Legislation to Rebrand Ohio's Workforce Development Centers Moves to Governor

The Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on Senate changes to Substitute House Bill 1, which strives to streamline Ohio’s workforce development efforts and make it easier for Ohioans to utilize the resources that are available to them.

Sub. H.B. 1 rebrands all of the state’s patchwork of workforce centers (also known as One-Stops) as “Ohio Means Jobs ___ County” to ensure consistency, reduce public confusion, and connect these centers directly to OhioMeansJobs.com.

“I am extremely proud that so many interested parties came together to help Ohio’s unemployed and underemployed in passing House Bill 1,” said State Representative Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.), who sponsored the legislation with State Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario).

“Passage of this bill is an important step in getting Ohioans back to work,” Rep. Romanchuk said. “The changes will make it easier for people to find a job and ensure that our state’s resources are being used in a simple and easy way. I am pleased to have jointly sponsored this legislation with Rep. Derickson in an effort to help Ohioans find employment.”

Sub. H.B. 1 requires all workforce investment boards to use OhioMeansJobs.com as the only job-matching tool to streamline job matching services, reduce duplication, and maximize this increasingly important benefit to Ohioans. The bill also would provide flexibility to the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board as it relates to specifying the number of voting members needed to conduct business.

“The passage of House Bill 1 is a critical first step in strategically aligning Ohio’s workforce development system to serve as a meaningful and effective economic driver,” said Adam Jones, assistant director of the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services. “Rebranding all county One-Stops across the state will provide much-needed uniformity as we promote our program and service offerings to employers who operate across county lines. Further, the Ohio Means Jobs website gives Ohio a distinct competitive edge, providing employers with an expansive, easy-to-use medium for workforce analysis and talent searching. OhioMeansJobs.com has long been the premier placement system used by Butler County, and has been heavily promoted to and used by employers and job seekers alike.”

The House concurred with strong bipartisan support. Sub. H.B. 1 will now be sent to the governor for his signature.