Leadership

Secure your seat for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum now featuring Laura Ingraham on Oct 1.

Learn more about the forum and related events and save a spot for this important annual manufacturing leadership meeting. Don’t miss out. 9/10/2025

The National Association of Manufacturers this week expressed concerns with the policy direction of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In its statement, the NAM noted how MAHA guiding principles are out of step with and would undermine the Trump regulatory agenda without improving health and safety.

The NAM has issued a national ad campaign showcasing the vital role manufacturers throughout the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and chemistry supply chains play in strengthening families, building communities and driving the nation forward. 9/10/2025

OMA Board member Steve Staub of Staub Manufacturing Solutions played host this week to a roundtable and plant visit with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The Republican candidate for governor in the 2026 election contest engaged with manufacturers extensively on the subject of workforce development and education.

“It’s important that manufacturers communicate directly with candidates for Ohio elected office to convey our industry’s policy priorities,” said OMA Managing Director of Public Policy James Lee. 9/4/2025

House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley have launched a website allowing the public to submit proposed congressional district maps in Ohio, the only state required to redraw its congressional map this cycle due to a constitutional provision. Submissions will be made public and lawmakers have not yet announced when the official redistricting process will begin.

State political leaders are encouraging interested Ohioans to review the site and submit proposals, helping ensure transparency and public engagement in the redistricting process. 9/3/2025

Members of the Ohio Legislature are scheduled to return from their summer recess, with Senate committees expected to resume activities as early as Sept. 16. While committee work will begin in mid-September, the General Assembly is likely to focus on congressional redistricting, with broader legislative business returning in October.

The full fall legislative calendar is available on the Ohio Legislature’s website. 9/3/2025

The OMA bids a fond farewell to outgoing Director of Communications Tom Evans. Tom has joined the office of U.S. Senator Jon Husted as Deputy State Director.

Tom (right) is pictured here with U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno at an OMA government affairs event earlier this year. 9/2/2025

A new Emerson College Poll shows incumbent Senator Jon Husted (R) holding a six-point lead over former Senator Sherrod Brown (D) in the race for the remainder of the U.S. Senate term in Ohio: 50% to 44%, with 7% undecided.

Brown, though trailing, benefits from stronger name recognition—44% view him favorably versus just 33% for Husted.

Husted’s edge is particularly pronounced among male voters, those without a college degree, and older voters, while Brown performs better with women and independents.

In the gubernatorial contest, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is ahead of Democrat Amy Acton by 10 points: 49% to 39%, with 12% undecided, according to the same Emerson College poll.

Overall, these early polls indicate Republicans currently hold a solid advantage in Ohio’s high-profile statewide contests slated for the November 3, 2026, general election. 8/26/2025

Two Ohio appellate courts have now ruled the state’s cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases unconstitutional, citing violations of due process and equal protection. Noneconomic damage caps are a key tort reform measure that has leveled the playing field in Ohio by reining in purely subjective, unpredictable, and unlimited noneconomic damages.

The cap, in place since 2003 to stabilize insurance costs and healthcare access, now faces a potential overturn by the Ohio Supreme Court. If struck down, this could lead to increased litigation risks and higher liability insurance premiums for healthcare providers statewide.

Read more on these rulings from Bricker Graydon. 8/26/2025

Tickets for Ohio’s premier event for manufacturing leaders are selling fast!

Celebrating Manufacturing Month, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum brings together manufacturing leaders from across the state for a program of leadership insights, policy analysis, and recognition of outstanding manufacturers shaping the future of Ohio’s top industry.

Register Now! 8/20/2025

The Trump administration is considering taking a roughly 10% equity stake in Intel by converting federal grants from the CHIPS and Science Act into shares, a move that could make the government the company’s largest shareholder. Officials said the stake would be non-voting and carry no management influence but would allow taxpayers to benefit more directly from federal investments in domestic chipmaking.

The talks come a week after CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s visit to the White House. The potential deal also follows a $2 billion investment in Intel by Japan’s SoftBank, underscoring heightened interest in shoring up U.S. chip production amid growing national security concerns. 8/20/2025

OMA President Ryan Augsburger took part in a forum this week organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

TECO Director General Dennis Yen-Fing Lei, Taiwan’s top economic representative in the Midwest, hosted the dinner dialogue that included State Representatives Allison Russo, Elgin Rogers, Jr., and Gary Click. Also on hand were executives from Foxconn and The Ohio State University. In recent weeks Foxconn, a Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer announced a significant joint venture with Softbank at Lordstown. The OMA routinely engages with representatives of important trading partners. 8/20/2025

Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced this week that he intends to challenge Republican incumbent Jon Husted for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Brown, a Democrat who served three terms before losing reelection in 2024, is seeking the seat vacated by JD Vance earlier this year. Husted was appointed in January to replace Vance and is expected to run with strong GOP backing and fundraising support.

