The Representative's Corner

Recently, I took part in the Transatlantic Summit of the Strong Cities Network in Columbus in the Governor’s office at the Ohio Statehouse. In attendance were the following: Andrii Besedin, Mayor of Kupyansk, Ukraine, Oleksandr Senkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, Tobias Engle, Manager of the International Affairs Strategic Investment Division of the Ohio Department of Development, Michael Schadek Director of Regional Partnerships for the city of Columbus, and representatives of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, Nazar Zhdan, State Relations and Advocacy, Marta Liscynesky-Kelleher, Past President, and George E. Jaskiw, M.D., President.

The mayors of the two Ukrainian cities described the deep challenges of providing for their communities, while experiencing daily attacks by the Russian Federation. The city of Kupyansk is less than four miles from the front line. Mykolaiv is further away but continues to be attacked on a regular basis. Director Mihalik and I reaffirmed Ohio’s steadfast support for Ukraine and potential partnerships were outlined, including initiatives in education, governance, advisory services, clean water management, and positioning Ohio businesses to play a vital role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Both mayors expressed their gratitude to everyone in attendance, the residents of Ohio, and all people of the United States for the continuing humanitarian and military support which has allowed Ukraine to resist Russia’s brutal invasion.

During the summit we discussed and shared information regarding Ohio’s close and important economic trade ties to Ukraine. Many do not realize the importance our trade relationship is to many Ohio businesses or the jobs related to it. For instance, from 2021 to 2023, Ohio exports to Ukraine totaled approximately $100 million. Among our top exports include vehicles and parts, pharmaceutical products, industrial machinery (including computers), tobacco and manufactured substances, optic, photo, and medical instruments, electric machinery, sound and television equipment, sugars and sugar confectionaries, aircraft and parts, furniture and bedding, rubber and rubber articles, etc.

Ukraine also provides us with many of things we need to stoke Ohio’s economy. In fact, our main imports from Ukraine include iron and steel, paper, paperboard, apparel articles, industrial machinery, inorganic chemicals, rare earth minerals, aircraft and parts, plastics, plastic articles, etc. Total imports from Ukraine into Ohio were valued at over $500 million from 2021 through 2023.

It is estimated that Ohio is home to over 45,000 residents of Ukrainian ancestry, with about a tenth or more living in the city of Parma. In fact, this and the fact that Parma is home to Ukrainian Village and many Ukrainian Churches, places of business, schools, and cultural centers makes Parma the Ukrainian Capital of Ohio. As such, I was honored earlier this year when Rep. Bill Seitz and I successfully passed H.B. 360 in the Ohio House of Representatives in a very bipartisan vote. This bill will recognize Ukrainian Independence Day, August 24, as an officially recognized holiday in Ohio.