Cirino's Higher Education and Workforce Reform Bill Heads to Governor
April 6, 2022
Jerry C. Cirino News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland) today announced the House passage and Senate concurrence of Substitute Senate Bill 135, which aims to enhance higher education and workforce development in Ohio.
“This bill is for Ohio students and their families. Receiving quality education and training had an incredible impact on my life and my career," said Cirino. "It is imperative for this state to increase the affordability and accessibility of higher education for our students, so that our in-demand jobs are met with a qualified workforce."
Major components of the legislation include:
- Continuing the Second Chance Grant Program to incentivize students who have dropped-out to obtain a degree or credential.
- Promoting a collaborative effort to explore the viability of a statewide apprenticeship program for high school students.
- Ensuring Ohio’s educational systems have free speech policies that protect the rights of students and faculty, and reinforcing the requirement for due process when free speech is violated.
- Enhancing counseling for students in primary/secondary schools by including information about career training programs and financial options.
- Providing guaranteed pathways for the transfer of credits from one higher education institution to another.
- Allowing Ohio’s Community Colleges to offer BSN degree programs to help with the extensive nursing shortage in Ohio. (Passed in the state's operating budget, House Bill 110, last June).