Brown’s decision follows recruitment efforts by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who visited Ohio twice this summer. Brown also began interviewing campaign managers last week, signaling a serious bid. The Nov. 3, 2026, special election will determine who serves the remainder of Vance’s term. 8/12/2025

President Donald Trump this week met with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Trump described the encounter as “very interesting” and later referred to Tan’s career as “an amazing story.” The president signaled that Tan and White House staff will work together in the coming week to develop strategic proposals for Intel’s future. 8/12/2025

According to recent reports, members of Governor Mike DeWine’s working group on a state-mandated ban of sugar-sweetened drink purchases with SNAP benefits are questioning the governor’s Sept. 28 deadline for implementation recommendations, saying it may not allow enough time for thorough review. Concerns center on data limitations from Medicaid and WIC programs, which some fear could hinder informed recommendations.

The OMA opposed the ban in the state operating budget and submitted comments to the group that any ban on sugar-sweetened beverages include exemptions for infant formulas, medical foods, and foods for special dietary use—vital for disease management, health maintenance, and survival for vulnerable populations. 8/12/2025

Mark your calendars for the premier event for leaders in Ohio’s manufacturing industry!

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Leadership Forum will be held on Wednesday, October 1, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month, this forum brings together manufacturing leaders from across the state for an afternoon of leadership insights, policy analysis, and recognition of outstanding manufacturers shaping the future of Ohio’s top industry.

Hear insights from FOX News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier on the U.S. political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections. 8/5/2025

State Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) recently announced his candidacy to succeed Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) for the next General Assembly. Reineke currently serves as president pro tempore, the second-highest-ranking Republican in the chamber, and is seeking to lead the Senate during the 2027–2028 General Assembly.

McColley, who began his term as president in January, cannot seek re-election due to Ohio’s term limits. Reineke is the first to formally declare his intent to run for the leadership role, though Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirkland) has also expressed interest.

Reineke’s early bid signals the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive race for Senate leadership. With years of experience in the House and Senate, as well as current leadership credentials, he is considered a strong contender within the Republican caucus to take the helm when the new General Assembly convenes in 2027. 8/5/2025

The United States and the European Union this week reached a trade agreement, establishing a 15% tariff on most EU imports into the U.S., averting the threat of a larger trade war. The deal maintains existing 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum but creates zero-tariff provisions for key sectors, including aircraft and parts, select chemicals, semiconductors, agricultural goods, and critical raw materials.

In exchange, the EU agreed to purchase up to $750 billion in U.S. energy over three years, invest $600 billion in U.S. markets, and explore additional purchases of U.S. military equipment.

President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a major victory for U.S. businesses, while European leaders welcomed the predictability it brings to trade relations. Critics, however, warned that the framework could face challenges if EU commitments falter or political opposition grows, raising concerns over the agreement’s long-term stability. 7/27/2025

Axios this week reported that Ohio’s former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown has held another meeting in Columbus with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, allegedly recruiting the veteran Democrat standard bearer to challenge Republican U.S. Senator Jon Husted in the 2026 General Election.

Brown has also been considering running for Ohio Governor in 2026, potentially challenging Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Be sure to register (opening soon!) for the September 30 OMA Government Affairs Committee to get the latest scoop on election matches. 7/27/2025

The Trump administration recently unveiled a new AI Action Plan, emphasizing rapid deployment of data centers and energy infrastructure to support artificial intelligence expansion.

The plan calls for sweeping deregulation, including expedited permitting for data centers and related energy projects, aiming to bypass environmental reviews under NEPA and other statutes. It directs officials to prevent the “premature decommissioning” of critical power generation assets and to prioritize “dispatchable, reliable” resources like coal, nuclear, geothermal, and exploration of fusion to ensure grid stability.

The plan also proposes modernizing transmission systems and leveraging backup power to boost grid reliability during peak AI demands. The nineteen‑page policy projections include reforming permitting processes and aligning market incentives to enhance reliability amid escalating power consumption needs linked to AI growth.

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published an analysis of the plan and the top ten takeaways for employers. 7/28/2025

Vice President J.D. Vance returned to his home state this week, touting the Republican “One Big, Beautiful Bill” as a win for working‑class Americans.

Speaking to steelworkers at Metallus in Canton, Vance highlighted key provisions including no taxes on tips and overtime pay and incentives for domestic investment. He argued that the law will boost take‑home pay by thousands of dollars and reward companies that expand in the U.S.

This is Vance’s second official visit to his home state since taking office, with the vice-president keynoting a Republican dinner in Lima earlier last month. 7/28/2025