Testimony - Beth Lear, Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio, House Bill 258 (June 4, 2020)

Summary

A document dated June 4, 2020, addressed to Ohio House of Representatives Economic and Workforce Development Chair Paul Zeltwanger from Beth Lear, Vice President of Government Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio, regarding House Bill 258. It states that the organization's members support the bill, which would "Grant an occupational license to those completing apprenticeship." It says HB 258 costs government nothing, will add to the coffers of the licensing entities, and relies on registered apprenticeship programs as the basis for occupational licensing. It adds that Associated Builders and Contractors has offered training since 1960 and urges the committee to favorably pass House Bill 258.

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Full text

June 4, 2020

To: Ohio House of Representatives Economic and Workforce Development Chair Paul Zeltwanger

From: Beth Lear, Vice President of Government Affairs Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio

Re: House Bill 258

Chair Zeltwanger, Vice Chair Powell, Ranking Member Sobecki and Representatives of the Committee,
I am Beth Lear, Vice President of Government Affairs for Ohio’s Associated Builders and Contractors. Our
members support House Bill 258, which would “Grant an occupational license to those completing
apprenticeship.”

This legislation was a great idea a year ago when your committee first heard Representative Powell
explain its benefits. Today, in the era of COVID-19 and growing unemployment, passage of this bill will
not only benefit Ohio’s apprentices, it will support the restoration of Ohio’s economy.

HB 258 costs government nothing, will add to the coffers of the licensing entities and will save
employees and employers time and money. It wisely uses registered apprenticeship programs – already
state and federally recognized – as the basis for occupational licensing, replacing additional and costly
hoops for state-mandated training that is often better performed by the various existing apprenticeship
programs.

Associated Builders and Contractors have offered training for prospective tradesmen and women since
1960, receiving our first federal certification only two years later. For more than half a century ABC
members have trained their own masons, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and all other
construction positions to work in year-round positions.

Merit and union shop training has been proven safe and effective. With the passage of HB 258, the
recognition of our quality instruction will go even further and help increase the number of skilled
construction workers, and other industry apprentices, at a time when our economy will most need
them.

On behalf of the hundreds of ABC members across Ohio and the thousands of our tradesmen and
women who will benefit, and on behalf of the economy that will profit from the elimination of
duplicative and overly burdensome licensing requirements, I encourage you to favorably pass House Bill
258.

Thank you for your time.


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