Joe Uecker
Four years before Labor Day became a national holiday, Ohio’s legislature established a day of celebration to honor workers throughout Ohio. When this legislation was enacted in 1890, a combination of Ohio’s abundant natural resources and access to interstate transportation through its network of canals and railroads made Ohio the ideal location for industry.

Labor day is about more than retail discounts and a long weekend; it is a tribute to our workforce’s ability to continue to adapt successfully to ever changing industries and technology.

Today, college graduates often find it difficult to compete for jobs while employers throughout Ohio struggle to find qualified workers to fill the in-demand and high paying jobs they have available. In order to continue to thrive, we must create and promote more training opportunities for new workers while also providing programs to enhance the skills of existing workers.

Shaping Ohio’s workforce for the 21st century requires our partners in higher education and workforce training to work together with state government and private sector leaders so that more Ohioans are able to succeed in the workforce. This is why the Ohio Senate has made jobs and opportunity our highest priority.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Governor Kasich and leaders in the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio has created more than 360,000 new private sector jobs since 2010. According to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Ohio’s unemployment rate is less than 5 percent, outperforming the national average of 5.3 percent. We have come a long way but jobs & opportunity must remain our primary focus in order to ensure that Ohio remains an excellent place to live, work and raise a family.

Ohio is fortunate to have so many talented workers who contribute to the state’s growing economy. As your State Senator, I will continue to fight for a strong, safe and prosperous workforce. I hope that you and your family enjoy a wonderful Labor Day weekend!