Week in review March 16, 2026

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This report reflects the latest happenings in government relations, in and around the Ohio statehouse. You’ll notice that it’s broad in nature and on an array of topics, from A-Z. This will be updated on a weekly basis.

Please feel free to share it with anyone else you believe may find it of interest, as well. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, concerns or if we can be of any assistance.

ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

OneOhio Recovery Foundation has selected NY-based Blackrock to guide the investment of total assets now topping a quarter billion dollars - roughly a fourth of opioid settlement dollars the agency is expected to receive through 2040 and beyond. Investment Committee Chairman Jim White, the first vice president of Morgan Stanley's Dublin office appointed to the OneOhio board by Gov. Mike DeWine, told directors Wednesday that committee members had chosen Blackrock in a unanimous vote from 17 industry proposals including Columbus-based Huntington Bank, Cincinnati-based Fifth-Third Bank, Cleveland-based KeyBank, and Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank.

AGRICULTURE

In recognition of the importance of agriculture to the state, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel have declared March as Ohio Agriculture Month. This statewide focus is meant to recognize the farmers, agribusinesses, and food producers who power Ohio's economy and feed communities at home and around the world.

ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Opponents of plans to use unclaimed funds for sports stadium projects saw victory in one court and loss in another. A Franklin County magistrate Monday issued a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit brought by former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann and former Rep. Jeff Crossman that prevents the state from transferring unclaimed funds into a new Ohio Cultural and Sports Facility Performance Grant Fund. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday upheld a lower federal court ruling denying a motion to stop the state from transferring unused unclaimed funds into the new fund for sports facilities.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost responded positively Tuesday to a call from Gov. Mike DeWine for Yost's office and county prosecutors to have new tools to ensure technology companies are prioritizing child safety. In remarks on the harms to children on excessive technology use during his final "State of the State" speech, DeWine said lawmakers should enact new powers for Yost and prosecutors to bring civil or criminal action against technology companies that encourage or assist with suicide, self-harm or harm to others. "This was a nearly one-hour speech so there's details to be, you know, fleshed out. But yes, I absolutely support that," Yost told reporters in the House chamber following DeWine's speech.

FY26-27 BUDGET

State tax collections hit the mark in February, keeping state revenues in a healthy position heading into the final third of FY26. Preliminary data from the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) showed tax collections just 0.2 percent or $3.3 million above expectations of $2.1 billion. Over-estimate income and Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) yields offset a miss on sales taxes.

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) recently released a report measuring how Ohio's manufacturing sector is responding to pressures including slowed growth, increased uncertainty and continued high cost pressures. Manufacturers have adjusted to the situation with stronger operations and investments in the areas that matter most, MAGNET found as well. "This is not a story of retreat," said MAGNET President and CEO Ethan Karp. "Manufacturers are operating in a harder environment, but they are adapting in practical ways. They are being disciplined, focused, and intentional about how they move forward. And despite the headwinds, they are optimistic about growing in the year ahead." The report is HERE.

FY27-28 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS

Electrical upgrades planned for the Riffe Center would let the state transfer from city of Columbus electricity to American Electric Power, opening up supply shopping and bringing "immediate rate discounts," according to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS.) DAS' request to the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) for this year's capital budget cycle totals $290 million across state facilities. DAS is the business arm of state government and manages its numerous facilities, including major office towers in large cities like the Riffe Center.

EDUCATION

The members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) appointed Philip Wagner, superintendent of Johnstown-Monroe Schools, as the new state superintendent of public instruction during its meeting Monday. P. Wagner succeeds Paul Craft, now former superintendent of public instruction, who began his role with the U.S. Department of Defense/War as director of education activity Monday. Along with its decision to appoint P. Wagner as superintendent, the board approved a resolution to appoint Jason Wagner, the board's chief legal counsel, as interim superintendent effective immediately until late July, when P. Wagner is expected to officially take over the position.

The House Workforce and Education Committee heard presentations Tuesday on how higher education institutions in Ohio have new requirements to prepare educators to teach the science of reading, with Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey and Jennifer Schnakenberg of the University of Texas at Austin's Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk both addressing the committee. The Meadows Center worked to develop Ohio's science of reading audit.

