 36 :?
Ohio trying to ease burden on parents forced to give up kids to get them needed health care
COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Mark Butler, relinquishing custody of his 16-year-old son so he could get the behavioral health services the child so desperately needed was "the hardest thing I had to do in my life." But Butler and his wife really had no option. Their son, who has autism, was having violent outbursts and mental health issues that could not be treated at home. Doctors said he needed to be in a residential treatment center, services the family's private insurance would not cover.
Ohio trying to ease burden on parents forced to give up kids to get them needed health care
For Mark Butler, relinquishing custody of his 16-year-old son so he could get the behavioral health services the child so desperately needed was "the hardest thing I had to do in my life." But Butler and his wife really had no option. Their son, who has autism, was having violent outbursts and mental health issues that could not be treated at home. Doctors said he needed to be in a residential treatment center, services the family's private insurance would not cover.
Ohio forced to borrow more than $1.1 billion to pay unemployment benefits amid COVID-19
Ohio has been forced to borrow more than $1.1 billion from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits to jobless workers as the pandemic-triggered recession keeps unemployment highs. The Buckeye State is not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 20 states and the Virgin Islands together have borrowed $38.3 billion from a federal trust fund since the pandemic sent the economy into a tailspin. Ohio is one of six states to top $1 billion in loans.
Ohio forced to borrow more than $1.1 billion to pay unemployment benefits amid COVID-19 Original
Ohio has been forced to borrow more than $1.1 billion from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits to jobless workers as the pandemic-triggered recession keeps unemployment highs. The Buckeye State is not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 20 states and the Virgin Islands together have borrowed $38.3 billion from a federal trust fund since the pandemic sent the economy into a tailspin. Ohio is one of six states to top $1 billion in loans.
Ohio coronavirus cases continue to surge
Ohio set another daily record for reported COVID-19 cases on Saturday as the coronavirus continued to run rampant through the Buckeye State. The Ohio Department of Health reported 2,858 Ohioans tested positive, bringing the statewide total to 195,806. It was the ninth time in 10 days that the state reported more than 2,000 new positive tests. The statistics were included in the state’s daily update of coronavirus deaths, hospitalizations and cases.
Ohio sending more CARES Act funding to local cops, courts and prisons hurt by COVID-19
Local law enforcement and others in the criminal justice system hit hard financially by the coronavirus pandemic will be getting more federal aid, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday. In all, $4.6 million in grants will be distributed to 140 local law enforcement agencies, courts, victim service groups, probation and parole departments and prison facilities to offset costs stemming from the virus.
Ohio to send $429.5 million in relief to low-income families, small businesses, bars and restaurants
Low-income families, small businesses, bars, restaurants, hospitals, colleges, nonprofits and arts groups slammed by the coronavirus will be getting $429.5 million in federal relief, Gov. Mike DeWine announced at a news conference Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the governor announced an additional $4.6 million in grants for local law enforcement and others in the criminal justice system.
Ohio Democrats slam Trump administration ahead of Pence visit to Toledo airport today
Ohio Democrats slammed President Donald Trump's administration for failing to address the coronavirus, create the jobs he promised, and provide adequate relief for struggling workers and cities as Vice President Mike Pence was set to speak at his second rally in the state this week.
Ohio to send $429.5 million in relief to low-income families, small businesses, bars and restaurants
Low-income families, small businesses, bars, restaurants, hospitals, colleges, nonprofits and arts groups slammed by the coronavirus will be getting $429.5 million in federal relief, Gov. Mike DeWine announced at a news conference Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the governor announced an additional $4.6 million in grants for local law enforcement and others in the criminal justice system.
In toss-up Ohio, Black voters could tilt presidential race to Donald Trump or Joe Biden
With Ohio trending toward a toss-up in the final days of the presidential race, energized Black voters could tip the election in a traditional swing state that went red in 2016. Grass roots organizations and political campaigns say they have been courting Black voters, with some trying to harness the emotions that drove thousands to protest the police killings of George Floyd and others into action at the ballot box.
In toss-up Ohio, Black voters could tilt presidential election to Donald Trump or Joe Biden
With Ohio trending toward a toss-up in the final days of the presidential race, energized Black voters could tip the election in a traditional swing state that went red in 2016. Grass roots organizations and political campaigns say they have been courting Black voters, with some trying to harness the emotions that drove thousands to protest the police killings of George Floyd and others into action at the ballot box.
