Buckeye Reporter

Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute has responded to the latest jobs report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, provided insights on the data.

According to Hederman, "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." He noted that despite strong hiring in the first four months of 2025, May's job loss is a setback as "the nation added 140,000 private-sector jobs."

Hederman pointed out a positive aspect: "Ohio’s labor force participation rate—at 62.7 percent—remains higher than the national average."

He also commented on state legislative matters: "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, he emphasized that "lawmakers need to restrain spending to ensure that Ohio can weather these uncertain economic times," aligning with recommendations from The Buckeye Institute.