Leadership

Senate OKs State Budget Plan

On a 24-7 vote, the Ohio Senate has approved its version of the state’s two-year main operating budget (House Bill 33). The measure is expected to go a conference committee so House and Senate leaders can negotiate differences before sending a final version to Gov. DeWine, who can use his line-item veto authority to nix specific items.

The budget deadline is June 30.

As previously reported, the Senate’s spending plan is a mixed bag for manufacturers. This 15-page summary by the Senate GOP provides an overview of budget changes, while this document compares the budget plans of the Senate, House, and governor.

See related stories in this Leadership Briefing for more budget details. 6/15/2023

Ohio Recognized for Manufacturing Investments

Due to its manufacturing activity, the Buckeye State has been recognized by Area Development magazine in its annual economic development competition. Ohio received the publication’s Gold Shovel Award for high-value investment projects. The magazine specifically cited Intel, Honda and LG Energy Solution, SEMCORP Advanced Materials Group, and Ford as key contributors. 6/14/2023

Take the 2023 Ohio Manufacturing Survey

MAGNET — an OMA Connections Partner and northeast Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership — is conducting its annual survey of Ohio manufacturers. OMA members are encouraged to take the survey by clicking here. The deadline to complete the survey is July 31. 6/14/2023

Bill Aims to Grow Number of U.S. Manufacturing Sites

Ohio’s U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R) has introduced bipartisan federal legislation to increase the number of “shovel-ready” manufacturing sites nationwide. According to reports, the bill would establish a $500 million grant program for communities to equip potential manufacturing sites with road access, water infrastructure, broadband, power hookups, and workforce training. 6/13/2023

U.S. Reduces Imported Goods From China

New federal data show that goods exported from China to the U.S. have dropped to their lowest level in nearly 20 years, falling to 13.3% of total U.S. imports during the first four months of 2023. That’s down sharply from 21.6% in 2017. 6/12/2023

5 Things to Consider Before Reshoring

Manufacturers should consider these five factors if moving from China or other offshore location, advises Rosemary Coates with the non-partisan Reshoring Institute. In a column appearing in Business Facilities magazine, Coates writes that the Tax Reform Act of 2017 “has leveled the playing field for American manufacturers in terms of taxes.” 6/14/2023

Ohio Senate Unveils Budget Plan

This week, the Ohio Senate Finance Committee unveiled its substitute version of the state’s two-year operating budget (House Bill 33).

For manufacturers, the Senate’s $85.7 billion spending plan is a mixed bag. There are helpful provisions, such as tax relief, economic development funding, and K-12 education reform. But there are provisions that counter manufacturers’ policy goals — such as workforce funding that falls short of the governor’s recommendations, and utility-related provisions that would increase customer costs and weaken consumer protections. (See related stories.)

The Senate plan provides $1 billion for the DeWine-Husted administration’s All Ohio Future Fund, which would ensure more shovel-ready industrial sites. It also authorizes a $1 billion one-time Strategic Community Investments Fund, while nixing the House’s $1 billion earmark for rural highway projects.

See this 28-page summary of the Senate budget, as well as this document comparing the budget plans of the Senate, House, and governor.

Once the full Senate passes its version of the budget — expected to occur in mid-June — House and Senate leaders, along with the governor, will have until June 30 to sign off on a final plan. The state’s new fiscal year begins July 1. 6/7/2023

OMA Members Briefed on Budget, Special Election

Gov. Mike DeWine’s chief of staff, Stephanie McCloud, and state Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) — a key member of the House leadership team — addressed policy priorities during the OMA Government Affairs Committee meeting held June 7. The meeting was sponsored by OMA Connections Partner MAGNET.

In addition to updates on new legislation, much of the meeting focused on provisions in the Senate’s budget plan. Members were also briefed on State Issue 1, hearing arguments for and against the proposal to change the standard by which Ohio’s constitution can be amended. A special election has been set for Aug. 8, when voters will decide the issue. 6/7/2023

Two OMA-Opposed Bills Resurrected

Late last year, the OMA helped stop two high-profile bills — one mandating union hiring and another establishing state requirements in construction contracts. Now both proposals, which would make Ohio less competitive, have been reintroduced in the current General Assembly.

House Bill 205 would infringe on employer rights by forcing defined manufacturers across Ohio to hire union workers, creating a precedent that could impact other industries. House Bill 203 would set payment terms in construction contracts, requiring contracts to be paid within 30 days with the threat of an 18% penalty.

Stay tuned for more information regarding these measures. 6/8/2023

Statewide Bridge Projects Announced

Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation recently announced ODOT is dedicating nearly $28 million to repair, replace, or demolish 24 aging bridges in Ohio. See the map. For updates on all ODOT projects, see this page and the agency’s press releases. 6/5/2023