Rep. Robinson's House Bill 4 Clears Ohio Senate Unanimously, Heading to Governor's Desk

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) Wednesday announced the unanimous passage in the Senate of House Bill (HB) 4, his bipartisan bill alongside Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) to help streamline the process of developing industry-recognized credential and certificate programs. This is both Rep. Robinson’s first bill as a legislator, and his first to pass both chambers to become law.

“In Northeast Ohio alone, there are more than 3,000 high paying trade and technical jobs currently available but unfulfilled. We need to connect businesses with hard working Ohioans and training programs for these middle-class pathway jobs in order to fulfill the Ohio promise of a better life,” said Rep. Robinson. “HB 4 will help expand workforce training and certification development options for people looking for the American dream to make a better life for themselves and their children’s future.”

HB 4 will set up the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT) as the “one-stop-shop,” potential first point of contact and resource for employers and companies to:

• Be connected to existing certificate or credential programs,
• Vet proposals and get guidance on how to work with schools and state education agencies to develop programs,
• Help make the process quick and efficient.

An example could include a tech company is moving to the state and they want to have employees trained in specific computer coding or a new program. Or a car company is creating a new electric or autonomous vehicle and need employees trained in special manufacturing and development methods.

“Ohioans don’t want a hand out, they want a leg up, and more training options means better paying jobs and careers. This is part of the Ohio promise,” added Rep. Robinson.

HB 4 passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.