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.

“In March, Ohio’s unemployment rate increased to 3.8 percent from 3.7 percent, matching the national average. Ohio’s labor force participation rate remained flat at 61.8 percent, meaning fewer Ohioans looking for work found jobs in March.

“The private sector added 9,200 jobs, led by solid job growth in the service sector, but manufacturing lost 3,900 jobs due to falling demand for goods and plant closures. 

“Ohio’s job market has cooled since the sizzling summer of 2023. While Ohio is adding new jobs, faster job growth is needed to reduce an unemployment rate that has crept up over the last several months. Governor DeWine’s recent State of the State emphasized education and job training reforms needed to prepare and grow Ohio’s workforce. Still, Ohio needs to focus on fiscal and economic reforms that will lead to job growth in the Buckeye State.”

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