Ohio’s Two Year Budget Impacts for Manufacturers
Ohio Manufacturer’s Assessment of Highlights
Workforce
The budget will invest millions of dollars in workforce development over the next two years, including many OMA-supported initiatives such as TechCred and Industry Sector Partnerships. Upskilling manufacturing employees and attracting new workers to the industry are critical to growing Ohio’s manufacturing sector, and funding support for these programs demonstrates the state’s continued commitment to manufacturers.
Additionally, the budget makes a policy change to enable the expansion of career-technical education across middle schools in Ohio. This critically important change will help students explore a manufacturing career path early on by introducing them to manufacturing concepts in middle school.
Energy
The OMA successfully advocated against a proposed expansion of utility regulation that would have held energy customers captive to pay for additional infrastructure costs for services they might never use. Additionally, more transparency will be provided into the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio via an audit that will be conducted by the Auditor of State as required by the budget.
Although the budget bill included several improvements to eliminate utility intrusions into competitive markets, a provision was vetoed that would have protected customers who choose to shop for electricity. As a result, customers who shop for electricity will be on the hook to pay for transmission services incurred for other customers. The OMA encourages further debate on this issue to ensure that those who participate in the competitive market are only paying for the costs incurred on their behalf. The OMA is continuing to study this issue and will discuss further at the upcoming Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference on September 18.
Taxes
Lawmakers approved a phased move to a 2.75% flat income tax, delivering over $1 billion in expected tax relief. While the governor vetoed the legislature’s sweeping property tax reforms, the OMA helped protect select manufacturing sales tax exemptions by securing targeted vetoes. As future budgets are likely to include further reforms and cuts, the OMA remains committed to advocating for a competitive, balanced tax system that avoids disproportionate tax shifting to manufacturers.
Environment
Lawmakers eliminated the governor’s proposed increases to solid waste tipping fees and included modest air permit fee increases for the first time in 30 years to maintain agency solvency, preventing a federal takeover of Ohio EPA’s air program.
In a major win, the OMA secured language directing Ohio EPA to remove the Air Nuisance Rule from the state’s federal air compliance plan, protecting manufacturers from abusive litigation. As environmental policy debates continue, the OMA remains engaged to ensure regulations are balanced, science-based, and do not unfairly target manufacturers.
For more highlights and details refer to OMA’s budget wrap up report.
JobsOhio Relocation Incentive Program
SCMWDP is excited to share a new opportunity for manufacturers looking to hire top STEM and technical talent who would need to relocate to Ohio. The JobsOhio Relocation Incentive could help your company attract out-of-state candidates and expand your workforce.
We encourage you to review the program soon, as the incentives are offered on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
The official JobsOhio page details eligibility and the process to apply.
Participation Benefits Include:
- $15,000 incentive payment: Received for each qualifying new hire who establishes permanent residency and starts work.
- First-come, first-served: Up to $225,000 total (15 hires) per company until program funds are depleted.
- No strings attached: Direct payment of funds to your company with no restrictions on specific eligible costs.
- Employers of all sizes: Dedicated funding for companies of all sizes to ensure any employer can participate.
Priority Occupations included in the program include:
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 51-1011
- Machinists 51-4041
- Tool and Die Makers 51-4111
Review the full list of priority occupations.
SCMWDP supports our manufacturers with training, development, and resources. We are excited to see this opportunity to strengthen your workforce with top talent.
2025 SCMWDP Schedule
| Sept 25 | Member Meeting with MAGNET as host at Canton Chamber |
| Oct 2 | Manufacturing Day – Coordinated High School Field Trips |
| Oct 9 | Virtual Lunch and Learn – Talent Acquistion/Talent Retention presented by Eric Murray, former HR executive for global manufacturing organizations |
| Oct 13 | Educator Tour of 4 companies |
| Oct 23 | All members – Manufacturing awards/industry table night |
| Nov 3-Dec 5 | Second Grade Coloring Contest |
| Nov 14 | Stark County School Counselor meeting at Ohio Gratings |
| Nov 20 | Board Meeting Only (third week of the month) |
| Dec | Member Meeting – Late Afternoon Holiday mixer |
