Free Market Reforms Revive Ohio: Jonathan Williams on the Hugh Hewitt Show
From tax cuts to education freedom, Ohio is emerging as a Midwestern model for growth.
When ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams joins Hugh Hewitt’s radio show, the banter usually starts with a rivalry – Williams pulling for Michigan, Hewitt touting Ohio. This time, however, the Wolverines settled on the back burner as Ohio’s economic revival took center stage.
“It’s an incredible turnaround story,” said Williams, pointing to the leadership of Senate President Rob McColley, an ALEC board member, and Speaker Matt Huffman. “For 40 years, Ohio lost people to other states and with them, eight or nine congressional seats. But thanks to the flat tax, universal school choice, and other important reforms, Ohio is now back on the growth track.”
The 2.75% flat tax stands out as a regional milestone. Ohio joined a Midwestern wave of pro-growth tax reform, alongside Kentucky’s plan to phase out its personal income tax and Missouri’s recent repeal of its capital gains tax.
“When you want more of something, you tax it less,” Williams said. “That’s the basics of competitive tax policy.”
Ohio lawmakers also delivered on higher education and pension reform. Senator Jerry Cirino led efforts to keep public universities focused on academics rather than ideology, while legislators strengthened fiduciary rules for state pension funds. Managers must now focus solely on maximizing returns for workers and retirees rather than pursuing politically motivated investments.
“If you’re a fiduciary and you’re managing taxpayer money, you have one duty: to maximize returns,” Williams emphasized.
For Hewitt, a proud Ohioan, the Buckeye State’s momentum offered plenty to celebrate. Strong universities, competitive tax rates, education freedom, and sound fiscal management have helped turn the tide for a state that had long fallen behind its neighbors.
Williams, the Michigan loyalist, couldn’t argue.
“I’m not just blowing smoke here as a Michigan guy talking up Ohio,” he admitted. “This has been one of the very best pro-taxpayer years of any state in the country.”
And Hewitt, smiling like the Cheshire Cat, couldn’t have been prouder.