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 a concerning sign, Ohio’s unemployment rate increased to five percent in July, and the labor force participation rate fell to 62.6 percent, indicating that Ohioans looking for work are not finding jobs. While the national job market is still performing better than Ohio’s, July’s national jobs report also saw a climbing unemployment rate and falling labor force participation rate. 

“In fact, Ohio added only 1,800 private-sector jobs after June’s growth was revised slightly downwards, and the number of new hires is well below the hiring pace of the first half of 2025.  

“Like the national jobs report, Ohio’s July report is weak, and policymakers must continue to adopt policies and reforms that spur economic growth and ensure the state can withstand an economic downturn. Recent reforms—such as moving to a flat income tax and reforming energy policy—put the Buckeye State in a good position. However, more must be done to make Ohio more attractive to employers and workers. Reforming Ohio’s local governance structure and complex property tax system, as The Buckeye Institute outlined, will help control government spending and make Ohio a more affordable place to live and work.”

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