Bribes as Free Speech? HB6 Scandal Shocker

Ohio’s latest audit reveals an alarming misuse of taxpayer dollars, threatening economic development and accountability.

Story Highlights

Ohio’s audit exposes $117 million in lost revenue due to failed job creation incentives.
The HB6 scandal continues to unravel, with appeals claiming bribes as “free speech.”
Governor DeWine faces scrutiny over the state’s handling of job creation incentives.
A new 2026 campaign targets systemic corruption and job barriers for ex-offenders.

Ohio’s Economic Incentive Failures

In January 2026, a state audit revealed that 65% of 60 companies receiving job creation tax credits in 2024 failed to deliver promised jobs, resulting in $117 million in lost revenue. The audit, led by Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, criticized the lack of enforcement and accountability among state officials. This failure highlights systemic issues in Ohio’s economic development strategies, raising questions about their effectiveness and oversight.

The audit further noted that there were no clawbacks in nearly half of the cases where companies did not meet their job creation commitments. This lack of action underscores a significant gap in the state’s enforcement of economic incentives, potentially discouraging future responsible investment. The Ohio Department of Development has defended its position, citing recent rescissions and a focus on job verification before payouts.

The HB6 Scandal Continues

The HB6 scandal, Ohio’s largest corruption case, remains a focal point of controversy. It involved $60 million in bribes paid by FirstEnergy to secure a $1 billion bailout for nuclear and coal plants, costs ultimately borne by ratepayers. Convictions from this scandal were upheld in 2025, yet appeals have been filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that these bribes are a form of “free speech” protected under the First Amendment.

This argument has sparked widespread debate, particularly among conservatives who view it as an egregious misuse of the First Amendment to justify corruption. The outcome of this appeal could set a significant precedent for how campaign contributions and corporate influence are regulated in the future.

Addressing Systemic Corruption

The emergence of new political and policy campaigns in 2026 aims to tackle these systemic issues in Ohio. Among these is a multi-state initiative called “More Than a Background,” which seeks to remove employment barriers for individuals with criminal records. This campaign addresses broader systemic challenges by advocating for fairer hiring practices and reducing recidivism through stable employment opportunities.

Can Ohio Be Fixed? A New Campaign Takes Aim at Jobs and Corruption” https://t.co/eJhdRyirsO via @YouTube

— Keith Thomas King (@photoking63) January 26, 2026

As Ohio grapples with these challenges, there is a growing call for transparency and reform. Both taxpayers and ratepayers demand accountability from their government and corporate entities. The continued scrutiny of Governor DeWine’s administration and the outcomes of these legal battles will play a critical role in shaping Ohio’s economic and political landscape in the coming years.