HB 271 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Works Progress Administration (OWPA) to perform public work projects including tree maintenance, litter removal, property renovation, environmental remediation, public art, senior home repair, weatherization, cemetery and park maintenance, and lead paint abatement.

• Establishes a director position appointed by the governor with senate consent at a salary of $75,000 per year, with authority to hire field workers, supervisory personnel, and professional staff as needed.

• Requires a minimum of 50 field workers per county (including at least 2 artists) earning $27,500 annually, with eligibility limited to Ohio residents aged 18+ who are unemployed and possess a high school diploma or GED.

• Directs the director to provide free housing with utilities to field workers in each county and establish policies to achieve gender and racial demographics matching each county's population.

• Establishes the Ohio Works Progress Administration Fund consisting of General Revenue Fund surplus revenue (transferred from any balance exceeding required year-end reserves as of June 30, 2011), gifts, grants, and investment earnings to support OWPA operations.