News and Analysis
OMA-PAC Endorses Gov. DeWine for Re-Election
April 8, 2022The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Political Action Committee (OMA-PAC) has endorsed Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for re-election. The endorsement, which was voted on by the OMA-PAC board, is the direct result of the governor’s leadership “to improve Ohio’s economy, workforce, and manufacturing competitiveness,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. 4/6/2022
New Research Highlights Manufacturing’s Value to Ohio
April 8, 2022As the primary election nears, two well-regarded researchers have updated their economic overview of the Buckeye State. Their revised report, which presents questions for the next governor, illustrates that manufacturing is still the key driver of Ohio’s economic health.
Bill Shkurti, a distinguished adjunct professor, and Dr. Fran Stewart — both of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University — have profiled how Ohio’s economic fortunes have changed since 1960, when Ohio boasted more than double its current number of manufacturing jobs. The updated report profiles the economic pain associated with the closure of large OEM plants, as well as the predicted boost from new OEM projects like Intel’s planned project.
More proof that as manufacturing goes, so goes Ohio’s prosperity. 4/7/2022
Federal Court May Decide Primary Date for Ohio’s Legislative Races
April 8, 2022The Ohio House and Senate are now on spring recess until mid-May. (See the legislature’s 2022 session calendar.) And it appears the leaders of both chambers may allow a federal three-judge panel to decide the date of Ohio’s primary election for state legislative races.
As Gongwer News Service reports, the federal judges have set April 20 as the deadline to finalize the new maps for Ohio’s House and Senate districts, as well as the primary election date for these Statehouse seats.
The Supreme Court of Ohio continues its review of a fourth set of legislative maps. Meanwhile, early voting has begun for the May 3 primary, which will include all races other than those for legislature and state central committee. 4/6/2022
Rep. Gibbs Announces Retirement
April 8, 2022Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-7) has announced his retirement. The AP reports that the six-term congressman declared himself a casualty of “the circus” over Ohio’s still-unresolved congressional maps. Under new temporary maps, Gibbs would have faced Max Miller, who has the support of former President Donald Trump. 4/6/2022
Ohio Bill Would Ban Teaching of ‘Divisive Concepts’
April 8, 2022Adding more controversy in a contentious election year, Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 616, which opponents say is similar to a Florida law that restricts how teachers can talk about sexual orientation and gender identity to students (particularly those in kindergarten through third grade). Supporters say the bill would give parents more control over what is taught regarding social issues.
The 18-page measure would also prohibit schools from using textbooks and curriculum that promote or endorse “divisive” or racist concepts. 4/6/2022
OMA Touts Manufacturing’s Multiplier Effect
April 8, 2022In an editorial published by The Lima News, OMA President Ryan Augsburger examines the multiplier effect of large-scale manufacturing in Ohio. He writes, “The steady flow of manufacturing investments into Ohio ensures the Buckeye State will continue to be a global leader in manufacturing.” 4/4/2022
Economic Development Rankings Spotlight Competitiveness of Ohio’s Communities
April 8, 2022As recently reported, Ohio again finished No. 2 — trailing only Texas — in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup contest, which ranks states based on the number of annual economic development projects.
JobsOhio reports that the Governor’s Cup 2021 rankings placed many Ohio metro areas and smaller communities among the nation’s best in attracting new investment. Among large metros, Cincinnati and Columbus were ranked No. 2 and No. 9, respectively; Dayton was No. 1 in total projects for mid-sized metros, while Toledo was No. 7 and Akron was No. 8.
Bowling Green and Lima finished No. 2 and No. 3 for total projects among metros with a population of less than 200,000. Findlay was named the No. 1 micropolitan, and Fremont placed at No. 10 in number of projects. 4/6/2022
RSM’s Financial Conditions Index Remains Negative
April 8, 2022A protracted war in Eastern Europe and higher oil prices “will almost certainly continue to weigh on financial conditions,” according to OMA Connections Partner RSM. The firm’s U.S. Financial Conditions Index remains more than 0.2 standard deviations below normal. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index recently fell to its lowest mark since September 2020. 4/5/2022
Reporting Requirements Under New Cybersecurity Law
April 8, 2022Amid concerns regarding the threat of increased cyberattacks targeting infrastructure and other critical industries, there has been a flurry of federal activity — including a new law that imposes mandatory reporting obligations on many businesses. Read this summary from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips.
Meanwhile, obtaining the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is essential for defense manufacturers, according to OMA Connections Partner Clark Schaefer Hackett. 4/7/2022
At a Glance: Ohio’s Bioscience Industry
April 1, 2022Ohio’s bioscience industry is a major player in the Buckeye State’s economy. According to a recent report by BioOhio, bioscience-related companies have operations in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Ohio has more than 4,200 organizations manufacturing and distributing products, providing essential services, or researching the next breakthrough at more than 5,100 facilities. 3/29/2022