Data experts shared insights Wednesday on lessons Ohio can learn from other states about better understanding the connections between students' educational experiences and their workforce outcomes, which is the goal of pending legislation from Sen. Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield). Ohio Excels, a business-education partnership, convened a crowd at the Athletic Club of Columbus to hear from Koehler and others about improving the use of data in order to improve students' post-graduation outcomes. Koehler is the sponsor of SB328, which would direct the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) to institute a return-on-investment initiative to make education and workforce data more useful and applicable, and also require career exploration programming for middle school students, among other provisions.

ELECTIONS

The Ohio Election Integrity Commission (OEIC) Friday, March 6 tabled discussion of a draft advisory opinion regarding campaign contribution refunds while adopting a draft advisory opinion on political action committee contributions from lawful permanent residents. The first draft opinion would allow for contributions to be returned by campaigns to donors in four specific instances, which were described by Brian Katz, director of the Public Integrity Division of the Ohio Secretary of State's Office.

A bill that would prohibit the use of ranked choice voting in Ohio has officially been sent to the governor. SB63 (DeMora-Gavarone) passed but was largely opposed by Democrats in the House and Senate. A number of groups have urged DeWine to veto the bill.

ELECTIONS 2026

The Ohio Democratic Party's Executive Committee held a virtual meeting Tuesday evening where it unanimously voted to endorse John Kulewicz in the attorney general's race as well as the unopposed candidates in the state auditor, state treasurer, and Ohio Supreme Court races. Kulewicz faces former Rep. Elliott Forhan for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. The other endorsements included Annette Blackwell for state auditor, Seth Walsh for state treasurer, and Marilyn Zayas for the Ohio Supreme Court seat currently held by Justice Dan Hawkins, who is running for re-election.

With less than two months before Ohio's Tuesday, May 5 primary election, the campaign of Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy announced the launch of a $10 million ad buy, and his campaign said it doesn't plan to come off the air until November's election. The campaign said its ad buy is one of the largest earliest and largest ad investments in an Ohio gubernatorial race. The two ads launched with the ad buy - "Ohio's Future" and "Backing the Blue" will run across broadcast, cable, streaming, and digital platforms.

In recognition of Civic Learning Week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose this week urged Ohioans to become a poll worker in the Tuesday, May 5 election. He highlighted a number of programs through his office to encourage participation, such as pushing businesses to provide employees with time off to serve as poll workers; offering professional continuing education credits for serving as a poll worker; and having nonprofit groups work the polls and donate their pay to a charity of their choice.

Former Rep. Thomas West, who is seeking to unseat Sen. Jane Timken (R-Canton) in November, announced a health care policy proposal, the Ohio Health Choice and Stability Act, which he said is aimed at expanding affordable health care options for working families, small businesses, and independent workers across Ohio. West said the proposal would open the state of Ohio's employee health care to small businesses as defined by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) -- an employer with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent - which he said would create a voluntary pathway for eligible small employers and individuals to access stable and affordable health coverage through a state administered option -- without mandates, tax increases, or eliminating private insurance choices.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

• The Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsed U.S. Sen. Jon Husted; Vivek Ramaswamy for governor; Kristina Roegner for state treasurer; Robert Sprague for secretary of state; Keith Faber for attorney general; Frank LaRose for auditor; and Colleen O'Donnell, Andrew King, and Jill Flagg Lanzinger for the Ohio Supreme Court.

• The gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Amy Acton announced the endorsements of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6.

• EMILY'S List endorsed Democrat Amy Acton for governor; Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker for the 10th Congressional District; Democrat Marilyn Zayas for the Ohio Supreme Court; Justice Jennifer Brunner for re-election to the Ohio Supreme Court; and Democrat Allison Russo for Ohio Secretary of State.

• The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) endorsed U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH).

• The Ohio Senate campaign of Republican Jim Hoops announced the endorsements of more than 50 current and former state and local officials, including former Rep. Tony Burkley, former Sen. Lynn Wachtmann, Fulton County Commissioner Jon Rupp, Logan County Auditor Jack Reser and Hancock County Engineer Doug Cade.

• Americans for Prosperity-Ohio (AFP-OH) endorsed Republican Larry Kidd for House District 93.

• The Ohio House of Representatives campaign of Democrat Michaela Burriss announced the endorsement of Run for Something.

• The Ohio House of Representatives campaign of Democrat Zach Rossfeld announced the endorsement of Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin).

• Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio endorsed Democrat Amy Acton for governor and Democrat John Kulewicz for Ohio attorney general.

