Ohio supports CDL drivers through state training program
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik this week announced more than $140,000 in tax credits to support the training and upskill of drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) across the state.
More than 100 drivers will receive CDL training to help support the transportation of goods and services in Ohio. The tax credit funding is being funded through the Commercial Driver’s License Training Program, which was created to help alleviate the cost of training for Ohio employers and CDL drivers and to upskill current and future employees in today’s high-demand economy.
“Drivers with CDL credentials continue to be in high demand for businesses throughout Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “By easing the financial burden of training, we can help ensure Ohio’s companies have the skilled drivers they need to keep Ohio’s economy moving.”
Ten companies across 10 counties were selected to receive funding for the credentialing of current and prospective employees. A total of $146,666 in tax credits will support training for approximately 102 CDL drivers.
Companies receiving credits are:
Eagle Site Services, LLC, Bluffton (Allen): $5,100;
A. DORSTEN, INC., Minster (Auglaize): $10,200;
Core-Mark, Springfield (Clark): $25,000;
Plunger Plumber, LLC, Cleveland (Cuyahoga): $7,000;
Talon Group, Inc., Defiance (Defiance): $4,995;
Leland Freight Delivery, LLC, Pickerington (Fairfield): $25,000;
Environmental Remediation Contractor, Columbus (Franklin): $10, 371;
Cigno CDL Training and Services Inc., Cincinnati (Hamilton): $25,000;
Sofo Foods, LLC., Toledo (Lucas): $25,000; and
Hotrock LLC, Aurora (Portage): $9,000.
“Ohio is a manufacturing and logistics state, and it is essential that we are creating pathways that allow Ohioans to earn their CDL so they can move Ohio-made products across the country," said Lt. Governor Husted. “By lowering the cost of training, we’re helping employers meet demand and workers achieve new career milestones.”
Employers of all sizes and industries registered to do business in Ohio and employ Ohio resident W-2 employees are eligible for the program. Employers can earn tax credits for half of approved training costs, up to $25,000 in tax credits.
“This program exemplifies how Ohio is investing in people and businesses to build a stronger, more resilient workforce,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “By supporting CDL training, we’re ensuring that Ohioans have the skills they need to thrive in rewarding and in-demand careers.”
The tax credit applies to the credentialing of both current and prospective employees. Eligible training can be conducted by external training providers on the Ohio-approved CDL course provider list or internal licensed training instructors. Credentials must be for Class A or Class B state-issued CDLs. Applications were reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The CDL Training Program was established in Ohio House Bill 66 in the 134th Ohio General Assembly.
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