Leadership

Congress Steps in to Avert Rail Strike

On Dec. 1, in an 80 to 15 vote, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to force a tentative rail labor agreement and prevent a national strike. The measure was approved by the U.S. House earlier in the week.

CNBC reports on the details of the legislation, which now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. On Nov. 16, the OMA and a coalition of Midwest manufacturers’ groups urged Congress to intervene, if necessary. 12/1/2022

Study: Ohio No. 1 for Plastics Manufacturing Jobs

The Plastics Industry Association has ranked Ohio as the top state for plastics employment. According to the association’s report, Ohio boasts 75,100 of the nearly 1 million plastics industry workers across the U.S.

In its summary, JobsOhio noted the Buckeye State is ranked No. 1 for plastics products, plastic machinery, and molds for plastics; No. 3 for wholesale trade for plastics materials, forms, and shapes, as well as plastic materials and resins; and No. 4 for captive plastics products operations. 11/30/2022

Analysis: U.S. Investment in China Drops Significantly

Over the past two decades, $118 billion in direct U.S. investment flowed into China — much of that in manufacturing. But since 2016, security interests, increased risk, and other factors have slowed year-over-year investment to single-digit growth, according to this analysis by OMA Connections Partner RSM.

In further analysis, RSM writes: The hyper-globalization that has dominated the global economy over the past 30 years is giving way to an era of regionalization. 11/29/2022

Global Steel Output Continues to Fall

Reports say steelmakers worldwide are reducing output in an effort to avoid surplus inventories once demand recovers. Data supplied by the World Steel Association shows this year’s January-October raw-steel tonnage for 64 nations was nearly 4% below that for the same period in 2021. 11/29/2022

At a Glance: Voter Turnout in Ohio

While Ohio just concluded its latest general election, the Legislative Service Commission has published this infographic examining voter turnout in Ohio’s 2020 general election. According to the LSC’s analysis, nearly 60% of Ohioans who voted in the 2020 election voted early or absentee, largely due to the pandemic. Voter turnout was typically smaller in urban counties than suburban or rural counties. 12/1/2022

Rail Strike Moves Closer to Reality

After members of the nation’s largest rail union rejected a tentative labor deal on Nov. 21, the U.S. faces a growing risk of a crippling freight rail strike that could begin as soon as Monday, Dec. 5, according to the AP.

Here are some of the expected supply and economic impacts of a rail strike.

While four of the nation’s 12 rail unions have now voted to oppose the deal, the Association of American Railroads — the industry trade group — told CNN it still hopes to avoid a strike.

Last week, the OMA and a coalition of Midwest manufacturers’ groups urged Congressional leaders to intervene if necessary. 11/22/2022

Right-to-Repair Bill Introduced in Ohio

Right-to-repair legislation (Senate Bill 366) has been introduced in Ohio. The bill would require certain manufacturers to give owners and independent repair businesses access to service information and affordable replacement parts on “fair and reasonable terms.”

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Cincinnati), says SB 366 would “make it easier for Ohioans to repair electronics, which today covers just about everything from your television to your washer and dryer.”

According to The Columbus Dispatch, manufacturers have opposed right-to-repair legislation offered in other states for multiple reasons, including user safety, trade secrets, and incentives to innovate. 11/21/2022

LaRose Plan Would Require 60% Voter Approval to Pass Citizen-Led Constitutional Amendments

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) is leading an effort to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution via citizen-led ballot issues. Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) is sponsoring the resolution that would go before voters if approved by the General Assembly.

Under LaRose’s plan, 60% of voters would need to approve petition-based amendments, as opposed to a simple majority under current law. LaRose says the change is needed to protect the Ohio Constitution from out-of-state interests, while opponents say the move would weaken Ohioans’ right to “direct democracy.”

The resolution would need to be approved by lawmakers by the end of December in order to be placed on the May 2023 primary ballot. 11/21/2022

Celebrating the Holidays in Ohio

The holidays are a special time in Ohio. That’s why the Ohio Department of Development and TourismOhio have published the “Holidays in Ohio” page.

The page spotlights the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail, as well as information on holiday attractions and festivals across the Buckeye State. 11/22/2022

Analyzing Ohio’s EV Transition

Ohio’s reputation as leader in automobile and auto parts manufacturing has only grown in recent years as billions of dollars related to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing have been invested here — and billions more will be invested in the near future.

To shed light on the EV transition, the OMA’s latest “Retooling Ohio” examines how the industry might affect Ohio’s long-term economy, manufacturing sector, and workforce, as well as America’s energy security. This four-page primer considers both the opportunities and challenges facing automakers, suppliers, and policymakers. 11/16/2022