Bill > HB216

This bill establishes the Actionable Help And New Dignity for Upward Progression (A HAND UP) pilot program, a three-year initiative by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services designed to help individuals transition from public assistance to the workforce. The program will be implemented in four counties (one metropolitan, one midsize, and two rural counties, including one in the Appalachian region) and includes several key components: creating a digital application to track participant progress, establishing eligibility criteria, developing a mentorship program, and providing financial support. Participants will receive a sliding-scale stipend to help cover health insurance premiums, deductibles, or child care expenses, while participating employers will receive subsidies. The Department will develop a comprehensive assessment process, including tracking participants' employment status, income, and self-sufficiency after completing the program. The bill appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the program, and requires the Department to submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing the pilot program's outcomes and effectiveness in helping individuals move from public assistance into sustainable employment.

Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb216