Speaker Batchelder Releases Statement on Unemployment Rate Drop

Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has released the following statement regarding Ohio’s April unemployment rate, which dropped from 6.1 percent to 5.7 percent:

“In 2011, Ohio’s unemployment rate was over 9 percent, and many Ohioans were losing hope that they would be able to find gainful employment and provide for their families. Since that time, the Ohio House has worked closely with Governor Kasich and our colleagues in the Ohio Senate to bring Ohio back to life with pro-jobs, pro-business policies that would allow our economy to grow.

“Today, we have received tremendous news that Ohio’s unemployment is now at 5.7 percent, the lowest we have seen in this state since early 2008. Our economy is continuing to grow, more and more Ohioans are returning to work, and we are sending a strong message to the rest of the nation and the world that Ohio is open for business. I applaud all the work that Governor Kasich has done in working with the legislature and his unmatched efforts in encouraging businesses to invest in Ohio.

“For those of us who have the privilege of leading this state, ensuring that as many Ohioans as possible have a job is our number one priority.  Although this is very positive news, there is still much more work to be done, and we will continue to focus on moving Ohio’s economy forward.”