Leadership

EV-Related Considerations for Auto Suppliers

To manage the transition to electric vehicles, auto suppliers must develop new strategies for innovation, investment, manufacturing, and flexible business approaches, OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran reports. In this guidance, the firm shares insight to help companies prepare. 12/26/2023

Ohio Takes Next Step to Attract Large-Scale Projects

The DeWine-Husted administration has prioritized expanding the number of readily available sites to attract more large economic development projects to Ohio. As a result, state lawmakers earlier this year included $750 million for the All Ohio Future Fund in the FY 2024-25 budget (House Bill 33).

The Ohio Department of Development has launched a new website to detail eligibility requirements for the fund, which will provide interest-free and potentially forgivable loans to develop these sites. The application process opens in early 2024 to counties, cities, townships, port authorities, and other organizations looking to develop project-ready sites. Read more. 12/18/2023

Trump Endorses Moreno in U.S. Senate Race

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Bernie Moreno in Ohio’s GOP primary election for U.S. Senate, providing a big boost for the Cleveland businessman’s campaign.

A televised debate between state Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls), Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Moreno is set for Jan. 22. The winner of the Republican’s March 19 primary will go on to face incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) in the November election. 12/20/2023

State Rep. Derek Merrin Is Running for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s Seat

Term-limited Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova) has joined an already crowded Republican primary contest in northern Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, according to reports. Earlier this year, Merrin lost the race for Ohio House speaker due to a divided GOP caucus. 12/21/2023

Vance Wants Sale of U.S. Steel Blocked

U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) this week said he opposes the sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel, saying “a critical piece of America’s defense industrial base was auctioned off to foreigners,” according to reports.

Vance and other Republicans have asked Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who chairs the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., to urge CFIUS to block the sale.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) issued this statement, saying: “A foreign company shouldn’t be able to swoop in, ignore the voices of union workers, and buy a major steel manufacturer behind closed doors.” 12/20/2023

Will Ohio Revisit Term Limits for Lawmakers?

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) recently said it could be a good time to consider doing away with term limits on state lawmakers. According to reports, Stephens said Ohio’s term limits are hindering the legislature’s ability to address difficult subjects.

Changing term limits would require a state constitutional amendment and approval from voters, as noted in this story by The Plain Dealer. 12/19/2023