For Immediate Release
Christian Employers Alliance Releases Latest Edition of Biblical Business Index
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA), which engages with a network of more than 30,000 faith-based employers across all 50 states – including many of the nation’s largest faith-based organizations – today released the Ohio Edition of its Biblical Business Index.
The study found that while many lawmakers fought to reduce abortion, strengthen religious liberty, and combat political DEI agendas, the legislature struggled in the “economic freedom” category of the Biblical Business Index, largely because of economic cronyism and the use of government to benefit special interests at the expense of the broader public. Examples cited in the report include:
- New labeling mandates on imitation meat products restrict competition under the guise of transparency, benefiting powerful farming and pork interests.
- Subsidies and tax carveouts for data centers and wealthy stadium owners increase the tax burden on everyday Ohioans while rewarding the politically connected.
- Expanded net-metering subsidies for the solar industry raise utility costs for families by shifting costs onto the broader ratepayer base.
“We applaud the work many Ohio lawmakers have done to protect religious liberty and defend the sanctity of life, but it is clear the state still has a serious problem with economic cronyism,” said Margaret Iuculano, President of the Christian Employers Alliance. “As Proverbs 22:16 warns, government should not be used to enrich the powerful and politically connected at the expense of ordinary people. That is why we produce these comprehensive analyses and are excited to launch new tools connected to the Biblical Business Index that show lawmaker campaign contributions and how those contributions may relate to their votes.”
The report found that in total, 72 of the 132 members of the Ohio Legislature voted with the biblically based position at least 80% of the time and earned CEA’s Defender of Biblical Business Award. The study was performed in partnership with the Institute for Legislative Analysis and encompassed an extensive review of legislation advanced in the legislature, including analyses of over 4,500 individual votes cast by lawmakers. The research team applied a clearly defined methodology grounded in Scripture, limited government, and longstanding Judeo-Christian social principles.
The Ohio Biblical Business Index includes lawmaker rankings, award designations, and biblically based policy analysis of major legislation considered by the Ohio Legislature.
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