Leadership

Ohio’s Budget Process Is Underway

During the first half of 2023, Ohio policymakers will devote much of their attention to writing the state’s FY2024-25 budget. Along with appropriating billions of dollars, the budget traditionally includes important policy changes.

The DeWine administration this week unveiled its spending plan. (Here are the budget highlights.) It includes $86.9 billion of General Revenue Fund appropriations over the next two years, with a heavy emphasis on education, children and families, and mental health initiatives.

This infographic provides an overview of recent state spending and revenue sources, while this primer details Ohio’s budget-writing process.

Over the next few months, the House and Senate will make their changes to the budget, which must be signed by June 30 to take effect July 1, the start of the fiscal year. 2/1/2023

House Committees Rosters Finalized

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) has released committee assignments for GOP members following the Democrats’ release of assignments last week. See the roster for each House committee.

Here are the rosters for Senate committees, as announced in early January. 2/2/2023

Study: Ohio a Top State for Aerospace Manufacturing

Ohio is a leader in PwC’s recent aerospace manufacturing attractiveness rankings. The Buckeye State, which comes in No. 4 overall, is home to an aerospace and defense sector that encompasses some 550 companies employing about 37,000 people. Ohio leads all states in supplying systems and parts to both Airbus and Boeing. 2/1/2023

OMA Releases ‘2023 Ohio Manufacturing Counts’

The OMA has updated its “Ohio Manufacturing Counts” publication for 2023. Complete with the latest state and federal data, this document provides a comprehensive look at the economic impact of the manufacturing sector of Ohio — the nation’s third-largest manufacturing state. See the full publication. 1/30/23

Post-Pandemic Record for Ohio Manufacturing Jobs

In December, Ohio added the nation’s second-highest net total of new manufacturing jobs with 4,900. Only Texas (5,500) added more.

As of last month, Ohio was home to nearly 696,000 manufacturing jobs, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If the figure holds, it will be the highest jobs number since September 2019.

For calendar year 2022, Ohio was No. 5 for manufacturing employment growth with 22,800 new jobs, trailing Texas (49,000), California (35,000), Florida (27,400), and Pennsylvania (25,400). 1/26/2023

DeWine, Husted Announce Regulatory Reform Plan

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted have announced their initiative to streamline the Ohio Administrative Code, which contains the rules adopted by state agencies. When complete, the plan aims to eliminate nearly one-third of the code by targeting duplicative provisions, outdated sections, and unnecessary requirements.

The OMA issued this press release applauding the governor and his team for their commitment to improving Ohio’s business climate. Last year, the OMA worked with legislative leaders to improve Senate Bill 9, legislation to reduce regulatory restrictions. The bill was passed and signed last spring. 1/26/2023

Ohio House Names Committee Chairs

Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) this week announced chairs of House committees, with Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) chosen to lead the Finance Committee. Other notable appointments include Rep. Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville) for Energy and Natural Resources, as well as Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) as chair of Ways and Means. 1/23/2023

‘State of State’ Address Set for Jan. 31

Gov. Mike DeWine’s 2023 “State of the State” address will be held at noon Tuesday, Jan. 31. In his address to state lawmakers, the governor is expected to lay out his priorities for his second term, including the new two-year budget. Members can watch the address at The Ohio Channel’s website. 1/25/2023

Rep. Brian Baldridge Nominated as Ag Director

Gov. Mike DeWine has selected state Rep. Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) to lead the Ohio Department of Agriculture, following the retirement of Dorothy Pelanda. Read more. 1/23/2023

Bricker & Eckler, Graydon Law Firms to Combine

Columbus-based law firm Bricker & Eckler — the OMA’s general counsel — and Cincinnati-based law firm Graydon Head & Ritchey have announced their plans to merge effective April 3. Once merged, the firm will operate as Bricker Graydon LLP. Read more. 1/24/2023