By Okon Ekpenyong

At the Athletic Club of Columbus 2nd Floor “Gold Room,” Lieutenant Governor Husted told the crowd of Dayton Chambers of Commerce members how the Dayton area Region and Ohio are experiencing one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state’s history. 

Additionally, the DeWine-Husted Administration is committed to supporting Ohio’s military families and funding several smaller regional areas, such as some urban metropolitan areas that experts believe don’t always get the proper funding to strive. 

Restoring and boosting childcare was another area that the Dayton Chamber of Commerce focused on during the Legislation Day conference in Columbus. 

Military:

The discussion also touched on how to support Ohio’s military families. Participants agreed that providing more resources and support for active-duty personnel is essential. Those struggling with mental health issues stemming from deployment and to create legislation to support veterans after leaving the military. Dayton, in particular, has one of the largest air force bases in the country, making it an important hub for Ohio’s military presence.

Believe it or not, thousands of active military officers or veterans are from the new American community. And the new Lieutenant Governor Husted praised them for their service. He also noted that the Administration continues to prioritize diversity when advocating for small businesses or working with legislation to address some of the disparities that data shows exist.  

Business Development:

Husted praised the success of business development and what other ways the area could improve to impact the economy. 

“For a State or Nation to prosper, we must invest in technology to help economic growth and protect national security. So, the innovation hub would help individuals in the Dayton area better supply resources to the Dayton Base with the talent pool necessary to contribute to Ohio’s Economic growth”, said Husted. 

Childcare Funding:

The lack of investment in Ohio’s young children and child care is on everyone’s mind. Former state representative and current senior vice president of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Rick Carfagna, urged the committee to reconsider funding for childcare scholarships and to increase the availability of infant and toddler childcare throughout the state. 

According to recent studies, the lack of access to quality childcare is a significant issue for many working parents. In a Center for American Progress survey, 62% of children are not ready for kindergarten due to a lack of access to quality childcare. Furthermore, 70% of mothers and other parents said they would work more hours if they had access to childcare funding.

Husted explained that reevaluating policies and legislation is necessary and that members should know the consequences of cuts or lack of funding. His remarks also stressed the need for a thorough discussion of these issues.

On the State level, they are legislation to support the DeWine-Husted Administration proposal on this initiative; however, recently, both sides of the aisle feuded over specific legislation like limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion training in higher education institutions. 

This disagreement has caused a delay in passing some of the legislation, making it difficult for the Administration to implement its initiative. Also, the dispute on bills supporting raising the minimum age for Police Officers from 21 to 18, discussing the minimum wage, and bringing back August special elections for ‘certain purposes.’ 

Husted noted that educating the legislature on why Ohio must invest more in its innovation hub, work together to avoid cutting funds for child welfare, and other policies that can benefit the state is vital. 

In January of 2023, the DeWine-Husted Administration outlined its vision of expanding its innovation hub to make Ohio a more competitive center for technology beyond just manufacturing. This initiative seeks to extend its reach to smaller areas of the state, such as Akron, Toledo, and many more. 

“There are funds out there available to help business owners with the opportunity to open up the job market to hire and train new acquisitions. 

It opens doors previously closed to those seeking second chances,” said Husted. Despite acknowledging the tremendous effort, Ohio’s executive leaders have put in to attract new businesses and consequently create better job opportunities for veterans and others. 

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Legislation Day also raised concerns about the need for more support for veteran-owned small businesses already in the state. Furthermore, they discussed the need for better resources and programs that could help veterans become entrepreneurs and succeed in their business endeavors.

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