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

“In May, Ohio’s unemployment rate declined from 3.9 percent to 3.7 percent, while the labor force participation rate declined slightly to 61.8 percent, matching the national average. While Ohio’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than the national average of 4.3 percent, the gradual decline in the labor force participation rate remains a concern as unemployed workers leave the job market.

“Also worrying is the loss of 3,100 private-sector jobs in May, hurting the job prospects of the Ohioans, particularly those graduating from high school and college. Many of those job losses came in the transportation sector, reflecting the impact higher gas prices have had on the economy. 

“Although Ohio’s job market is performing better than the national average, policymakers need to cut government spending to sustain economic growth and put more money in the pockets of Ohioans. Lawmakers must also adopt policies that will keep working-age Ohioans attached to the job market, such as the recently passed Medicaid and SNAP reform bill, which will not only reduce fraud but also incentivize work when combined with the work and community engagement requirements.”

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