Bring Us Green Jobs and We Won't Tax You

So says Ohio Governor Ted Strickland who recently announced the establishment of new $6 million green job training program and the elimination of the tangible personal property tax and real tax on generation for advanced energy projects in Ohio.

He wants to bring these industries to Ohio and make sure the companies have a trained workforce.

For advanced energy project facilities that begin construction before January 1, 2012, produce energy by 2013 (or 2017 for nuclear, clean coal and cogeneration projects), the new legislation (SB 232) allows companies to make an annual payment in lieu of taxes.

The career training program, called Energizing Careers Program, will reimburse the cost of training for companies that are manufacturing components for the wind, solar, and biomass industries. The government will reimburse costs up to $6,000 for full-time employees.

Companies that are located in the 44 Ohio counties hit by the upheaval in the auto industry will get first crack at the funds.

The funds for the training came through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Energy Sector Partnership Training program, funded through a grant with the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Ohio's combination of manufacturing and advanced energy industry leadership helped secure the maximum amount of Recovery Act funding available for retraining programs," Strickland said.