After a few months of preparation, two Ohio legislators today formally introduced an economic development plan that a nonpartisan group has said could create up to 16,000 jobs in the state.
State Sens. Eric Kearney (D-North Avondale) and Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) have submitted Senate Bill No. 278, known as “Forward Ohio,” for the State Legislature’s consideration.—-
If passed, the bill would provide scholarships and grants to the long-tern unemployed — those people out of work for six months or longer — so they can learn new skills. Also, it would provide a $4,000 tax credit to employers who hire the long-term unemployed, along with awarding competitive grants through the Department of Jobs & Family Services to businesses so they can fund programs that provide summer employment opportunities for Ohio youth between the ages of 16 and 21.
Further, the bill would create a revolving loan fund to provide micro-loans, up to $50,000, to Ohio’s small businesses to help them expand operations and create jobs, among other changes.
A review by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission concluded that Forward Ohio could create up to 16,000 jobs.
Kearney represents Ohio’s 9th Senate District, which includes parts of Cincinnati, Addyston, North Bend, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton and Springfield Township.
