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State Reps. David Thomas and Nick Santucci, who both represent Trumbull County in the Ohio House, introduced a bill they say will better connect businesses with colleges and universities by providing students with workforce training opportunities.
The Joining Opportunities, Businesses and Schools (JOBS) Act includes certificate programs that align with in-demand workforce needs, the legislators said.
Participating businesses would receive a performance-based tax incentive for using the program.
For each graduate hired by a company and retained for at least a year through this proposed program, that business would receive a $1,000 tax credit from the state.
With the Ohio House not scheduled to meet until after the Nov. 3 election, the bill faces an uphill climb to pass this year. Any bill not approved by the House and Senate by Dec. 31 would have to be reintroduced in the next session and would have until Dec. 31, 2028, to pass both chambers.
The JOBS Act hasn't been assigned to a House committee.
Thomas, R-Jefferson, said: "This is a great example of a way to help meet needs and fill the separation between open jobs and the education able to train our workers. Instead of throwing money at the problem, we are taking a fiscally responsible approach to incentivize these partnerships."
Santucci, R-Niles, said: "The JOBS Act is about making sure our students have the skills and credentials they need to build successful careers right here in Ohio. Our employers know the skills they need to compete and grow, and our colleges and universities can help prepare students to meet that demand."
Santucci added: "By bringing them together, we can create a stronger pipeline from the classroom to a good-paying job, give students more pathways to opportunity and ensure Ohio businesses have the skilled workforce they need to succeed."
To qualify, a partnership must include:
• Curriculum involvement -- the employer would be responsible for developing the curriculum to reflect current industry standards.
• Instructional resources -- the employer would be responsible for providing the necessary tools, equipment or subject matter experts.
• Industry recognized credentials -- the curriculum must lead to the student earning an industry recognized credential with broad labor market value.
• Academic control -- the higher learning institution would retain full academic authority and comply with all state, federal and accreditation requirements.