• The gubernatorial campaign of independent Timothy Grady announced the endorsements of West Lafayette Councilman Tyller Maple and Ada Councilman Sean Beck.

EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT

The nation shed 92,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in February, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released Friday showed, as the national unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, up from 4.3 percent in January. The drop came as the nation added 126,000 jobs in January, though that number was the result of a downward revision from the originally announced 130,000 jobs added over the month. BLS also announced that December numbers were revised downward by 65,000 jobs, going from an increase in 48,000 jobs to now an overall decrease of 17,000 jobs nationally during the last month of 2025.

ENERGY/UTILITIES

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) recently approved $10.9 million in low interest loans for four projects in Ohio to improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure and make water quality improvements for Ohioans. The loans are part of OWDA's Fresh Water Loan Fund Program to improve and replace aging infrastructure.

ENVIRONMENT

As boating season approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with the Ohio Clean Marinas Program and local recycling partners, reminds boaters to recycle boat shrink wrap this spring instead of sending it to the landfill. Each year, thousands of pounds of boat shrink wrap are removed from vessels across Ohio. A single boat shrink wrap cover can contain as much plastic as 2,000 grocery bags. When disposed of improperly, this material can break down into microplastics that persist in landfills and may eventually enter Ohio's waterways, ODNR points out in a release.

GAMING/GAMBLING

The Ohio Lottery Commission heard a presentation Wednesday on Problem Gambling Awareness Month activities in March given by Office of Responsible Gambling Deputy Director Jimmie Hicks. Hicks said they used "extensive research" including a survey of around 5,000 Ohioans and six focus groups across the state for "Well Played Ohio" marketing.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) told reporters after Gov. Mike DeWine's "State of the State" that his calls for passage of certain legislation would get hearings if introduced by a legislator, but said many of these topics had come up previously. Of the bills DeWine mentioned in his speech, the legislation that could see swiftest passage is SB163 (Blessing-Johnson), which among other provisions would prohibit the creation of child pornography through the use of artificial intelligence. McColley remarked he did not know why it had not been passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee yet.

While Gov. Mike DeWine touted his accomplishments for the physical and mental wellbeing of Ohio's children during two terms in office and compelled the Legislature to make even further strides, Democrats from both the House and Senate responded by asking if Ohioans are better off than they were a year ago since DeWine's previous "State of the State" address. "While we are pleased to see the governor highlight the importance of supporting children and families, many Ohioans are living in crisis mode," Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) told reporters.

Numerous witnesses urged a House committee Tuesday not to advance legislation to call a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution, saying such an effort could imperil existing rights enjoyed today. The House Government Oversight Committee's Tuesday hearing was for opposition to HJR2 (McClain-Willis) and HB67 (McClain-Willis), which would, respectively, call for an Article V constitutional convention on fiscal restraints, limits to federal power and congressional term limits; and establish parameters for appointing delegates to such a convention. John Diamond, a Columbus native, said as a veteran, he swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, which is why he opposes the call for a constitutional convention, which he said would open the doors to changes far beyond what the sponsors might intend. "This convention of states is a Trojan horse, and they have absolutely no way of getting in our Constitution unless you open the gates. You are the last line of defense to keep our Constitution from being meddled with," he said.

In other legislative action, House Education Committee reported out HB125 (T. Hall-Creech), regarding school absences for 4-H and FFA programs; House Transportation Committee reported out HB378 (Kishman-Abrams), a license plate bill; Senate Education Committee reported out SB318 (Cutrona), regarding school resources officers at private schools; Senate Local Government Committee reported out SB278 (Johnson) to allow people to seek damages against local governments for gun control measures; House Children and Human Services Committee reported out HB464 (Richardson), regarding child care licensure exemptions for military-certified providers; House Local Government Committee reported out HB92 (Johnson-McClaim), regarding unpaid municipal utility bills; House Public Safety Committee reported out HB533 (Miller), regarding vehicular homicide; Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee reported out SB254 (Craig-Wilson), to move the designation of “Ohio Deaf History Month” to April; and Senate Judiciary Committee reported out HB31 (Humphrey-Stewart), regarding recording of Parole Board hearings.

