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.

“Ohio’s unemployment rate increased slightly in December, up from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent, while the labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 62.6 percent. Although not a strong ending to the year, Ohio’s job market is in fine shape as we start the New Year. Compared to the national job market, which strengthened slightly in December, the Ohio market ended weaker than the national average after showing signs of improvement in the fall.

“Employers added 6,300 private-sector jobs in December, and revisions to the November jobs report, which added another 800 private-sector jobs, show Ohio ended the year with 11,000 new private-sector jobs created in November and December. In total, Ohio’s private sector added 53,000 new jobs in 2024, indicating steady job growth for the Buckeye State.

“As lawmakers consider the next biennial budget, they need to adopt policies that position Ohio to build on this job growth. Ohio is attracting new data centers and futuristic defense companies, and lawmakers are already proposing policies that can transform higher education and better prepare students for the 21st century workforce. Lawmakers must also adopt better energy policies to attract new employers and ensure Ohio’s businesses have the energy they need to grow and create more jobs. Furthermore, progress on tax reform must continue as Ohio competes to attract employers and create new jobs. The 136th General Assembly must maintain and build on previous gains while addressing education and energy policies to ensure Ohio has bright days ahead.”

# # #