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 September, Ohio’s unemployment rate remained flat at four percent, and the labor force participation rate saw a slight decline to 61.7 percent, indicating that people have left the job market. Although the national labor force participation rate also declined in September, the national unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent, causing Ohio to fall farther behind the national average. 

“The private sector lost 6,200 jobs in September, further evidence of a weak month for employment opportunities. While manufacturing added 8,700 jobs, the service sector lost 17,300, and the education sector lost 8,600 as fewer students in K-12 and higher education impacted employment. 

“Recession fears for America continue to grow due to high interest rates, higher energy costs, and supply chain disruptions. To better weather this storm, Ohio policymakers should constrain spending in the next budget, better prepare students for future job opportunities, and adopt proven regulatory reforms to attract businesses and workers to the Buckeye State.” 

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