The resolution from the 136th General Assembly of Ohio 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 is motivated by the significant job losses and high unemployment rates resulting from 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, businesses could more effectively resume normal operations and meet their staffing needs.

The resolution highlights the importance of employing teenagers as a means to stimulate local economic growth, as increased employment leads to higher consumer spending within communities. It emphasizes that extending work hours for minors during the school year could help alleviate the ongoing labor shortage and support businesses in returning to their usual hours of operation. The resolution calls for the transmission of its findings to relevant congressional leaders and the media to advocate for this change.