New look. New energy. New ways to get involved.
The Ohio Economic Development Association is more than just a new website. There’s a new energy at OEDA, reflecting those we serve. As the professional association for economic developers, our new brand reflects our members– dynamic, on-the-move, decisive, knowledgeable, informed, engaging. The Ohio Economic Development Association is committed to helping our members expand their knowledge, expand their network and expand their influence. So, come join us as we work to expand your opportunities.
The Ohio Economic Development Association is committed to providing Ohio’s economic development community with resources to help practitioners best serve their business community during the COVID-19 outbreak. We believe one of the most helpful roles OEDA can play is curator; sifting through and summarizing the vast amount of information so you can focus on what you need as professionals.
New look. New energy. New ways to get involved.
THE STATEWIDE AUTHORITY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
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HB168/BFPD Informational Webinar
Join a discussion, hosted by the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), to learn about the recently passed HB168, which establishes the bona fide purchaser defense (BFPD) into Ohio law. The establishment of the BFPD into Ohio law better aligns Ohio law with federal standards, and aims to encourage the redevelopment of lightly contaminated brownfield sites.
read moreIn Case You Missed It: Connect with OEDA Social Media
In between our email newsletters and event updates, be sure to go follow OEDA’s new and updated social media channels to ensure you stay up-to-date with our events, economic development news, and other communications!
read moreAn Open Letter to OEDA’s Members and Ohio’s Economic Development Community
OEDA has been listening and learning as the issues around systemic racism have been brought to the forefront and captured the nation’s attention. It is devastating that the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd—and, sadly, the indisputable video evidence of their killings—became the catalysts for our country to collectively pay attention and admit that systemic racism exists. What is also indisputable is that the time for change is now.
read moreTracked House Bills – June 2020
Federal News:
Unemployment Numbers Improve: As reflected in numbers released Friday June 5, the U.S. economy gained 2.5 million jobs in May as some states reopened. The unemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent from April’s number of 14.7 percent. The positive news was complicated by the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics said it had misclassified data in May, as it had in April and March. Without the error, the unemployment rate in April would have been higher at 19.7 percent, and May’s rate would have been 16.3 percent.
HEROES Act: On May 15, the House approved a fifth aid bill dubbed the “HEROES Act” (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act) that would authorize additional COVID assistance totaling $3 Trillion. The bill is now under consideration by the Senate. It includes another round of direct cash payments to individuals, extends unemployment benefits to the end of January, adds hazard pay for front-line workers and includes aid to state and local governments. It also expands virus-testing efforts and contact tracing and treatment. The bill also includes some changes to programs that were approved in the CARES Act, including an expansion of the IRS payment program. In addition, the plan sets aside $3.6 billion to protect federal elections, $25 billion to support the U.S. Postal Service, $100 billion for low-income rent support, $75 billion for a homeowner assistance fund and $100 million for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs. It also would expand funding for small-business loans, enhance an employee-retention tax credit program and boost worker protections.
read moreTracked Senate Bills – June 2020
State News:
ODJFS Employment and Training Grant: Lt. Governor Husted announced June 11 that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will receive an $8.5 million federal Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant to help reemploy individuals who lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help employers rebuild their workforces. ODJFS will work with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to facilitate the grant program through local OhioMeansJobs centers and will distribute the funding to Ohio’s local workforce areas. ODJFS will also provide outreach to employers and services to individuals who were laid off, either permanently or temporarily, as a result of the pandemic.
read moreTracked House Bills – May 2020
Federal News:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program Available: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced May 13 that Ohioans can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new federal program that covers many more categories of workers than the traditional unemployment program. Those who believe they may be eligible should visit pua.unemployment.ohio.gov and click the button that says “Click Here to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.” Individuals who pre-registered for the program received an email earlier this week with instructions for how to complete their applications. To read the release on PUA, click here.
Possible Future Aid: On May 15, the House approved a fifth aid bill dubbed the “HEROES Act” (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act) that would authorize additional COVID assistance totaling $3 Trillion. The measure is unlikely to progress, however, as it is not supported by many Republican lawmakers. The bill includes another round of direct cash payments to individuals, extends unemployment benefits to the end of January, adds hazard pay for front-line workers and includes aid to state and local governments. It also expands virus-testing efforts and contact tracing and treatment. The bill also includes some changes to programs that were approved in the CARES Act, including an expansion of the IRS payment program. In addition, the plan sets aside $3.6 billion to protect federal elections, $25 billion to support the U.S. Postal Service, $100 billion for low-income rent support, $75 billion for a homeowner assistance fund and $100 million for the Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs. It also would expand funding for small-business loans, enhance an employee-retention tax credit program and boost worker protections.
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