Leadership

A new poll has entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as the GOP favorite in Ohio’s 2026 governor race.

The poll, conducted in February by the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Democracy and Public Policy Research Network and YouGov, shows Ramaswamy leading the pack of Republican candidates, with 61 percent support from prospective GOP Ohio voters.

Ohio’s Lt. Governor Jim Tressel sits in second at 14 percent, with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost at 13 percent and Heather Hill rounding out the GOP primary with nine percent. BGSU noted that this poll was conducted before Ramaswamy received the endorsement from President Donald Trump.

For the Democrats, former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown leads the pack with 59 percent. Brown has not entered the race, nor has he signaled his intent to. Former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton follows Brown with 17 percent. 4/30/2025

2026 Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is set to join the OMA Government Affairs Committee on Thursday, June 5, in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Ramaswamy will share his policy priorities related to Ohio’s manufacturing sector and discuss his broader economic vision for the state, giving OMA members the opportunity to hear how these proposed strategies and policies could shape the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

OMA staff will also update the committee on Ohio’s state budget progress, major energy reforms, and more.

Secure your seat today. 4/22/2025

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week outlined his plan to phase out certain artificial food dyes from U.S. food production by next year.

At a news conference with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, the pair said the agencies are looking to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings and will work with the food industry to eliminate six synthetic dyes used in products like cereal, ice cream, yogurt, and other snack foods. 4/22/2025

Last week, State Senator Louis Blessing (R-Colerain Township) introduced the “Digital Fair Repair Act”, which would require any manufacturer that produces digital products to publish information publicly on the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of their electronic or digital products, including both hardware and software.

The bill also prevents manufacturers from preventing or inhibiting the device from being repaired by a third party or using aftermarket tools or parts.

This is a continuation of the “Right to Repair” push in Ohio, with Senate Bill 73, also sponsored by Blessing, opposed by and defeated by the OMA in the previous General Assembly. 4/22/2025

OMA Connections Partner Verizon recently released their annual Data Breach Investigations Report, which analyzes real-world security incidents and provides a comprehensive examination of the state of cybercrime.

The report, which analyzed over 22,000 security incidents, including 12,195 confirmed data breaches, found that credential abuse and exploitation of vulnerabilities continue to be the leading initial attack vectors, highlighting the critical need for enhanced security measures. 4/23/2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over the sweeping tariffs enacted by the president last month.

California, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is the first state to challenge Trump’s tariff policy in the courts, arguing that the president does not have authority to enact the tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act.

Meanwhile, the White House announced that China can expect up to a 245 percent tariff on imports to the U.S. “as a result of its retaliatory actions,” as the trade war between the world’s two largest economies continues to heat up.

Leaders from Japan were in Washington this week as well, looking to negotiate tariffs and “trade fairness” with the president. Japan has been hit with 24% levies on its exports to the United States, though those rates are included in the 90-day pause. 4/16/2025

This week, the OMA, along with 33 other state organizations, signed on to a joint letter through the Council of State Manufacturing Associations (COSMA) in support of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (MEP).

The letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick detailed the importance of MEP programs across the nation and emphasized that a commitment by the administration to U.S. manufacturing included the critical funding that MEP provides.

MEP funding was cut earlier this month as part of the Trump administration’s plan to reduce federal spending, according to lawmakers and partner members. 4/15/2025

Global markets surged Wednesday as the Trump Administration announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs in order to negotiate.

The S&P 500 jumped 9.5% on Wednesday, its largest one-day percentage gain since the financial crisis of 2008. The Dow surged 7.9%—its biggest daily increase ever in point terms and the biggest percentage gain since the coronavirus swept the globe in March 2020.

The pause is tactical, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, allowing the U.S. to negotiate with countries in good faith while turning up the heat on China. 4/9/2025

As manufacturers continue to navigate the uncertainty surrounding the Trump-era tariffs, it’s critical to stay informed, exchange perspectives, and communicate with fellow industry leaders. The OMA will host Talking Tariffs: A Manufacturing Deep Dive on Thursday, April 17, noon to 1:30 p.m.

This members-only briefing will provide valuable insights into the latest trade and tariff developments, giving you the opportunity to hear from subject matter experts and engage in a meaningful dialogue with your community of manufacturers.

Presenters include:

• Edward (Ned) Hill, Ph.D., Professor of Economic Development emeritus, Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs
• Ann Collett, Senior Director of International Policy, National Association of Manufacturers

Register today. 4/8/2025

There will be only one ballot issue for voters during the May 6 primary this year.

State Issue 2 would amend the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue general obligation bonds to help local governments pay for capital improvement projects like roads and bridges, wastewater treatment systems, and more.

Issue 2 would not levy a new tax on Ohioans and is simply a continuation of the efforts first approved in 1987 and re-approved through three separate constitutional amendments since then. These amendments sunset, with the most recent amendment set to sunset on July 1. 4/7/2025

President Donald Trump this week endorsed Senator Jon Husted for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Husted, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in January to fill the vacancy left by Vice President JD Vance, will need to run to hold the seat in 2026.

“I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and his complete trust to always fight for Ohio and to put America First as I serve in the U.S. Senate,” Husted posted on X. “I will work diligently with him and his team to secure our borders, champion American innovation, restore prosperity to the heartland, and fight for common sense Ohio values.” 4/9/202

International markets were set high in anticipation of sweeping tariff policy to be announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon.

