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.

“While Ohio’s unemployment rate and labor force participation rate remained flat in May, at 4.9 percent and 62.7 percent, respectively, Ohio private-sector employers lost 6,300 jobs, primarily in retail trade, hotel, and restaurant industries. Private-sector hiring in Ohio was strong through the first four months of 2025, and the May job loss is a step back, particularly as the nation added 140,000 private-sector jobs. However, in a small but not insignificant bright spot, Ohio’s labor force participation rate—at 62.7 percent—remains higher than the national average.

“As lawmakers finalize Ohio’s biennial budget, which can improve the state’s economic outlook, the Senate’s proposed flat tax will make the Buckeye State more attractive to employers and workers. However, as The Buckeye Institute recommended, lawmakers need to restrain spending to ensure that Ohio can weather these uncertain economic times.”

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