Group given more time

 

COLUMBUS (AP) — A state panel studying Ohioans’ reliance on public assistance programs is getting extra time to come up with its recommendations for tackling the issue.

The workgroup’s chairman, Tim McCartney, said Monday that Gov. John Kasich’s administration has granted it an extension until April 15. The report had been due Tuesday.

McCartney, who is chief operating officer of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, says the group wanted time to consider feedback from advocates and others.

The workgroup of county officials was created last year as lawmakers seek ways to do more to move people out of poverty and off programs such as food stamps and cash assistance.