Columbus, OH – Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, commented on the newly released jobs report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“In August, Ohio’s unemployment rate remained flat at five percent, while the labor force participation rate declined slightly to 62.5 percent as more Ohioans left the workforce. This continues a trend where the national job market—which also weakened in August—remains stronger than Ohio’s. 

“The payroll survey showed the private sector adding 8,300 new jobs despite a downward revision of 1,500 fewer jobs than initially reported in July. The silver lining is that the private sector continues to add jobs in Ohio, averaging 6,000 new jobs a month. Although the fact remains, Ohio’s job market has softened over the summer with rising unemployment, and consumer confidence has fallen over concerns about economic growth. 

“While Ohio policymakers should feel confident about recently adopted tax and energy reforms, they must also recognize the strain many Ohioans are experiencing over soaring property taxes. Significant structural reforms are needed to rein in spending at the local level, end automatic property tax increases not approved by voters, and increase transparency of property taxes and local government spending. Without these reforms, Ohio will struggle to attract workers and employers.”

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