© 2023 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

Democrats Say Underfunding, Not Over-Regulation, Is Hurting Ohio's Economy

Ohio Senator Joe Schiavoni says lack of investment in communities is hurting the economy.
Karen Kasler
/
Statehouse News
Ohio Senator Joe Schiavoni says lack of investment in communities is hurting the economy.

Senate Democrats are firing back against a study that says Ohio’s regulation of business is hampering the state’s economic growth. One lawmaker even argues that the study is a cop-out to avoid the bigger problem. Statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports.

Schiavoni pushes for infrastructure and job training

Democratic Sen. Joe Schiavoni says regulations are not to blame for slowing Ohio’s economy.

“It’s the lack of investment in our communities and our people in exchange for tax cutting for the highest earners.”

Schiavoni, who’s also running for governor, says that investment could go towards infrastructure, reliable internet and job training.

Republican Senate leaders touted a study from George Mason University noting Ohio’s expansive regulatory code. The researchers said the restrictions hurt industries such as manufacturing and health care.

Schiavoni counters that a lot of the regulations are needed for government transparency and accountability.

Copyright 2021 WKSU. To see more, visit WKSU.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.