COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's unemployment rate sits at 10.2 percent, forcing many families and individuals to apply for government assistance.
But for how long can state officials bear the burden while facing a record budget deficit?
State lawmakers face a projected $3 billion shortfall in the upcoming two-year budget. They have until July 1 to make tough cuts, including cuts to Medicaid and the TANF cash assistance program, each showing an increase in recipients from 2008.
Food stamp applications have increased as well.
Big changes are coming to Walter's IGA on Westerville Road, where customers are shopping more often with food stamp cards.
"Over the last year, I've seen that our food stamp usage in the store on (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards has been up at least 15 percent," said Jim Oberla, of Walter's IGA.
EBT cards are now 30 percent of Oberla's total overall business.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports a double digit increase in food stamp recipients -- up 18.7 percent from last year.
Recently, the state received an infusion of more than $5 million as part of the economic stimulus package.
Recipients received a 13.6 percent increase in benefits, which is roughly $20 to $24 more per person each month.
Looking to help his customers, Oberla is changing a few things.
"Starting as June 1, we are going to be an IGA Save You More and we are going to lower prices up to 20 percent or lower in all our departments," Oberla said.
With any luck, Oberla said he believes many families will be able to stretch their food stamp dollars more.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement