(The Center Square) – Business groups, policy organizations and Democrats found things to like about Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s State of the State Address on Wednesday. But there were concerns, as well.
During Wednesday’s address, DeWine focused squarely on past and future job growth and developing a workforce to meet demands. He called the state’s workforce its greatest opportunity and greatest challenge.
He announced former Ohio State football coach and recently inaugurated Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel will develop Ohio’s Workforce Playbook to examine the job needs and training in every region in the state.
Business groups applauded DeWine’s focus on workforce development and reduced regulations, calling the state’s ongoing worker shortage one of the top problems facing businesses around the state.
“The number one issue we hear from our members is the need for a ready and capable workforce. We appreciate Gov. DeWine’s continued commitment to workforce development and to improving our state’s business climate,” Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Shivers said.
DeWine’s focus comes as the National Federation of Independent Business’ latest jobs report showed 38% of small business owners have job openings they can’t fill, the highest mark since August. At the same time, 53% of owners say they were hiring or tried to hire in February.
“The continuing worker shortage is a top problem for Ohio’s small businesses, so we are thankful that Gov. DeWine has made strengthening our workforce a priority of his administration and is tasking Lieutenant Governor Tressel to focus on identifying the job, skillset, education, and talent needs in each region of Ohio to assist Main Street,” Chris Ferruso, NFIB Ohio state director, said.
Democrats, however, remain concerned about a lack of attention to growing grocery prices and housing costs.
“The future of Ohio is dependent on the decisions made by Ohio’s lawmakers while crafting this biennial budget. But for all the good this budget does do, there is still much more work to be done. Nothing in the governor’s budget addresses the fact that prices are still too high at the grocery store, at the pharmacy, and for Ohioans struggling to afford quality housing and higher education,” House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said. “When we put People First, we are putting Ohioans at the center of every decision. We are focusing on the issues that matter most: better pay, better healthcare, fairer taxes, safer communities, affordable housing, real opportunities, and a secure economic future.”
