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

“Ohio’s unemployment rate declined to 3.6 percent in June. This decline, however, is due to another month’s drop in the labor force participation rate, down from 61.8 percent to 61.6 percent. While Ohio’s job market remains stronger than the national average—which has an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent and a labor force participation rate of 61.5 percent—both the national and Ohio job markets are weaker as a result of workers who have stopped looking for jobs.

“Ohio’s private sector had better news, adding 6,400 new jobs, which more than erased job losses in May. However, Ohio has seen only 1,500 new private-sector jobs added since April 2026, again indicating a slow job market.

“There was some good news. CNBC rated Ohio America’s top state for business in 2026, largely due to the ease with which businesses can build things and enter markets. To continue this momentum, attract more employers to the state, and keep Ohio competitive, policymakers should keep regulatory barriers and taxes low without handing out tax breaks to special interests.”

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