GOVERNOR

To avoid overlap with an Ohio visit by President Donald Trump, Gov. Mike DeWine over the weekend decided to reschedule his final "State of the State" address from Wednesday to Tuesday, setting off further shifts in the legislative committee schedule for the week. DeWine and lawmakers had announced the Wednesday speech plans in mid-February, but on Friday afternoon the president announced plans to visit Cincinnati for an event focused on prescription drug discounts. On Saturday, DeWine's office announced the new Tuesday date.

In the final "State of the State" speech of his two-term administration, Gov. Mike DeWine offered his gratitude to lawmakers and officials who helped to advance his agenda and urged action on matters of "unfinished business" related to literacy, child protection and public safety.

GUNS

Attorney General Dave Yost says concealed carry licensing in Ohio increased in 2025 after several years' decline and points to reciprocal agreements with other states lacking permit-less, "constitutional" carry. Yost has released his office's annual concealed carry handgun report, a 26-page publication broken down by total licensing, renewals, suspensions, revocations, denials and county-level permitting. The attorney general said new concealed handgun licenses plunged by more than 70 percent in 2022, the first year of permit-less, constitutional carry; fell by more than 40 percent in 2023; and continued to drop by decreasing single digits in the past two years, resulting in fewer concealed carry permits overall.

HANNAH NEWS RACES TO WATCH

Candidates Patti Rockey and Brandon Moskwa are running in Ohio's 81st District Republican primary for the chance to secure the House seat currently held by term limited Rep. James Hoops (R-Napoleon). The district sits in the northwest corner of the state, containing the cities of Napoleon, Holgate, Stryker, Pulaski, Bryan, Montpelier, West Unity, Archbold, Wauseon and Farmer, along with parts of Swanton, Providence and Deshler. The district leans Republican, with a 71 percent Republican political index, according to 2022 demographic data listed on Dave's Redistricting App.

One current and one former state legislator are vying to become the Republican nominee for state treasurer in the fall - and both are touting major endorsements. Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and former Rep. Jay Edwards are looking to succeed Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is facing term limits and is running for secretary of state. The race had looked to be more crowded, but former Sen. Niraj Antani and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren ended their campaigns before the February filing deadline. The winner of the Republican primary election will take on Cincinnati Democratic Councilman Seth Walsh, with the Republican expected to be favored to win the office due to Ohio's recent political tilt.

Four Democrats are in the running for the 19th House District seat being vacated by Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) who is term limited. The district is in Cuyahoga County and includes parts of Solon, Chagrin Falls and Cleveland. The district leans Democratic with a roughly 54 percent Democrat political index and 45 percent Republican political index according to 2022 demographic data compiled by Dave's Redistricting App.

Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill), the former Ohio House speaker, is facing his toughest ballot test yet in his bid to be reelected to his seat for what would be his final term before term limits kick in. He faces former congressional candidate and businessman Larry Kidd, who got a boost to his effort to unseat Stephens last month when the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee endorsed him over Stephens.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF) plans to award organizations $150,000 per county per state fiscal year to implement the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative (RFI) across Ohio starting this summer. OCF announced it had posted the FY27 RFI Request for Grant Application, seeking to fund organizations across the state to provide fathers "resources, support and encouragement" in their parenting role. Applications are due on Tuesday, April 14, at 1 p.m. OCF said funds will start going out on Wednesday, July 1. Additional information on the application process and eligibility requirements, can be found HERE.

HIGHER EDUCATION

A little more than two years into his leadership of the institution, Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. resigned as president of Ohio State University (OSU) because of an "inappropriate relationship." The university issued a statement Monday morning stating that trustees had accepted his resignation after a rare Saturday trustees meeting for a closed-door executive session discussion on personnel and litigation. Just a few days later, on Thursday, trustees unanimously voted to appoint Provost Ravi Bellamkonda as the new president, a little more than a year after his hiring as provost. Previously, Bellamkonda served as provost at Emory University and engineering dean at Duke University. He is trained as a bioengineer and neuroscientist, with a Ph.D. from Brown University and postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Miami University's (MU) Board of Trustees recently signed off on plans to construct a new multipurpose arena on the university's Cook Field. The resolution was approved during the board's February meeting, with up to $281 million being approved for the project, though the anticipated cost stands at about $242 million, the university said.

