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 July 2026 jobs report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“Ohio’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4 percent, while its labor force participation rate fell to 61.4 percent, outpacing the national average. While the low unemployment rate is positive, in Ohio and across the nation, it is linked to declining labor force participation, with unemployed workers leaving the job market, thereby lowering the unemployment rate. 

“Nationally, there are indications of a cooling job market, with total employment declining, and only 30,000 new private-sector jobs added nationwide in July. Unlike much of the country, Ohio saw positive job growth with 9,600 new private-sector jobs. However, a 3,000-job downward revision to Ohio’s June jobs report is troubling.

“With a declining labor force participation rate, Ohio policymakers need to focus on attracting more employers to the Buckeye State, and that starts with preparing Ohio’s workers for the in-demand, high-skilled jobs that 21st century employers need to fill. In a forthcoming policy paper, The Buckeye Institute will offer specific policy recommendations lawmakers can adopt to build on Ohio’s solid economic foundation and make the state even more attractive to employers.”

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