You’re one of Ohio’s manufacturing leaders. You need the latest information on a variety of business issues affecting the industry.
Utilizing a broad array of resources, the OMA continuously updates members with the latest news, trends, and activity that impacts manufacturers and manufacturing stakeholders. Additionally, the OMA’s Government Affairs Committee meets every quarter.
This is just another way the OMA fulfills its mission to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing!
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
This week, the Ohio House voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of a budget measure that bans school districts and local governments from placing replacement and emergency levies on the ballot.
The 61-28 vote, supported solely by Republicans, bans school districts and local governments from using replacement or emergency levies.
The House opted not to vote on two other property tax measures rejected by DeWine.
One would allow county budget commissions to reduce voter-approved levies if they decide tax collections are excessive or unnecessary, and the other would change the calculation for the 20-mill floor, which ensures school districts receive a certain level of funding.
Senate President Rob McColley said via a social media post on X that the Ohio Senate has the votes to concur with the House override but did not say when the vote will take place.7/21/2025
Ohio surged to 5th place in CNBC’s 2025 “America’s Top States for Business,” climbing from 7th in 2024—its best showing since the rankings began in 2007. The state clinched the No. 1 spot for infrastructure and ranked No. 2 for cost of doing business and No. 7 for cost of living.
Strong infrastructure—powered by Ohio’s extensive highway, rail, and warehousing networks—combined with a business-friendly tax environment (no corporate income tax and an expanded commercial activity tax exclusion) helped fuel the rise.
The state also improved in technology and innovation (now No. 6), benefited from an AAA credit rating, and boasts the nation’s third-largest manufacturing workforce.
Governor Mike DeWine lauded Ohio’s low taxes, reduced regulatory red tape, and strategic investments, while JobsOhio cemented its reputation by winning major projects, including launches by Anduril, Kimberly‑Clark, Amgen, and Meta—adding billions in capital investment and thousands of jobs.
The state’s rise reflects a fast‑growing economic hub anchored by infrastructure, affordability, and business momentum. 7/11/2025
With Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial primary nearly a full year away, Vivek Ramaswamy has quickly emerged as a financial powerhouse, raising more than $8.5 million since launching his campaign in February. The haul far surpasses early fundraising by previous candidates, including Gov. Mike DeWine’s $3 million during the same period in 2021. Ramaswamy has also loaned his campaign $2 million and maintains nearly $7 million on hand. With Attorney General Dave Yost exiting the race in May, Ramaswamy currently faces no serious GOP challengers and has begun building a formidable statewide campaign operation.
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, appointed to the seat vacated by J.D. Vance after his election as vice president, reported holding $2.65 million in campaign cash at the end of June. Though Husted has yet to formally launch a 2026 campaign, no other Republicans have entered the race, and he remains the clear frontrunner for the party’s nomination. Both Ramaswamy and Husted benefit from early financial dominance in fields that remain relatively open, positioning them strongly ahead of what are expected to be high-stakes statewide contests. 7/15/2025
Ohio lawmakers will reconvene on July 21 in a rare summer session to consider overriding three of Gov. Mike DeWine’s four line-item vetoes from the state’s $60 billion budget, all tied to property-tax reforms. The targeted vetoes include provisions to empower county budget commissions to reduce voter-approved levies, require emergency levies to be counted toward the 20-mill floor, and block replacement levies.
Legislative leaders say they have the three-fifths majority needed to override those. However, DeWine’s veto capping districts’ reserve funds at 40% won’t be addressed in this July vote due to its significant budget impact and potential disruption for schools.7/8/2025
JobsOhio has approved a $310 million grant to defense contractor Anduril Industries to build “Arsenal 1,” a 5 million‑sq‑ft advanced manufacturing facility near Rickenbacker Airport in Pickaway County. Scheduled to open in July 2026, the plant is projected to create 4,008 jobs and generate more than $530 million in annual payroll over the next decade.
The 30‑year agreement also requires Anduril to invest at least $910.5 million in capital improvements and maintain its commitments for two decades. “Arsenal 1” will specialize in producing military drones and autonomous aerial vehicles, bolstering Ohio’s emerging “silicon corridor” alongside other high-tech investments such as Intel’s chip plant and eVTOL battery production facilities.
This represents the largest single Ohio state grant to date and highlights the state’s strategy of leveraging targeted incentives—including tax credits and development funds—to attract major defense and aerospace projects. 7/9/2025
This week, Gov. Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s $60 billion biennial budget into law, which includes $600 million in funding for a proposed domed Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park, using unclaimed state funds.
Highlights Include:
DeWine also issued 67 line-item vetoes, including several major provisions aimed at curbing property tax growth, including proposals to cap school district cash reserves at 40% and granting county officials authority to lower property tax rates without another vote. He also struck down a ban on replacement levies, which critics argue obscure long-term tax impacts.
DeWine defended the vetoes as necessary to protect school funding and avoid destabilizing local revenue, warning that the reforms could force districts to return to voters more frequently.
Legislative leaders have indicated they may seek to override some vetoes when lawmakers return from summer recess, which would require a three-fifths vote in both chambers of the General Assembly.
For more information, the OMA Public Policy team has created a detailed analysis of Ohio’s budget. 7/2/2025
Ohio manufacturers this week scored key wins in the state’s recently approved two-year budget.
The OMA commended the budget as financially responsible and celebrated these wins, including the removal of more utility giveaways, increased oversight of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and several key workforce initiatives.
Highlights include:
Read more about provisions in the state budget in the Environment and Tax & Finance sections below. 6/23/2025
Canada this week signaled it could increase tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum as early as July 21 if a new trade agreement isn’t reached within a 30-day window from talks between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump.
In response to Trump’s doubling of U.S. metal tariffs to 50%, Ottawa is considering raising its own tariffs beyond the current 25% and is implementing procurement rules favoring Canadian or tariff‑free metals.
These defense measures also include tariff‑rate quotas and mandates to use Canadian metals in federal projects. 6/23/2025
