Government Relations Committee Update

Committee News 

The Government Relations Committee recently applied for an advocacy grant through the National Career Development Association to expand opportunities for OCDA’s members. We are eagerly awaiting NCDA’s decision on grant awards and will know more by the end of September.

What We’re Watching: House Bill 994

One bill that we are keeping a keen eye on this September is House Bill 994, which focuses on Ohio’s Education and Workforce specifically the bill aims to create a category dubbed, “qualified education partnerships” between universities and employers. This, in essence, is where private business significantly contributes to the development of degrees/certifications that would meet the needs of the workforce in the area. In return, these businesses receive tax credit incentives up to 20% of qualifying expenses from the state and more for talent hiring rates. These businesses, however, must attain a completion rate of 70% or higher for the developed program. Another caveat to this bill, and important to note, private businesses cannot have full dictation or accreditation within the content they help create, nor can they be the only business to benefit from the degree or certification. Universities would still retain that process of proper accreditations and educational responsibilities.

Last month, we covered Senate Bill 328. The bill has been passed by the Senate but is still in committee in the House. We will continue to monitor that piece of legislation as well. In the meantime, if you’d like to read our coverage on the bill, visit the OCDA Pulse on Ohio newsfeed.

Legislative information is current as of September 15, 2026. The GRC will continue to monitor HB 994 and other legislation affecting career development and Ohio’s workforce.

How Your Voice Matters in Public Policy 

Policy decisions often move quickly, and legislators need to hear from the professionals who understand their real-world impact. When they hear from those of us working in these spaces, they listen, learn, and legislate from those conversations. The GRC will continue monitoring legislation, connecting with policymakers and stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for OCDA members to participate in advocacy to the betterment of fellow Ohioans. We also will continue our collaboration with NCDA’s Government Relations Committee to stay informed about federal policy developments as they come.

Have you encountered a policy issue in your work that you think OCDA should be watching? Have a question about a bill or want to become more involved in advocacy? Learn more about the Government Relations Committee

This issue of Pulse on Ohio was authored by Connor Thomas, a member of the OCDA Government Relations Committee.