June 13, 2019

In a recent survey of business leaders, the Research Foundation found that 18.6%, or nearly 1 in 5 businesses, had in some way experienced issues with hiring, promoting, or increasing wages for their employees, due to concerns that increased income would result in losing some form of public assistance. This scenario is known as the “benefit cliff,” and is a contributor to the workforce issues facing Ohio.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released its latest report, “Addressing the Benefit Cliff in Ohio” today.  The report comes on the heels of the first in a series of “Lunch, Learn, & Lead” panel discussions, hosted by the Research Foundation in late May.

“Business leaders have continually expressed concern that they are unable to find adequate workforce talent to meet their operational needs, and those concerns are complicated by the benefit cliff,” stated Justin Barnes, Executive Director of the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation. “During our panel discussion, we reviewed a pilot program in Allen County and discussed ways in which the state could look to build upon that pilot—and other examples from around the country—to address this important issue. We appreciate the robust and thoughtful dialogue that occurred between our panelists, non-profit leaders, business executives, and members of the General Assembly during the event, and look forward to continuing our focus on promoting the economic well-being of Ohio.”

The “Lunch, Learn & Lead” discussion series focuses on issues impacting businesses and the economic climate in Ohio. To download the slides from the presentation, click here. Download the full report, “Addressing the Benefit Cliff in Ohio,” by following this link. For more information please contact Justin Barnes at 614.629.0921 / jbarnes@ohiochamber.com or visit  www.ohiochamberfoundation.com/projects/