Government Spotlight | August 9, 2022

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced it will host five (5) regional forums in Columbus, Parma, Oregon, Cincinnati and New Philadelphia to help small businesses earn tax credits through the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. The WOTC offers incentives for companies to hire individuals “from targeted groups, including veterans, public assistance recipients, restored citizens, individuals with disabilities and others,” according to ODJFS. The tax credits range from $2,400 to $9,600 depending on the group. ODJFS has certified over 100,000 WOTC applications since October 2021 and thousands of Ohio employers have received more than $240 million in tax credits. Attendance is free but space is limited; Email CL.SL.Area.3@irs.gov to register.

Good Jobs Challenge Program

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) and state of Ohio will receive $23.5 million over three (3) years as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge program. The program is meant to strengthen workforce partnerships that lead to well-paying jobs, according to the DeWine release. More news to follow in this announcement.

Ohio Third Frontier Commission Supports Entrepreneurs

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission approved $82.32 million in funds to six regional partners to support entrepreneurs’ efforts to develop innovative products and grow technology startup companies. The funds are part of the Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) Program, which provides resources such as mentorship, access to investors and capital, support with business services, talent recruitment and incubator and accelerator programs. The partners will use the money to provide those resources from Jan. 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.

Intel Hiring Management and Engineering Positions

Intel is hiring experienced professionals for management and engineering positions at its New Albany factory, mostly in terms of facilities and site services. Some positions involve temporarily relocating to Arizona or another site for training assignments lasting from six months to one year. Management roles include site operations and commissioning, as well as project manager roles. There are also openings for chemical, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing network engineers. The full list, which is subject to change, is available at https://tinyurl.com/mr2zb8px.

CHIPS Act Clears Congress, Draws Bipartisan Support

The U.S. House passed the legislative package including the CHIPS Act last Thursday. U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) both voted for the bill, which passed 64-33 in the U.S. Senate. The U.S. House voted 243-187-1, with support from Ohio’s delegation divided up 12-4.

At a high level, the CHIPS Act provides for $52 billion in federal funding to support investment in semiconductor manufacturing capacity. The main funding mechanism is tax credits for companies who meet certain criteria, or direct spending on R&D by some government agencies. The provisions in the CHIPS Act are comprehensive, attacking the problem from both design and manufacturing capabilities.

The Act provides financial assistance for the construction, expansion, or modernization of a semiconductor fabrication plant, or “fab,” in the United States. Section 9902 of the Act allows for private firms and public institutions, or a consortium of both, to submit an application to the Secretary of Commerce for a federal grant not to exceed $3 billion unless approved by the Secretary in consultation with other federal stakeholders. In addition to proving a demonstrated ability to construct, expand, or modernize a new or existing ‘fab,’ applicants must show that they have made commitments to worker and community investment, that they have secured agreements with regional educational entities to provide workforce training, and that they have an executable plan to sustain the fab after federal support ends.

Community Schools Classroom Facilities Grant

The state grant program to help fund facilities costs for charter schools meeting certain quality criteria is now accepting applications for a third round of awards. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) started taking applications in July for the third round of the Community Schools Classroom Facilities Grant and will accept them through noon on Friday, Sept. 30. Award announcements are expected in early December. Winners in past rounds of the grant program are eligible to receive an award again. Applications, grant criteria, a list of eligible schools and operators and other information about the program are available at here.

Ohio Business Sponsor-A-Highway Program

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced this week a new litter control program that brings in the business community to help in the effort. Over the past few weeks, the first signage related to the Sponsor-A-Highway program has been installed along highways in the northeast Ohio area. The statewide program allows businesses and groups to fund litter removal services along one mile, one-direction segments of state highways. In exchange for their sponsorship, the name of the business or group is displayed on a sign within their sponsored segment. The program complements ODOT’s existing Adopt-A-Highway program, where volunteer groups adopt a two-mile segment of two-lane highway.

Veteran Owned Business: Boots to Business Training Event

Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and knowledge on the components of a business plan, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private sector resources.

Springfield Army National Guard In-Person Boots to Business Reboot

When: Aug. 11, 9am – 4:30pm

Where: 1120 W. Blee Rd. Building 1, Rm. 106, Springfield, OH. 45520

For additional Information contact abron@vetbizcentral.org or johnathon.c.mitchell.mil@army.mil

Columbus City Council Legislative Internship Program

Columbus City Council offers paid internships during the summer and fall for undergraduate and first-year graduate students enrolled in higher education programs. For the upcoming summer program, the internship will begin on September 12th and end on December 2nd. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 15 hours and up to 20 hours per week, and will be compensated $15 per hour. Students selected for the program will be placed in the office of a Councilmember, Community Engagement, Communications, and the Legislative Research Office in downtown Columbus. 

To apply for the Legislative Internship Program, please complete the application here. After submitting the application, please also email a 1-3 page writing sample, as well as a copy of your resume, to NIWalters@columbus.gov. The deadline to apply for the Summer Internship is Friday, August 26, 2022. 

Dez Bryant
Vice President of Government Relations
dezbryant@columbus.org