The anticipation of “Liberation Day,” coined by the President, for U.S. trade policy, caused markets to rise early Wednesday morning. By Thursday morning, however, most markets took a substantial hit, with manufacturers among the most heavily affected.

In his announcement, President Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff. These are across-the-board levies on all imports, effective April 5. Specific nations, the White House considers bad actors on trade, will be hit with a “discounted reciprocal tariff.” These include:

• 20% on the European Union
• A new 34% tariff on China, increasing the base rate to 54%
• 46% on Vietnam
• 32% on Taiwan
• 24% on Japan

The Trump Administration also implemented a 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles that took effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning.

OMA Connections Partner Akhia has created a Tariff Communications Toolkit for organizations to communicate about tariffs effectively. 4/2/2025

Earlier this week, state Manufacturing Extension Programs (MEP) were notified by the federal government that their funding will be cut mid-year, despite prior Congressional authorization. Ohio, among the largest manufacturing states, anticipates similar cuts may be coming later this year.

The MEP national network has supported process improvements at small and medium-sized manufacturers for over 35 years, contributing to reshoring efforts. The federal government invests $6M in Ohio MEPs each year. Those funds are matched by the state dollars and user fees to deliver services to thousands of Ohio manufacturers annually.

Manufacturers supportive of MEP can contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives. Call their office today and urge them to contact the U.S. Department of Commerce to restore MEP funding! 4/1/2025

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has asserted sweeping changes at the federal level to “Make America Healthy Again,” (MAHA), which promises to end “America’s epidemic of chronic illness by focusing on safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins.”

This movement has now trickled down to Ohio, where lawmakers have introduced several bills looking to improve health outcomes for Ohioans. These include:

• SB 161 a ban on the purchase of candy and soda for Ohioans on SNAP benefits
• Potential legislation banning of certain food dyes and oils, and certain PFAS
• HB 10 enforcing labeling provisions and SNAP restrictions on cultivated-protein products, including meat and egg substitutes
• The removal of fluoride in public water.

4/1/2025

Progress continues to be made on OMA-supported civil justice reform bills as both chambers are looking to reform third-party litigation funding. Third-party litigation funding currently allows outside investors with no direct interest in a case to fund lawsuits in exchange for a share of the financial outcome, putting manufacturers at risk by inflating legal costs, clogging up court dockets, and increasing the burden on businesses.

“House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 10 would bring accountability and transparency to third party litigation funding in Ohio,” said the OMA’s Lindsey Short, who also chairs the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice, which also weighed in to express support. 4/1/2025

Ohio Republicans this week revived plans to ban “foreign adversaries” from buying land near critical infrastructure, citing national security risks like espionage or cyberattacks.

Senate Bill 88, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), would ban people and companies from countries on the federal foreign adversary list from buying property within 25 miles of Ohio’s critical infrastructure. This included military bases, electricity plants, broadband infrastructure, and railroads.

Some lawmakers have warned, however, that these sweeping measures could prevent foreign-born citizens, such as doctors and athletes, and would force them to sell at no more than the price they originally paid. 3/25/2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced this week the results of the January TechCred application period.

566 employers were awarded during the January period, providing the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 7,681 tech-focused credentials. This announcement also marks a milestone for TechCred, having awarded over 130,000 tech-focused credentials to over 3,500 Ohio employers since 2019.

TechCred helps businesses address their workforce needs by upskilling current and prospective employees with the credentials needed for a tech-infused economy. Top industries funded in this round include manufacturing, educational services, and construction, which continues to show that Ohioans working in any industry can use TechCred to upskill employees. Businesses of all sizes, from any industry, are eligible for up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year.

To learn more and apply for the next round, visit TechCred.Ohio.Gov. 3/25/2025

This week, OMA President Ryan Augsburger joined a panel hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club on energy demand and generation in Ohio.

Augsburger was joined by Todd Snitchler, President and CEO of Electric Power Supply Association, Former Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander, and Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of One Columbus.

The discussion covered the economic development of Ohio, what that growth means for Ohio’s grid, and Ohio is attracting additional generation. Augsburger emphasized that Ohio is in a strong position to meet energy demands of the future, highlighting the abundant natural resources and strong economic development in the state.

“It’s not a vision of scarcity and crisis, it is a vision of growth, investment, and abundance, which will lead us to continued competitive advantage,” Augsburger said. 3/19/2025

During his State of the State Address last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recognized Drew Corbitt, son of OMA Board Vice-Chair Scott Corbitt, for his work during high school at the Tolles Career & Technical Center, which helped Drew gain a paid internship at Hikma Pharmaceutical Company.

His work at Tolles and internship inspired his choice to study chemical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. 3/12/2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his State of the State address this past Wednesday in Columbus.

DeWine highlighted new manufacturing job opportunities across Ohio, such as drone manufacturer Andruil, highlighting that the state has produced over 81,000 private sector jobs.

DeWine also laid out his plan for newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who will take the lead in developing a “workforce playbook” to help grow jobs around Ohio. Tressel will work with schools and businesses to identify and meet Ohio’s workforce needs.

The OMA praised the Governor’s commitment to manufacturing and workforce development in a statement, recognizing that much work still needs to be done to meet Ohio’s future workforce needs.

“Ohio has a strong economy but is faced with the challenge of finding skilled workers to fill all the jobs that are available. Governor DeWine understands this well, and manufacturers are glad to see that focus continue,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. 3/12/2025