This week, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger delivered testimony before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee on House Bill 96, the state operating budget bill. The OMA’s testimony highlighted four key policy priorities critical to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing:

• Scaling the OMA’s WorkAdvance Program – A proven workforce development initiative connecting underemployed Ohioans to manufacturing careers
• Support for Continued State Workforce Investments – Including TechCred, Industry Sector Partnerships, and expanded career-tech access in middle schools
• Protecting Competitive Energy Markets – Opposing utility ownership of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to avoid burdening ratepayers
• Launching the Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) – A $12 million grant program to help small and midsize manufacturers modernize through equipment and technology upgrades.

The Senate will likely release their version of the budget bill early next week, which will be covered in the June 5 Government Affairs Committee meeting. 5/29/2025