Issue Updates

• May 2009
• January 2009

Workforce Development White Paper (PDF)

 

May 2009

Last year, the Ohio Legislature passed a $1.57 billion economic stimulus package designed to help create growth in Ohio’s economy. A key component of the package was a $250 million investment over 5 years for the Higher Education Workforce program. This program was to provide funding for co-ops and internships with Ohio employers for students attending Ohio’s colleges and universities. The intent was to combat the so-called “brain drain” that has resulted in Ohio losing more than its share of skilled college graduates to other states. But because of the state’s budget problems this program may be in jeopardy.

The Ohio Senate is proposing that the $50 million per year originally allocated for the program be used for another purpose. The Ohio Chamber is concerned that this could mean the end of a promising job retention tool before it even gets off the ground. Ohio needs to keep as many of its highly skilled, well qualified graduates as it possibly can – and a program like the co-op and internship plan approved by the general assembly last year holds great promise for the state. It is our hope that the House and Senate conference committee on House Bill 1 can protect this crucial program.

 

January 2009

We believe this will be a key area for job creation and retention in Ohio as we move out of the current economic hardships we’re facing. Better educated workers, (especially in advanced fields of study), will be critical for businesses that are considering relocating to Ohio or increasing their current Ohio job force. The Chamber’s position is that Ohio must do a better job ensuring that every part of the state is providing an ample number of highly trained workers with the skills necessary for today’s global economy.