The resolution adopted by the Ohio Senate urges Congress to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to permit individuals under 16 years of age to work between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the school year, provided they have parental or guardian approval. This request arises from the significant job losses and high unemployment rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to a labor shortage that continues to affect businesses. By allowing younger workers to fill these positions during the school year, businesses could more effectively resume normal operations and hours.
The resolution highlights the importance of employing teenagers as a means to address the ongoing labor shortage and stimulate local economic growth. It emphasizes that when more individuals are employed, they contribute to the economy by spending their wages on goods and services, which in turn creates a demand for additional workers. The resolution calls for action from Congress to facilitate this change, aiming to support both the workforce and local businesses in Ohio.