News and Analysis
Secretary of State Frank LaRose Visits OMA
June 3, 2022On June 1, the OMA’s Government Affairs Committee held is Q2 meeting. Sponsored by OMA Connections Partner MAGNET, more than 70 members attended either in person or online.
In addition to briefings on Statehouse activity and the Aug. 2 House and Senate primaries, members heard from Secretary of State Frank LaRose. He discussed Ohio’s redistricting process, Ohio’s efforts to ensure secure elections, and his office’s work to assist with new business formation. The committee will meet again Aug. 31. 6/1/2022
Legislative Roundup: After Flurry of Activity, General Assembly Takes Summer Break
June 3, 2022- On June 1, the Ohio General Assembly concluded what is expected to be the last session for both chambers until after the Aug. 2 primary election.
- State lawmakers have approved a $3.5 billion capital budget bill that includes key incentives to cement Intel’s development project in Licking County. (See this report by Gongwer News Service.) Gov. Mike DeWine reiterated that Intel’s investment in Ohio is “a game changer” for the state’s economy, as well as efforts to re-shore domestic manufacturing.
- Following action by the Ohio Senate, voters will consider two constitutional amendments when they vote in November. One would require judges to consider public safety when setting bail; the other would bar local governments from granting non-citizens the ability to vote in local elections.
Meanwhile, the Ohio House’s Commerce and Labor Committee has advanced House Bill 235, which would force private businesses to hire union workers. While the bill applies only to refineries, other industries could eventually be impacted if this bill becomes law. Learn more and email your representatives, telling them to vote “no” on HB 235. 6/2/2022
Poll: DeWine Holds Commanding Lead; U.S. Senate Race Much Closer
June 3, 2022A new poll, conducted by USA TODAY and Suffolk University, shows that Ohio’s U.S. Senate race is locked in a virtual tie. The poll finds J.D. Vance is supported by 42% of likely voters, while Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) is supported by 39%. A significant percentage of likely voters remains undecided.
The poll also shows Republican Gov. Mike DeWine appears poised to capture a second term, with 45.4% of likely voters leaning toward him, versus 29.8% for former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley (D).
In a lineup that includes President Biden, former President Trump, and all Ohio’s candidates for U.S. Senate and governor, DeWine was the only political figure to garner more than 50% favorability. 6/2/2022
Ford Announces $1.5B Investment in Ohio
June 3, 2022Ford Motor Co. has announced it will assemble electric commercial vehicles at its Lorain County plant in Avon Lake. According to JobsOhio, this will lead to 1,800 new hourly jobs and $1.5 billion in investment. Additionally, Ford said it would create 90 jobs and invest $100 million between the Lima Engine and Sharonville transmission plants.
Construction on Ford’s Avon Lake plant is expected to begin later this year, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s press release. Assembly on the commercial electric vehicle is expected to begin in mid-decade.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has told IndustryWeek that the auto industry’s transition to electric powertrains will generate waves of change, including “very large consolidation.” Many startup EV manufacturers will soon discover that the market isn’t large enough to justify their capital spending or valuations, according to Farley. 6/2/2022
Report: U.S. Manufacturing Activity Remains Strong
June 3, 2022Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index has dropped to its lowest reading since the tail end of the Great Recession in early 2009. But the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to be resilient. According to the Institute for Supply Management, U.S. manufacturing growth grew at a faster rate than expected last month, even as supply challenges lingered.
Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, reports there were 996,000 manufacturing job openings in April, a new all-time high, with increased postings for both durable and nondurable goods firms. 6/2/2022
U.S. Official: Chip Shortage Could Endure Until 2024
June 3, 2022Providing an investor’s perspective on the global supply chain disruption, Morningstar has published this story, which includes infographics on shipping delays, automobile inventories, and food-related commodity prices. The article spotlights the heavy concentration of computer chip manufacturing in Asia, adding that pending federal legislation would boost semiconductor production in the U.S.
Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says the semiconductor shortage is likely to last at least through next year and perhaps longer. She repeated her call for Congress to approve the chips funding legislation, saying, “We are really on borrowed time.”
The National Association of Manufacturers recently sent an open letter to Capitol Hill, outlining ten recommended priorities the chips funding bill should address. 6/1/2022
June 9 Webinar: Using AI to Boost Productivity
June 3, 2022On June 9, OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen will host a complimentary webinar to explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to put time-consuming, labor-intensive, and detail-oriented processes on autopilot at your workplace. Register here. 6/2/2022
Top 100 Things to Do in Ohio This Summer
June 3, 2022TourismOhio has published this list of the top 100 things to do in Ohio this summer. From Kings Island and Cedar Point to Ohio’s Adventure Trails, the list has something for everyone. Be sure to share the list with employees at your business. 5/31/2022
Action Alert: Contact Your State Senator Regarding Construction Prompt-Pay Mandate
May 26, 2022Last year, the Ohio House passed House Bill 68 — legislation that would negatively impact the right of private businesses to freely negotiate construction contracts. Now the bill is being considered in the Ohio Senate.
Under HB 68, the government would set the payment terms in construction contracts, raising the possibility of a windfall funded in part by manufacturers. It would eliminate the right to negotiate payment terms, and instead require all construction contracts to be paid within 30 days. It would also establish exorbitant penalties, imposing an 18% annual interest rate on payments not made within 30 days.
Despite vocal opposition from the business community, the House passed HB 68 last year. Senators need to hear from employers in their districts. Contact your state senator and ask him/her to vote “no” on HB 68. 5/25/2022
Deadline Approaching for Federal Court to Act on Ohio Redistricting Dispute
May 26, 2022In another 4-3 ruling, the Supreme Court of Ohio has — for the fifth time — invalidated state House and Senate redistricting maps adopted by the Ohio Redistricting Commission. The court has ordered the commission to produce another map by Friday, June 3.
However, on Saturday, May 28, a three-judge federal panel is expected to weigh in on the redistricting dispute. As reported by Hannah News Service, the panel previously indicated that it was ready to order the state to use the Ohio Redistricting Commission’s third set of maps for General Assembly districts if no compromise was reached. 5/25/2022