MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel visited Marion Matters on August 13, 2025, to highlight the collaborative efforts being made in Marion County to address workforce challenges. During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor learned about a local model that focuses on overcoming barriers to employment, such as transportation, housing, and childcare.

The Lieutenant Governor praised Marion Matters for its “Getting Ahead” program, which helps individuals build a range of resources beyond just financial stability. These resources, which are essential for long-term success, include emotional intelligence, mental wellness, communication skills, and social connections. According to the Lieutenant Governor, developing these foundational skills is key to helping Ohioans reach their “God-given potential.”

Marion Matters, a nonprofit that originated in Marion, Ohio, has trained over 2,000 people and graduated more than 300 participants from its programs over the past 15 years. The agency receives no direct state or federal funding, relying instead on partnerships with local entities, businesses, and community grants.

During the discussion, the Lieutenant Governor and other local leaders explored a specific policy issue known as the “benefit cliff,” which can discourage individuals from accepting promotions or raises due to the risk of losing public assistance. The conversation centered on finding legislative solutions to turn the “cliff” into a gradual “slope,” allowing people to increase their income without a sudden loss of essential benefits like housing vouchers.

The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of creating a statewide awareness of the various opportunities and support systems available, particularly in light of the projected need for hundreds of thousands of new workers in the coming years.