Leadership

Potential Ohio Bill Would Ban Sale of Certain Cosmetics

The Humane Society of the United States is reportedly searching for an Ohio lawmaker to introduce legislation to ban the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. As drafted, this proposal would impose stiff financial penalties on manufacturers of such products.

If your company has concerns regarding this potential legislation, contact Lindsey Short, director, OMA Public Policy Services. 10/25/2022

Railroad Worker Strike Remains a Possibility

Just last month, the Biden administration announced a tentative agreement had been reached to avert a railway workers strike. But now a renewed stand-off over paid sick-leave is again raising the prospect of a strike and a “Christmastime economic disaster.” On Nov. 17, the two largest railroad unions will announce their votes. 10/25/2022

Report: Reshoring to Create 24,000 Ohio Jobs in 2022

Reshoring and foreign direct investments (FDI) led to more than 1.3 million U.S. manufacturing jobs between 2010 and the start of this year, according to the Reshoring Initiative. In its latest report, the organization projects that Ohio will gain nearly 24,000 jobs from reshoring and FDI by the end of 2022. 10/24/2022

The Legislature’s Lame-Duck Threats

Ohio lawmakers have been on recess since June, but they’ll return to action in mid-November after the general election.

Members of the legislature who want to pass pending legislation yet this year will be under the gun since bills not enacted by year’s end will need to be introduced as new legislation in 2023, thereby restarting the committee process.

Among bills still pending in the 134th General Assembly are the following, all of which are opposed by the OMA:

• House Bill 235: Would infringe on employer rights by forcing refineries across Ohio to hire union workers. While the bill applies only to refineries, this bill would create a precedent that could impact other industries. (Learn more and email your representatives, urging them to oppose HB 235.)
• House Bill 317: Would increase costs on customer’s utility charges by making harmful changes to Ohio’s electric ratemaking mechanism, while failing to protect ratepayers from undefined transmission costs.
• House Bill 68: Would set the payment terms in construction contracts and eliminate the owner’s right to negotiate, requiring all contracts to be paid within 30 days. It would also impose an 18% annual interest rate on payments not made within 30 days.

Here are the House and Senate session schedules for the remainder of 2022. 10/19/2022

Polls: U.S. Senate Race Remains Virtually Tied

With just over two weeks until Election Day, polls continue to indicate an extremely tight race in the contest to replace Ohio’s retiring U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R). The Real Clear Politics polling average showed Republican J.D. Vance leading Democrat and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan by 2.5 points at last check.

The Washington Post recently published a story examining how both Senate candidates are embracing the “transformation of American manufacturing that is unfolding” in the Buckeye State. Manufacturing was a key issue when the candidates debated in Cleveland on Oct. 10 and in Youngstown on Oct. 17. 10/20/2022

DeWine Holds Comfortable Lead, Polling Finds

In Ohio’s gubernatorial race, incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine (R) leads former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley by around 18 points, according to the Real Clear Politics polling average. The Trafalgar Group poll, conducted Oct. 10-12, showed DeWine leading 54.8% to 37.4%.

For an overview of Ohio’s key election-year matchups, see the 2022 Ohio Election Guide published by the OMA. Also, find important voter resources at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Voter Toolkit. 10/20/2022

Ohio’s Redistricting Dispute Heads to SCOTUS

Ohio’s newly redrawn districts for the U.S. House — ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Ohio twice, but OK’d by a federal court — will go before the U.S. Supreme Court, reports say.

Republicans on the Ohio Redistricting Commission say the new district maps were lawfully passed, while Democrats charge that Republicans are attempting to “overrule the democratic process.” 10/18/2022

Examining Ohio’s EV Transition

In a story published this week, The Plain Dealer examines the shift from gasoline-fueled engines to fully electric vehicles — and how that transition could impact Ohio’s manufacturing sector and economy.

OMA President Ryan Augsburger is quoted extensively in the story, pointing out that the association is supporting policies to ensure Ohio continues to be the automobile state, regardless of power source. 10/20/2022

NAM President Names Federal Policy Priorities

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons is calling on federal policymakers to take immediate steps to boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. The key issues highlighted by Timmons include pass-through income, intellectual property, R&D and capital investment, and immigration. 10/20/2022

Manufacturing Forum Set for Toledo Area, Nov. 15

OMA Connections Partner William Vaughan Company will host a no-cost manufacturing forum Nov. 15 in Lucas County. The event will address key industry issues, including automation and shop floor efficiency. Learn more and register. 10/20/2022