COLUMBUS — On Thursday, the Ohio House passed a bill that would increase training opportunities to address the growing demand for truck drivers in Ohio.
Introduced by State Representative Reggie Stoltzfus, House Bill 222 would give a tax credit to companies that invest in truck-driver training. The credit equals a total of one-half of the training expenses for employers and includes a cap of $25,000 per company.
“The trucking industry transports over two-thirds of all freight throughout the United States, which is important for our economy as Ohio sits at the crossroads of America as our economy moves on transportation,” said Stoltzfus. “The legislation will help trucking companies that are facing difficulty finding drivers by allowing them to use this tax credit.”
In 2014, the industry nationwide faced a shortage with a need of 38,000 drivers in the state. The number has since increased to 50,000.
“As a small business owner, the hardest position to fill has always been a CDL truck driver,” said Stoltzfus. “With the growing demand and the huge expenses this process creates for business owners, my hope is that this bill helps address these issues.”
House Bill 222 now awaits a hearing in the Ohio Senate.
