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OHIO NEWS
Lawrence job, family services sees budget cuts, less funding
IRONTON -- At the same time more people are requesting services, the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services is seeing budget cuts and less money coming from the state.
"The poorest people are being further disadvantaged," Gene Myers, director of the county department of job and family services, said Thursday during a Lawrence County Board of Commissioners meeting in Ironton. "We've seen an 18 percent increase request for services in the past two years while receiving 22 percent less money."
"I'm being told to do more with less, but right now we can only do less with less," Myers said. "There's been in influx of requests for food stamps and Medicaid."
About 31.6 percent of county residents receive some type of service from the department, he said. Nearly one in four county residents receive food stamps, he said. Additional budget cuts could be coming in the next two-year budget being reviewed in Columbus.
In other action, Commissioner Doug Malone recommended any local group requesting a tax levy should first get petitions of support for it.
"I think it's a good idea," said Commissioner Jason Stephens. The board will consider the issue next week.
