Proposal aims to keep STEM grads working in Ohio

New legislation will strengthen high-tech workforce development, prevent brain drain
In light of the rising costs of
college tuition, Democratic lawmakers have crafted a plan to
provide student loan debt relief
while also incentivizing students to stay and work in Ohio
following graduation.
House Bill (HB) 549 will create
the STEM Degree Loan Program, a state-level loan repayment plan aimed at
keeping graduates working in Ohio after earning degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
Every year, college graduates with high-tech degrees
flock to other tech hubs in places like North Carolina,
New England and Texas. I believe that Ohio must do
better at attracting companies and keeping goodpaying jobs here to compete in the 21st century
economy.

Under House Bill 549, semi-annual payments would

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be made directly to a qualified graduates loan company as long as they maintain eligibility and continue
to carry debt from their student loans. The level of
degree earned would determine the amount a graduate is eligible to receive, with those earning an associates, bachelors, or graduate degree receiving
$2,000, $4,000, or $8,000, respectively, each year.
The STEM Degree Loan Program would be administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education,
which would determine eligibility based on the subject
matter and type of degree each individual received.
Qualified graduates must be employed by an Ohio
company and work in a STEM field.
This legislation is squarely focused on the link between education and economic development. I believe this program will benefit our students, our business community and will help Ohio to compete and
succeed in the economy of the future.

Rep. Rogers pushes Restore Ohio initiative for neglected local infrastructure needs
Ohio receives C-minus rating for crumbling roads, bridges and sewers
When decrepit roads prevent people from getting to
work on time, or when energy cant reach its destination, we all suffer. Thats why Democratic lawmakers
introduced a plan to restore Ohios crumbling roads
and bridges, aging water and sewer systems, and other dilapidated infrastructure.
Dubbed Restore Ohio, HB 492 would leverage $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Fund (the Rainy Day Fund) to provide
low-interest loans and grants to local governments to help build reliable, efficient,
and modern infrastructure systems that
will fuel a strong and thriving economy.
According to the report card for Americas Infrastructure, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Ohio received a C for infrastructure.1 Over
6,600 Ohio bridges are functionally obsolete or
structurally deficient, while 361 high-hazard dams
need repaired and 15 percent of the states major
roads are in poor condition.

Through Restore Ohio, the state would incrementally

leverage up to $1 billion dollars over a five year period
from the Budget Stabilization Fund, making those dollars available to communities in the form of low or zero
interest loans. Additionally, 50 percent of
the investment earnings from the Budget
Stabilization Fund would be made available
to local communities in the form of infrastructure grants.
As loans are repaid, the Budget Stabilization fund would be replenished, ensuring
the funds integrity and solvency. Any interest collected would also be utilized for
future grants to communities.
I am confident that effective and efficient roadways
will help to attract and keep people living and working
in our state. By investing in reliable infrastructure, I
believe we are investing in the future of our local communities and the future of Ohio.
1

http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/a/#p/state-facts/ohio

State Representative
John M. Rogers
Contact Information

Columbus
77 South High Street, 10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-7251 Phone
Send me an e-mail: rep60@ohiohouse.gov
On the Web: http://www.house.state.oh.us/

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