Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, commented on the January jobs report from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Apr. 3. Hederman said, “In January, Ohio’s unemployment rate declined from 4.4 to 4.3 percent, and its labor force participation rate declined one-tenth to 62.2 percent. Both are in line with the national jobs report of 4.3 percent unemployment and a 62.1 percent labor force participation rate. While Ohio’s private sector added 16,300 new jobs in January, Ohio’s unemployment rate improved at the expense of fewer workers in the job market.”
Hederman also addressed broader economic concerns facing the state’s workforce: “January’s report—which was delayed while the federal government recalculated its state employment data—shows that Ohio’s job market remains slow-growing, and macroeconomic headwinds, such as higher fuel prices, will continue to slow the job market. Given these challenges and other budgetary pressures, Ohio lawmakers should be circumspect as they consider this year’s capital budget.”
According to the official website, The Buckeye Institute is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that works to promote free-market public policy through research, data analysis, and policy development.
The group is based on Capitol Square in Columbus and focuses primarily on issues affecting Ohio while also promoting free-market ideas nationally according to its official website. The organization supports policymakers by providing research and data aimed at advancing free-market principles according to its official website.
The Buckeye Institute depends on private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations according to its official website.
