Ohio’s workers’ compensation system has delivered historically low rates and billions of dollars in employer dividends. In a new Crain’s Cleveland Business commentary, Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, argues the next governor should protect that progress rather than dismantle a system that is working.

The Sandusky Register editorial board echoed that message this week, warning Ohio’s next governor against meddling with a system that is producing strong results for employers and injured workers.

Sargent writes that the proposed $1 billion dividend from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is not government generosity but responsible stewardship of money paid by employers. Once injured workers are protected and long-term obligations are secured, surplus funds should return to the businesses that funded the system.

He also warns that privatization would not automatically lower costs or improve outcomes. It would simply transfer control to insurers that must generate returns for shareholders.

“Ohio should judge the system by its performance, not by ideology,” Sargent wrote. “A system producing those results does not need to be dismantled. It needs discipline, transparency and continued improvement.” 8/5/2026