Committee Hears Testimony for Bill to Let Thrift-Store Nonprofits Apply for Workforce Grants

Chairman Romer and the House Ways and Means Committee heard proponent testimony Wednesday on House Bill 100, which would create a Department of Development grant program allowing nonprofit retailers that sell donated goods to apply for funds to expand job training and placement programs.

Ann Richards, president and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Cleveland in East Central Ohio, told the committee that Goodwill organizations in Ohio served thousands last year and could expand services with the proposed grants. "I ask for your support of this bill to create a new program through the Department of Development by which nonprofit organizations that sell donated goods could apply for a grant to create or expand job training and job placement programs for individuals with barriers to employment," Richards said.

Richards described the populations Goodwill serves — people with disabilities, returning citizens, veterans and those experiencing homelessness — and said in 2024 Ohio Goodwills placed about 4,500 people into competitive employment and assisted roughly 96,000 Ohioans through workforce programs. Willie Knighton Jr., reentry support specialist at Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, noted his team’s outcomes for returning citizens and argued the grant would yield savings to the state by reducing incarceration costs. "By passing house bill 100, you will have a direct effect on helping people in our state who need a hand up to financial independence and a true second chance," Knighton said.

Committee members asked about details the bill would require, including how grant funds would be used and administrative cost allowances. Representative Hall asked whether the grant should include an administrative set‑aside. Richards replied that, for her organization, the funds would be used primarily to expand programming rather than cover administrative costs. Representative Richardson and Representative Daniels voiced general support and appreciation for Goodwill’s work.

Committee staff noted written testimony was submitted by Justin Barnes of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The committee closed the second hearing on House Bill 100 and moved on to the next agenda item.

The bill as presented would authorize a statewide competitive grant program administered through the Department of Development. Specifics of eligible uses, application caps and scoring are not spelled out in the oral testimony and would be determined by the bill text and program rules if enacted.