Rep. Josh Williams Introduces 100th Bill, 'American Dream Act'

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) held a press conference late last week announcing his 100th bill this General Assembly, the "American Dream Act."

The American Dream Act establishes the "American Dream Voluntary Transition Program," an innovative initiative designed to assist Medicaid recipients who want to transition towards private health coverage and long-term independence while building financial stability and workforce readiness.

"The American Dream Act is about restoring opportunity to our public assistance system," said Rep. Williams. "By creating a clear, voluntary pathway from government dependence to self-sufficiency, we are empowering individuals to build careers, support their families, and achieve lasting independence."

The American Dream Voluntary Transition Program creates a new and optional Medicaid waiver program that would help working adults transition from public assistance to private health care coverage in a structured and supportive way. A Medicaid recipient's decision not to participate in the program would not affect the recipient's Medicaid eligibility.

This voluntary program is built around a three-phase approach that aligns with income growth and employment. Each phase is capped at 12 months, with the entire program being capped at 24 months total, ensuring structured accountability.

Each phase is outlined below:

Phase One:Participants remain on Medicaid while receiving workforce development services such as career assessments, job training, referrals, and individualized employment plans.

Phase Two:As participants earn more income, they are required to maintain employment and contribute a portion of their income into a state managed American Dream Savings Account, designed to build financial stability.

Phase Three:Participants transition to private insurance coverage, with the state providing temporary premium and cost sharing assistance to ensure continuity of care during the transition.

As part of the bill, the America Dream Savings Accounts would be administered by the Treasurer of State. Upon completion of the program, a participant may use funds deposited into their American dream savings account for any of the following purposes:

• Security deposits, housing down payments, or other similar payments to secure housing;
• The purchase of or down payment on a motor vehicle;
• Education or job training;
• Employment-related relocation;
• Other workforce-related purposes.
  

The bill will receive a number in the coming days, followed by a House committee assignment.

Watch the press conference here.