Lawmakers Push for More JobsOhio Transparency After OSU Scandal

Bipartisan group of legislators demand private economic development agency open its books to the public

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or conference room, with a lone desk or table as the central focus, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease over the handling of public resources.The push for greater transparency at Ohio's private economic development agency JobsOhio reflects broader concerns over the use of public funds by opaque government entities.Columbus Today

After the resignation of former Ohio State University President Ted Carter over an inappropriate relationship with a podcast host who received $60,000 in sponsorship from JobsOhio, lawmakers from both parties are pushing for more oversight and transparency of the state's private economic development agency. Proposals in the Ohio Senate and House would require JobsOhio to follow public meetings and records laws, undergo annual audits, and provide more disclosures about its spending of public funds from the state's liquor system.

Why it matters

The scandal at Ohio State University has raised questions about how public money is being spent by JobsOhio, a private nonprofit that uses profits from the state's liquor system to fund economic development incentives. Critics argue that since the agency's funds ultimately come from taxpayers, it should be subject to more public scrutiny and accountability.

The details

Lawmakers created JobsOhio in 2011 as a private nonprofit, arguing it needed flexibility and confidentiality to compete for business deals. However, critics say that structure allows the agency to hide how it spends public funds from taxpayers' view. The recent resignation of former OSU President Ted Carter, who had an inappropriate relationship with a podcast host that received $60,000 in JobsOhio sponsorship, has further fueled calls for more oversight.

  • In March 2026, Reps. Tristan Rader and Justin Pizzulli introduced legislation in the Ohio House to require new disclosures, expand audits, and give lawmakers more oversight of JobsOhio's spending.
  • In April 2026, Sen. Sandra O'Brien proposed Senate Bill 420 to require JobsOhio to follow public meetings and records laws and undergo an annual performance audit.

The players

Sen. Sandra O'Brien

An Ashtabula County Republican who proposed Senate Bill 420 to increase transparency and oversight of JobsOhio.

Steve Stivers

President of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, who said JobsOhio's private structure allows it to 'move at the speed of business, not the speed of government.'

Ted Carter

Former Ohio State University president who resigned over an inappropriate relationship with a podcast host who received $60,000 in JobsOhio sponsorship.

Krisanthe Vlachos

The podcast host who received $60,000 in JobsOhio sponsorship, leading to the resignation of former OSU president Ted Carter.

Tristan Rader

A Lakewood Democrat who introduced legislation in the Ohio House to require new disclosures, expand audits, and give lawmakers more oversight of JobsOhio's spending.

Justin Pizzulli

A Scioto County Republican who introduced legislation in the Ohio House to require new disclosures, expand audits, and give lawmakers more oversight of JobsOhio's spending.

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What they’re saying

“Those records need to be public. What else do we not know about?”

— Sen. Sandra O'Brien, Ashtabula County Republican

“When I talk to the other 49 state chambers, JobsOhio is the envy of all of them.”

— Steve Stivers, President of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

“Hiding public funds from the taxpayers' view always ends badly.”

— Sen. Sandra O'Brien, Ashtabula County Republican

What’s next

The Ohio Senate and House will continue to debate the proposals to increase transparency and oversight of JobsOhio, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between government transparency and the need for private economic development agencies to have flexibility and confidentiality. The scandal at Ohio State has reignited calls for more public accountability over how JobsOhio spends taxpayer-derived funds.