Despite state budget woes, lawmakers pushing to revamp Ohio school funding by end of 2020 Original
An ambitious plan to rocket a revamped school-funding plan through the Ohio legislature by the end of the year will be launched after Election Day. The House and Senate will hold hearings on fast-tracked companion bills at the same time. “We’ll be working simultaneously to move this as fast as we can,” said Sen. Vernon Sykes, an Akron Democrat who will sponsor the Senate version along with Republican Peggy Lehner of Kettering. Lawmakers are expected to return to Columbus after the Nov.
In toss-up Ohio, Black voters could tilt presidential election to Donald Trump or Joe Biden
With Ohio trending toward a toss-up in the final days of the presidential race, energized Black voters could tip the election in a traditional swing state that went red in 2016. Grass roots organizations and political campaigns say they have been courting Black voters, with some trying to harness the emotions that drove thousands to protest the police killings of George Floyd and others into action at the ballot box.
Ohio charter schools report higher Black student test scores, but critics say data skewed
A new report found many Ohio students attending charter schools had larger gains on achievement tests, better attendance and fewer disciplinary incidents compared to their peers enrolled in traditional public schools.
Ohio state school board has 6 of 11 elected seats up for grabs
Voters are electing six members of the state Board of Education this year, including the open seat representing much of central-eastern Ohio. The half-dozen seats are among the 11 elected positions on the board. Another eight members are appointed by the governor. The 19-member panel creates policy and makes recommendations for K-12 education, and hires the state superintendent. While members are elected in nonpartisan races, the board has been political at times.
National health leader warns Ohioans of 'second public health crisis' as kids go untreated Original
Children largely escaped the first wave of COVID, but they may be at the epicenter of a new health crisis stemming from the pandemic, a top national health official said Tuesday in Columbus. That's because the routine became rare during at least the first several months of the coronavirus outbreak: child vaccinations, wellness screenings, mental health care and dental visits — especially for low-income children.
Going home: Democrats gaining ground in affluent suburb west of Cleveland
Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series of stories we're calling Going Home, in which journalists from the USA TODAY Ohio network return to the communities where they grew up to share firsthand how the contentious 2020 election is playing out in various corners of this battleground state. BAY VILLAGE — The NASA rocket still stands beside the football field at Bay High School where I went to Friday night games with my friends to cheer on the Rockets. It looks smaller than I remember.
Ohio state school board has 6 of 11 elected seats up for grabs
Voters are electing six members of the state Board of Education this year, including three representing the central Ohio area. The half-dozen seats are among the 11 elected positions on the board. Another eight members are appointed by the governor. The 19-member panel creates policy and makes recommendations for K-12 education, and hires the state superintendent.
Ohio abortions drop to historic low, and both sides point to legislative restrictions
COLUMBUS The number of abortions in Ohio fell 2% in 2019, continuing a downward trend and dropping to its lowest level since the state began tracking them in 1976. According to a report released Thursday by the Ohio Department of Health, 20,102 abortions were performed in 2019, which is 323 fewer than the previous year. Over the past two decades Ohio has experienced a steady decline averaging about 960 abortions per year, the report said.
Ohio abortions drop to historic low, and both sides point to legislative restrictions
COLUMBUS The number of abortions in Ohio fell 2% in 2019, continuing a downward trend and dropping to its lowest level since the state began tracking them in 1976. According to a report released Thursday by the Ohio Department of Health, 20,102 abortions were performed in 2019, which is 323 fewer than the previous year. Over the past two decades, Ohio has experienced a steady decline in abortions, averaging about 960 abortions per year, the report said.
Ohio abortions drop to historic low and both sides point to legislative restrictions
The number of abortions in Ohio fell 2% in 2019, continuing a downward trend and dropping to its lowest level since the state began tracking in 1976. According to a report released Thursday by the Ohio Department of Health, 20,102 abortions were performed in 2019, 323 fewer than the previous year. Over the past two decades Ohio has experienced a steady decline averaging about 960 abortions per year, the report said.
Ohio abortions drop to historic low, and both sides point to legislative restrictions
The number of abortions in Ohio fell 2% in 2019, continuing a downward trend and dropping to its lowest level since the state began tracking in 1976. According to a report released Thursday by the Ohio Department of Health, 20,102 abortions were performed in 2019, 323 fewer than the previous year. Over the past two decades Ohio has experienced a steady decline averaging about 960 abortions per year, the report said.
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