The resolution from the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, introduced by Senator Schaffer and co-sponsored by Senators Reineke, Lang, and Wilkin, 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 proposal arises in the context of significant job losses and high unemployment rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to a labor shortage that continues to affect businesses. By allowing younger workers to fill available positions during these hours, the resolution aims to help businesses return to regular operations and meet their staffing needs.

The resolution highlights the increasing role of teenage workers in the labor market and the potential economic benefits of employing them during the school year. It argues that extending work hours for minors could stimulate local economic growth by increasing employment and enabling workers to spend their earnings on local goods and services. The resolution calls for action from Congress to facilitate this change, emphasizing the importance of adapting labor laws to current economic conditions and workforce needs.