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

“In February, Ohio’s unemployment rate declined from 4.3 to 4.2 percent, and Ohio’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 62.2 percent. In contrast, both the national unemployment rate and labor force participation rate worsened in February.

“Not all the news in February’s job report was good. Ohio’s private sector lost 1,800 jobs, and January’s report saw a downward revision of almost 5,000 fewer jobs created than originally reported. While the monthly jobs report is subject to frequent revisions, a month of lost jobs coupled with a downward revision is something policymakers must pay attention to. 

“The trends we have seen over the past few months tell us that Ohio is experiencing slow job growth, and that while Ohio’s new flat tax and energy reforms will help attract employers and workers to Ohio, lawmakers must not rest on these successes. As job creation slows, lawmakers must remain focused on reining in government spending and adopting pro-growth policies that will benefit Ohio’s businesses and workers.”

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