Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, responded on Mar. 10 to Governor Mike DeWine’s 2026 State of the State speech.
Hederman said that while Governor DeWine emphasized childhood education and the science of reading in his final address, other significant achievements were not mentioned. “In his last State of the State, Governor DeWine highlighted several initiatives that will define his legacy, including the importance of childhood education and the science of reading,” Hederman said.
He continued, “But there is more that Governor DeWine and the General Assembly have accomplished over the past seven years, including the enactment of universal school choice, landmark energy reform, and a low flat income tax rate—second lowest in the nation. Unfortunately, these wins for Ohioans were missing from the governor’s speech, as was a call for further action to lower property taxes and reform local government, which are critical to help Ohioans still struggling with high tax bills.”
According to the official website, The Buckeye Institute depends on private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The organization has offices on Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio according to its official website. The group works to promote free-market public policy through research, data analysis, and policy development according to its official website.
The Buckeye Institute focuses primarily on Ohio but also promotes free-market ideas nationally according to its official website. It provides policymakers with research and data aimed at advancing free-market principles according to its official website. The organization is classified as a nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Hederman’s comments suggest ongoing debate about state fiscal policies and reforms may continue as lawmakers consider future actions.
