Released today for public comment: Ohio’s 2026-2027 Combined State Plan for aligning workforce, education, and employment programs
COLUMBUS, OHIO - Every four years, Ohio develops a Combined State Plan to better align the state’s core workforce, education, and employment programs and to strengthen connections between Ohio businesses and a skilled workforce. States must review and update that plan every two years to reflect changes in labor market conditions, economic trends, and program implementation strategies, as required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Today, Ohio is releasing the draft Program Years (PY) 2026–2027 Combined State Plan Two-Year Modification for a 30-day public comment period.
The Combined State Plan covers the four-year period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028, and this two-year modification includes updates applicable to PY 2026 and PY 2027 for the following programs:
- Title I of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which supports OhioMeansJobs centers and provides employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and eligible youth;
- The Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service Program, which delivers labor exchange and employment services to job seekers and employers;
- Adult Basic and Literacy Education, which provides adult education, literacy instruction, and high school equivalency preparation;
- The Vocational Rehabilitation Program administered by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, which assists individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive integrated employment;
- Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education, which supports career-technical education for secondary and post-secondary students;
- The Senior Community Service Employment Program, which offers community service and work-based training opportunities for older Ohioans; and
- Jobs for Veterans State Grants, which support employment services for veterans through OhioMeansJobs centers.
Ohio’s Combined State Plan is developed through collaboration among multiple state agencies, workforce partners, and stakeholders and is designed to align with federal priorities, including the Department of Labor's (DOL) America’s Talent Strategy, while continuing to support Ohio’s evolving workforce and economic needs.
The draft plan is available for public review and comment at: Ohio's WIOA Combined State Plan | Job and Family Services
The public comment period will remain open for 30 days and will close at 5:00 p.m. on February 22, 2026. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) portion of the Combined State Plan will be available for public comment for 60 days and will close at 5:00 p.m. on March 24, 2026.
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