Ohio manufacturers got an early warning Thursday as the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Government Affairs Committee examined the political and policy fights already driving the rest of 2026.

Members heard updates from OMA’s public policy team and counsel, along with remarks from Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Reineke and veteran pollster Robert Blizzard (right), who offered insight into the election cycle, Statehouse dynamics and the issues most likely to drive action in the months ahead.

The conversation centered on protecting Ohio’s competitive energy markets, the growing threat posed by a ballot initiative to abolish property taxes and the legislative risks and opportunities that could affect manufacturers’ costs, investment decisions and long-term competitiveness. The meeting underscored a broader point for members: in an election year, political movement can turn into policy consequences fast.

“Statehouse fights have a way of starting as smoke and turning into fire fast,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for OMA. “OMA’s job is to spot the heat early and make sure manufacturers are ready.” 3/19/2026