JUDICIAL

The Ohio Supreme Court has released a new Motion to Intervene form to simplify the process to become party to a domestic relations and/or juvenile court case. The Court's Family Law Reform Implementation Subcommittee, part of its Advisory Committee on Children and Families, created the Uniform Domestic Relations and Juvenile Form: Motion to Intervene for individuals such as grandparents or other interested parties wishing to join existing cases, including custody, visitation or other family-related issues.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio adjutant general, was promoted to the rank of major general during a ceremony last Friday at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory. Gov. Mike DeWine was the presiding official.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Proposed rule changes and dates for Ohio's white-tailed deer, waterfowl and small game hunting seasons are open for comment to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife before a hearing on the proposed changes next month. Proposed changes to Ohio's deer hunting seasons include expanding the use of deer management permits throughout the season. Such permits can currently be used to take antlerless deer. A list of the proposed deer hunting seasons can be found HERE.

Ohio's conservationists, river enthusiasts and water planning professionals are invited to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) Ohio Rivers Symposium on Friday, March 27 in Columbus. During the biennial symposium, this year themed "Flowing Through Time," ODNR will welcome attendees to sessions regarding flora and fauna surrounding Ohio's rivers, the state's indigenous history and how streams respond to development, among other topics. More information is HERE.

Landowners are now able to apply for a first-of-its-kind program from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry to treat woodlands against the hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA). The invasive HWA is a tiny, non-native insect that poses the biggest threat to the survival of the eastern hemlock. HWA is mostly visible in the fall, winter and spring when it creates small, white, cottony masses on the underside of hemlock twigs. Proposals are currently being accepted through Friday, March 20, 2026. More detail about the program and the application form can be found HERE.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is seeking nominations to honor the lifetime achievements of a new class of conservationists at the 2026 award ceremony for the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame during the Ohio State Fair. Information on nominations can be found HERE.

OHIO HISTORY

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) is hosting a Women's History Month program honoring contributions of women in the military on Sunday, March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM). The program serves as a socializing event for the Ohio Women Veterans Advisory Committee and is supported by ODVS, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Ohio National Guard and Think Veterans First. Admission is free; to RSVP, go HERE.

OHIO STATE FAIR

The Ohio Expositions Commission (OEC) recently announced more artists joining the preliminary lineup for performers at the 2026 Ohio State Fair. The following performances have been added to the schedule:

• The S.O.S. Band and the Dazz Band to perform on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m.

• Sammy Kershaw to perform on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

• Journey from the Heart to perform on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 1 p.m.

PEOPLE

The Columbus Partnership recently announced economic development professional Jonas Peterson has been selected to serve as the next president and chief economic development officer (CEDO) of the One Columbus organization effective Tuesday, April 7. Kenny McDonald announced he would be stepping down as president and CEO of One Columbus in August, and a national search was conducted for his replacement.

POLLS/STUDIES

While a majority of respondents to the latest Quinnipiac Poll's national survey opposed U.S. military action against Iran, a stark partisan divide can be seen in the numbers. Quinnipiac interviewed 1,002 self-identified registered voters nationwide from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. It found 53 percent of respondents opposed to the U.S. military action against Iran, while 40 percent support it. Among respondents, 89 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of independent voters oppose it, while 85 percent of Republicans support it.

PUBLIC SAFETY

In concert with the spring time change, the Division of State Fire Marshal within the Ohio Department of Commerce urged Ohioans to do the twice-yearly safety check often associated with the switch.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Ohio EMS urge grant applicants for the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) "Safe Streets and Roads for All" (SS4A) program to participate in an upcoming webinar and learn how other EMS agencies have become successful grantees. Register for the 11 a.m. ET, Wednesday, March 25 webinar.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Ohio Inspector General Randall Meyer recently released his office's annual report for 2025, noting the year saw continued work to address fraud in the pandemic-era Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Between 2021 and 2025, his office opened 28 investigations involving PUA and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) that uncovered "egregious" levels of fraud with millions of taxpayer dollars.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) said Monday three commercial trucks with automation technology are now driving between the two states, calling it a "major milestone for Midwest freight innovation." The two agencies have worked together on accelerating adoption of automated trucking technology to transform the region's logistics industry.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) says it's received reports of a texting scam from grifters claiming to be from the state of Ohio. Ohioans are reporting "phishing" texts that inform recipients they have unpaid parking tickets that must be paid immediately to avoid a driver's license suspension.

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2026 Hannah News Service, Inc.]