Ohio Senator Jon Husted spent Thursday in northeast Ohio promoting two core priorities for families: workforce training and affordable housing. The visit began at Stark State College in Canton, where Husted toured the college’s newly‑funded Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instruction Center.
The center received $875,000 in federal funding, a grant that will finance classrooms, offices, a computer lab and a dedicated workspace for students. Husted said the facility is expected to employ 20 Ohio residents and train roughly 220 new CDL drivers each year, helping to fill a growing demand for qualified truck drivers.
Roundtable on Housing Affordability
After the campus tour, Husted hosted a roundtable with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and housing leaders from across the state. Participants discussed ways to increase the supply of homes and create more affordable options for Ohio families.
Among the proposals Husted highlighted was the First‑Time Homebuyers Act, which would let Americans use existing 529 education savings accounts toward the purchase of a first home, giving families greater flexibility in saving for both education and homeownership.
Husted also emphasized his support for permitting reform, arguing that streamlined processes can lower construction costs and accelerate the delivery of new housing units.
Bipartisan Housing Legislation
The senator noted his role in passing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, recently signed into law. The legislation aims to curb rising housing costs by reducing regulatory barriers, expanding the housing supply, and lowering expenses for families seeking a home.
“Investing in workforce training and removing obstacles to homeownership are essential steps toward stronger, more resilient communities,” Husted said.
Both the CDL funding and the housing initiatives reflect Husted’s broader effort to support Ohio’s working families, ensuring they have access to good jobs and affordable places to live.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
