Leadership

Bill Seeks to Level Playing Field for U.S. Manufacturers of Compressed Gas Cylinders

U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12) has introduced legislation to modernize the federal regulatory framework for foreign manufacturers of gas cylinders, holding them to higher safety and inspection standards in an attempt to level the playing field for U.S. producers. Balderson’s press release quotes Andy Rose, president and CEO of Worthington Industries. 4/20/2021

DeWine, Husted Weigh in on Attempt to Expand U.S. Supreme Court

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted this week announced their support for the “Keep Nine” Amendment, a bi-partisan congressional measure that would keep the total number of U.S. Supreme Court justices at nine. The announcement comes after progressive Democrats in Congress introduced legislation to expand the court to 13 justices.

“Keeping the number of justices at nine enshrined in the Constitution will prevent any political party from tampering with the court for political gain,” Gov. DeWine said. 4/21/2021

MAGNET Conducting Annual Survey of Manufacturers

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 to let the MAGNET team — and all survey results readers — know where they stand with COVID-19-related challenges and other priorities.

MAGNET will send survey participants a business book of their choice and make a donation to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Harvest for Hunger Campaign. All Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to participate. 4/20/2021

Senate OKs Party ID for Ohio’s Judicial Elections

The Ohio Senate this week voted 24-9 to approve Senate Bill 80, which would allow partisan general election races for certain judgeships. Specifically, the bill would require party affiliations be listed on ballots for appellate and Ohio Supreme Court races. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. 4/22/2021

Reports: Chip Shortage Could Last Into 2022

It appears the global shortage of semiconductors — which is negatively impacting manufacturers of consumer electronics, automobiles, and more — could last into 2022, according to reports. The shortage is being fueled by to multiple factors, including the U.S.-China tech feud, the pandemic’s impact on supply chains, even drought in Taiwan.

In its extensive article on the subject, The Wall Street Journal (subscription) reported that tech companies in China have been stockpiling chips “for one month, three months, or even six months.” 4/21/2021

Report: 16 Manufacturing Industries Critical to America’s Economic Recovery

In its new analysis, consulting firm McKinsey & Company says “the stars could be aligning for U.S. manufacturing” due to public- and private-sector resolve to strengthen America’s industrial might. The firm identifies 16 industrial sectors that, with improved competitiveness, could boost U.S. manufacturing’s overall annual GDP by $275 billion above forecasts, while adding as many as 1.5 million jobs. 4/21/2021

ODOT Investing Nearly $2 Billion in Infrastructure

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced it will invest more than $1.9 billion into 956 projects statewide. The 2021 construction program includes improvements to 876 bridges and 4,596 miles of pavement. To see the construction projects planned for your region, check out this ODOT map or use this search tool. 4/14/2021

House Budget Includes 2% Income Tax Cut

The House Finance Committee this week unveiled its $74.7 billion biennial budget (House Bill 110). Included in the FY 2022-23 budget is a 2% across-the-board income tax cut. Other budget highlights include the following:

• Retains the governor’s proposals for $2.5 million to be spent both years on industry sector partnership grants and $8.3 million for the TechCred program;
• $155 million in COVID-19 relief for small businesses;
• $1.8 billion increase in K-12 school funding, phased in over six years;
• $170 million over the biennium to H2Ohio;
• Eliminates the requirement for high school students in the next school year to take a national standardized college admission assessment; and
• Does not include a $50 million ad campaign supported by the governor to encourage people to move to Ohio.

The full House is expected to vote on the budget next week, so it can be sent to the Senate. Under state law, the General Assembly must pass a balanced budget by June 30. 4/14/2021

Virtual Trade Mission to Mexico, June 21 to July 2

Mexico is Ohio’s second-largest export market. That’s why Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers is offering a multi-sector virtual trade mission to Mexico from June 21 to July 2. According to the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA), the registration deadline is April 23 and the fee to participate is $1,000. Grant funding may be available through the Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters program. For more information, click here or email the DSA. 4/13/2021

Report: Chip Shortage Could Cost Automakers $61B

The global shortage of semiconductors and its impact on automakers continues to dominate manufacturing headlines. This week, Bloomberg reported that one estimate says the chip shortage could cost automakers $61 billion in lost sales this year. Bloomberg has compiled a summary of actions taken in response by the major auto manufacturers in North America.

Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers, said this week that while there continues to be supply chain challenges and rising costs, U.S. manufacturers overall continue to expand, with production down just 2.1% since the pandemic began. Moutray expects a return to pre-pandemic levels by the third quarter of this year. 4/14/2021