Leadership

LaRose Plan Would Require 60% Voter Approval to Pass Citizen-Led Constitutional Amendments

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) is leading an effort to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution via citizen-led ballot issues. Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) is sponsoring the resolution that would go before voters if approved by the General Assembly.

Under LaRose’s plan, 60% of voters would need to approve petition-based amendments, as opposed to a simple majority under current law. LaRose says the change is needed to protect the Ohio Constitution from out-of-state interests, while opponents say the move would weaken Ohioans’ right to “direct democracy.”

The resolution would need to be approved by lawmakers by the end of December in order to be placed on the May 2023 primary ballot. 11/21/2022

Celebrating the Holidays in Ohio

The holidays are a special time in Ohio. That’s why the Ohio Department of Development and TourismOhio have published the “Holidays in Ohio” page.

The page spotlights the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail, as well as information on holiday attractions and festivals across the Buckeye State. 11/22/2022

Analyzing Ohio’s EV Transition

Ohio’s reputation as leader in automobile and auto parts manufacturing has only grown in recent years as billions of dollars related to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing have been invested here — and billions more will be invested in the near future.

To shed light on the EV transition, the OMA’s latest “Retooling Ohio” examines how the industry might affect Ohio’s long-term economy, manufacturing sector, and workforce, as well as America’s energy security. This four-page primer considers both the opportunities and challenges facing automakers, suppliers, and policymakers. 11/16/2022

Auto Supplier Impacts: Transformation in the Market

The North American auto market and value chain are changing — and suppliers will face critical strategic investment decisions over the next two to three years, experts say. In this analysis, OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran shares recent trends, drivers, and questions suppliers should consider. 11/16/2022

Derek Merrin Selected as Ohio’s Next Speaker

Ohio House Republicans have selected Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Twp.) to be speaker for the 135th General Assembly, which begins in January. The 36-year-old Lucas County lawmaker fended off challenges from Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill).

As noted in this report by Gongwer News Service, Merrin is able to serve only two years as speaker due to Ohio’s term limits.

The rest of the majority leadership team will include Reps. Plummer, speaker pro tempore; Scott Wiggam (R-Wayne County), majority floor leader; Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield), assistant majority floor leader; Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester), majority whip; and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), assistant majority whip. 11/17/2022

Huffman Set to Return as Ohio Senate President

Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) has been re-elected as president of the Ohio Senate for the upcoming 135th General Assembly, which begins in January.

The rest of the majority leadership team will include Sens. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton), president pro tempore; Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), majority floor leader; and Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), majority whip.

Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) has been elected Senate minority leader for the next session, while Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) will serve as assistant minority leader. 11/16/2022

OMA Examines Post-Election Activity, 2023 Outlook

Nearly 70 attendees gathered Nov. 16 in person and virtually for the OMA Government Affairs Committee’s final quarterly meeting of 2022.

Members were briefed on potential lame-duck threats (see this action alert issued last week), including House Bill 235, which would impose union hiring mandates and expand union influence. (This analysis shows the broad impact HB 235 could have. Members are encouraged to use the OMA’s advocacy center to oppose the bill.)

The meeting also included a review of this month’s election results, with insight from Ohio political experts Bob Clegg, Midwest Communications and Media; Kevin DeWine, CBD Advisors; and Sandy Theis, Theis Research & Consulting.

The OMA will soon issue the 2023 meeting dates for all policy committees. Stay tuned. 11/16/2022

Former Ohio GOP Chair Kevin DeWine (third from left), now with CBD Advisors, was one of the political insiders who broke down Ohio’s election results at this week’s Government Affairs Committee meeting.

Déjà Vu: Rail Strike Deadline Looms

A third labor union has rejected an agreement with the nation’s freight railroads, raising prospects of a strike early next month. If no deal is approved before Dec. 9, Congress has the authority to intervene, according to reports.

It’s estimated that a month-long rail strike would result in a $160 billion hit to the U.S. economy. The chemical manufacturing industry would be especially impacted.

A coalition of Midwest manufacturers’ groups — including the OMA — is urging Congressional leaders to intervene if necessary. 11/16/2022

Report: Ohio Republicans Prepare for 2024 U.S. Senate Race

State Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) appears to be preparing for Ohio’s 2024 U.S. Senate contest, according to a report by The Ohio Press Network, a conservative news outlet. Ohio’s incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) has indicated he will seek re-election.

Other Republicans who may be considering a run for the seat include Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Attorney General Dave Yost, Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno, and U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, the report says. 11/16/2022

Election Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways

More than 4 million Ohioans went to the polls for the Nov. 8 general election. For the benefit of our members, the OMA has published this post-election report detailing Ohio’s key races.

Republicans have expanded their majorities in the Ohio House and Senate. When the 135th General Assembly convenes in January, the GOP is expected to hold 26 of 33 Senate seats and 68 of 99 House seats — the most favorable margins the party has enjoyed in decades.

Other election highlights included:

• Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted easily won re-election, capturing 85 of 88 Ohio counties. (The OMA-PAC endorsed the DeWine-Husted ticket.)
• All three Supreme Court of Ohio justices that were endorsed by the OMA-PAC won their races.
• In the contest for U.S. Senate, Republican J.D. Vance defeated Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, while Democrats flipped Ohio’s redrawn First Congressional District.

For further election analysis — and a look at Statehouse activity planned for the post-election session — attend the OMA’s Government Affairs Committee meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16. Members can attend virtually or in person at the OMA’s Columbus headquarters. Register now. 11/10/2022