Representative Mike Carey Visits Lineworker Training Facility, Cites Tax Benefits
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MT. GILEAD, OHIO – U.S.Representative Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) completed a visit to the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) facility in Mt. Gilead on Monday, August 18, 2025. The visit focused on observing the training of essential utility workers and discussing the benefits of recent legislation for the trades.
Supporting Ohio’s Workforce
Carey toured the facility, engaging with both leadership and the trainees who are preparing to maintain the state’s electrical grid. The Central Ohio Lineworker Training facility, operated by Ohio’s Electric cooperatives (OEC), serves a critical role in providing skilled labor to 77 counties across ohio, delivering power to over one million residents.
“It was great to join the OEC for a tour of thier facility and to meet with so many workers who keep electricity flowing to homes, businesses, and schools across Ohio,” Representative Carey stated. “Thanks to the Republican reconciliation law, hourly lineworkers will see no taxes on overtime pay when they work around the clock to keep the lights on.”
The Congressman emphasized his commitment to supporting workforce advancement programs like COLT, noting his bipartisan efforts in Congress to champion such initiatives. He expressed optimism about the future contributions of the trainees as they enter the field.
Did You Know? Lineworkers are consistently ranked among the most perilous occupations in the United States,requiring extensive training and adherence to strict safety protocols.
Tax Benefits for Essential Workers
The Republican reconciliation law referenced by Rep. Carey provides a notable financial benefit to lineworkers, exempting overtime pay from state income tax. This measure aims to recognize the essential nature of their work and alleviate some of the financial burden associated with long hours and demanding conditions. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lineworkers and cable and telecom installers was $78,320 in May 2023 [[1]].
Pro Tip: Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives offer a variety of educational resources and safety training programs for both lineworkers and the public. Visit their website to learn more about electrical safety and energy efficiency.
COLT Facility Overview
The Central Ohio Lineworker Training facility provides thorough training in all aspects of electrical line work, including pole climbing, safety procedures, and equipment operation. The program is designed to prepare individuals for the challenges of maintaining a reliable power supply in diverse weather conditions and terrains.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| facility Operator | Ohio’s Electric cooperatives (OEC) |
| Service Area | 77 Ohio Counties |
| Customers Served | Over 1 Million Ohioans |
| Training Focus | Electrical line work, safety, equipment operation |
What impact will this tax benefit have on the recruitment and retention of lineworkers in Ohio?
How are training programs like COLT evolving to meet the demands of a modernizing electrical grid?
U.S. Rep. Mike carey (R-Ohio-15) climbs a utility pole in a simulated training exercise at the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) facility in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, on Monday, August 18th, 2025. Photo courtesy of OEC.
The demand for skilled lineworkers is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by the need to upgrade aging infrastructure and expand renewable energy sources. Investments in workforce development programs like COLT are crucial to ensuring a reliable and resilient power grid. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of severe weather events underscores the importance of having a well-trained and readily available workforce to respond to outages and restore power quickly and safely. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% growth in employment for lineworkers and cable and telecom installers from 2022 to 2032 [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the role of Ohio’s electric Cooperatives? OEC is a statewide association of non-profit utility providers that delivers electricity to over 1 million Ohioans.
- What does the Republican reconciliation law do for lineworkers? It exempts their overtime pay from state income tax.
- Where is the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) facility located? It is indeed located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.
- What kind of training is offered at COLT? The facility provides comprehensive training in all aspects of electrical line work, safety, and equipment operation.
- Why is workforce development important for the utility industry? It ensures a reliable and resilient power grid, especially as infrastructure ages and renewable energy expands.
We hope this article provided valuable insight into representative Carey’s visit and the importance of supporting Ohio’s essential workforce. If you found this information helpful, please share it with yoru network! We also welcome your comments and feedback below.
