Athens County Leader Criticizes State Budget Plan

The head of the Athens County Job and Family Services agency says Governor John Kasich's decision to expand Medicaid is only part of what's needed.Jack Frech says Kasich's budget plan cuts 191 million dollars in block grants for the needy and would result in additional families being removed from cash assistance and food stamp programs.  An Ohio Department of Job and Family Services spokesperson says the budget is down because caseloads have declined. He said spending is up in other areas, including work-related assistance. The state says nearly half of Ohio's poor children live in extreme poverty, and 20 percent of food stamp recipients have no cash income.