NFIB Ohio State Director Chris Ferruso applauds Governor Mike DeWine’s commitment to strengthening Ohio’s workforce and reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses:

“The continuing worker shortage is a top problem for Ohio’s small businesses, so we are thankful that Governor 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. Governor DeWine is also aware of the burdensome regulatory environment surrounding small businesses and has addressed his desire to reduce and eliminate unnecessary mandates on small businesses. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeWine and members of the Ohio Legislature to promote policies that will boost Ohio’s economy.”

According to NFIB’s latest jobs report, 38% of small business owners (seasonally adjusted) reported job openings they could not fill in February, the highest reading since August 2024. Fifty-three percent of owners reported hiring or trying to hire in February.