Solon State Rep's 1st Bill Passes Into Ohio Law

COLUMBUS, OH — State Rep. Phil Robinson's House Bill 4 was signed into law this week. This was both Robinson's first bill as a legislator and his first bill to become law.

House Bill 4 is meant to streamline the process of developing industry-recognized certificate programs. The legislation had bipartisan support from State Rep. Tracy Richardson, a Republican from Marysville.

“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 Robinson, a Democrat from Solon. “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.”

House Bill 4 will transform the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation into a "one-stop-shop" for employers and companies to get connected to credential programs, to vet proposals and get guidance on working with Ohio schools, and help make the hiring process easier, Robinson said.

Robinson's office said examples of the bill in action could include: a car company wanting to train potential Ohio employees on how to manufacture electric or autonomous cars, or a tech company looking for employees with specific coding training.

“I’m thankful for the House’s leadership in prioritizing this bill,” said Robinson. “I am looking forward to seeing many Ohioans take advantage of these new opportunities.”