Representative Ritter Provides Sponsor Testimony on THRIVE Act

State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) testified on the THRIVE Act this week to help Ohio kids learn life skills to become the best version of themselves. Ritter is sponsoring the THRIVE Act (HB 269) alongside joint sponsor Representative Johnathan Newman (R-Troy).

“As a father and an educator, I know that raising thriving kids starts with teaching the right values,” said Rep. Ritter. “But many kids aren’t learning these life lessons: showing up on time, being responsible, being kind and courteous to others. Ohio students deserve to learn the skills they need to be successful. They deserve to learn about character.”

The THRIVE Act (HB 269) would enable Ohio public schools to teach kids that good character – honesty, respect, individual responsibility, virtue and excellence – is necessary for success. The bill also relies on the latest data that shows the lifelong benefits of finishing high school, getting a job and getting married.

“Every path leads somewhere,” said Ritter. “Some paths lead to success; some lead to hardship. We want to give Ohio kids every chance to learn the best and easiest ways to success. Kids have a right to know what works and what doesn’t.”

“This is also a workforce development bill,” said Ritter. “Ohio’s labor force participation rate is 63.2 percent. It’s not the worst in the country, but that’s a lot of people not working. Ohio can do better than average. We want Ohio kids to thrive.”

House Bill 269 has been assigned to the House Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula), who is also a cosponsor of the THRIVE Act.