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.

“After three straight record-setting months, the Ohio job market cooled slightly in August, with the unemployment rate increasing from 3.3 percent to 3.4 percent. Ohio’s unemployment rate continued to outperform the national average of 3.8 percent, and the state’s labor force participation rate remained flat at 62.1 percent. 

“Private-sector employment did increase, adding 3,800 new jobs. Although not as strong as July’s job growth, this is good news after the reported private-sector declines in June.

“Despite this dip, Ohio’s job market remains strong. However, the Buckeye State needs more workers—workers with the skills that meet the needs of Ohio’s employers. As lawmakers return to Columbus for the fall legislative session, they should focus on comprehensive reforms to modernize Ohio’s economy and Ohio’s workforce.” 

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