April, 2021
POLICY UPDATES
What’s Next for HWAP?
The rumor mill has been rampant with discussions of a major increase in HWAP funding by Congress. On April 22nd, Biden announced a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

The American Jobs Plan, a proposed $2.7 trillion stimulus and climate change package, is being designed to meet this goal. For several weeks various elements of the legislation have been floated, including a nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure; traditional infrastructure spending such as upgrading bridges, roads, and airports; and non-traditional concepts of infrastructure such as expanded child care.
PUCO Issues Final Credit and Disconnection Rules

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has issued the final credit and disconnection rules, which include rules covering the natural gas Percentage Income Payment Plan (PIPP).

The Commission accepted several of OPAE’s recommendations, but refused to address concerns regarding the requirements to make up missed PIPP payments before re-enrolling in the Program. Probably the biggest change is reducing the percentage payment from 6 percent to 5 percent. The Ohio Development Services Agency has not yet issued final rules for electric PIPP.
PUCO Issues Final Credit and Disconnection Rules

FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the start date of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org. 

MEMBER NEWS & RESOURCES
"Dialogue with Dave" featuring with Bill Faith of Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
In this episode of "Dialogue with Dave" we sat down with Bill Faith, Executive Director of Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. Bill discussed how his organization responded to the pandemic, and how they are responding now.
When is a Bike Shop More Than a Bike Shop?
When said bike shop is Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) Bike Shop. The “call-it-what-it-is” name for the retail location is about as understated as the impacts the LCCAA Bike Shop realizes. You see, the LCCAA Bike Shop is part of a development program for underserved youth in the community where restoring and selling bikes is simply a tactic to a larger strategy.
OPAE sat down with Joshua Smith, LCCAA Youth Director, to learn more about the LCCAA Bike Shop and what its true purpose really is.
OPAE Shares featuring Ramond Johnson
Ramond Johnson, lead energy specialist at Gallia Meigs Community Action, presents his strategies for working with clients in their homes.
Do you have something to share, inform or teach? OPAE Shares is a new program for members to share best practices with other members of OPAE!

Submit your presentation ideas for our March session.
Client "Thank You's" - Ashtabula County Community Action Agency
Do you have letters of appreciation, case studies, or other examples that showcase your agency's impact in your community?

Submit them and we will feature them in future newsletters.
Members in the News

  • OPAE members Ross County Community Action and Jackson-Vinton Community Action, Inc. will be collaborating with Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission and other partners to address substance abuse. READ MORE >>>

  • Highland County Community Action Organization, Inc. - McClain students’ vision for recycling program leads to 2021 Recycling Incentive Grant READ MORE >>>

  • Lorain County Community Action Agency - Lorain youth bike shop gears up for cycling season READ MORE >>>

  •  Trumbull Community Action Program - TCAP director finds time to lead community choir READ MORE >>>

  • Community Action Commission of Fayette County - CAC to host local rally for students READ MORE >>>