Leadership

DeWine Announces New Housing Program

To address the lack of affordable housing, Gov. Mike DeWine this week unveiled the “Welcome Home Ohio” program. This follows calls from the OMA and other business organizations to provide incentives to grow Ohio’s affordable housing supply. 12/13/2023

Study Examines Consequences of ‘Right-to-Repair’

So-called “right to repair” mandates harm the environment, consumer safety, and innovation, according to a new study by the National Association of Manufacturers.

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FTC to enact policies limiting OEMs’ ability to prevent non-authorized entities from performing certain repairs.

At the state level, the OMA has helped lead opposition to right-to-repair legislation (Senate Bill 73). 12/13/2023

Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Export Internship Program

Ohio’s Export Internship Program is looking for businesses in need of assistance with exporting. The program matches companies with students from Ohio universities and colleges who have taken export-focused coursework.

The Ohio Department of Development will reimburse participating small- to medium-sized businesses 50% of intern wages. Application deadline is Jan. 31. Read more. 12/12/2023

Ross McGregor Elected to OMA Board

Ross McGregor, president of Pentaflex, has been elected to serve on the OMA Board. The Springfield-based company is a contract manufacturer of metal stampings and assemblies.

In addition to leading his family’s manufacturing business, McGregor served in the Ohio House from 2005 through 2014, representing Clark County.

Meanwhile, longtime director Cathy Lyttle, senior vice president and chief HR officer at Worthington Industries, has announced her retirement. The OMA thanks Cathy for her many years of service to Ohio’s manufacturing community. 12/7/2023

GOP Lawmakers Warned About Future Leadership Votes

Last January’s surprise election of House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Monclova Township) — the result of 22 Republicans voting with all 32 Democrats — created a rift between House Republicans that has impacted policymaking throughout 2023.

Ohio Republican Party leaders are now warning lawmakers to avoid a repeat of similar scenarios in future leadership elections.

Gongwer News Service reports the party’s State Central Committee on Dec. 1 adopted a resolution encouraging members of the 136th General Assembly (which begins January 2025) to vote for individuals supported by the majority of the GOP caucuses or risk the loss of the party’s endorsement. 12/4/2023

Chavez Fills Vacant Ohio Senate Seat

Brian Chavez, owner of Reno Oil and Gas, has been selected to fill the vacant seat for Ohio’s 30th Senate District in eastern and southeastern Ohio. Sen. Chavez, who previously worked as an engineer at Intel, will serve the remainder of Hoagland’s term and plans to run for a full term next November. 12/6/2023

2024 Congressional Schedule

Recently, both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate released their 2024 calendars, according to OMA Connections Partner Shumaker. Despite next year’s presidential election, both chambers plan to spend a significant amount of time in D.C. 12/4/2023

Verizon Unveils Small Business Resources

OMA Connections Partner Verizon has unveiled its Small Business Digital Ready program, which offers online tools to small businesses to thrive in the digital economy. Visit this site for access to complementary courses and other resources, including grant opportunities. 12/6/2023

Senate President Visits the OMA

On Nov. 29, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) addressed more than 100 members during the OMA Government Affairs Committee’s Q4 meeting, sponsored by Bricker Graydon, the OMA’s general counsel.

Huffman’s comments were primarily focused on Ohio’s new law to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. He noted his concerns regarding provisions addressing THC levels, home production, and tax revenue distribution.

During the meeting, OMA members were briefed on several legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments, including OSHA’s proposal to allow union representatives to accompany OSHA staff during workplace inspections. The OMA has been a leader in voicing concerns about the proposal.

The OMA will soon release its 2024 meeting dates for all policy committees. Stay tuned. 11/29/2023

Ohio Supreme Court OKs New Legislative Maps

The new Ohio House and Senate district maps, unanimously approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission, were upheld this week by the state Supreme Court.

Along party lines, the court voted 4-3 to dismiss legal challenges brought by left-leaning groups. The action gives Republicans a 62% advantage in the House and 70% in the Senate, according to reports. 11/28/2023