Ohio Creates $6 Million Green Jobs Program
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Ted Strickland recently announced the creation of a $6 million green job training program, which he followed up by signing legislation that eliminated tangible personal property tax and real tax on generation for advanced energy projects in Ohio.
The Energizing Careers Program allows for the training of Ohio’s workforce for green energy careers through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – State Energy Sector Partnership Training Program, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The state is now accepting requests for proposals (RFP) from companies looking to train employees through the program.
The Ohio Department of Development’s Workforce and Talent Division will administer the Energizing Careers Program to assist companies that are manufacturing components 
for wind, solar, and biomass industries. The program will reimburse the cost of training, up to $6,000, for full-time employees with preferential project funding given to companies located in the 44 Ohio counties that have been impacted by the restructuring of the auto industry.
for wind, solar, and biomass industries. The program will reimburse the cost of training, up to $6,000, for full-time employees with preferential project funding given to companies located in the 44 Ohio counties that have been impacted by the restructuring of the auto industry.Companies that pay $18 to $25 per hour (excluding benefits), and companies that employ dislocated workers, workers in need of additional training, and traditionally underserved populations, including women, minorities, veterans, and Appalachian residents, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Ohio governor has called for the elimination of uncompetitive taxes on advanced energy projects in a recent address, making it a top priority in his 2010 job creation agenda. Strickland recently signed Ohio Senate Bill 232, which eliminates Ohio’s tangible personal property tax and real taxes on generation for advanced energy projects that began construction before January 1, 2012, produce energy by 2013 (or 2017 for nuclear, clean coal and cogeneration plants), and create Ohio jobs.
“The elimination of this burdensome tax strengthens Ohio’s competitiveness in the growing energy production industries,” Strickland said. “I believe the elimination of these taxes will make it easier for advanced energy companies to do business and create jobs in Ohio.”
The bill allows companies seeking to build advanced energy generation facilities in Ohio to make annual payments in lieu of taxes, bringing tax rates for these kinds of projects in line with surrounding states.
To obtain a copy of the RFP, visit the Governor’s Workforce Policy Advisory Board website at www.ohioworkforceboard.org. The deadline for companies to submit their one-page project summaries and proposals is July 30.