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Committee Hears Business, Economic-Development and Science Community Backing for Ohio Defense Commission and Fund
Summary
Witnesses from NekoTech, the Ohio Chamber, Dayton Development Coalition and Ohio Life Sciences testified in favor of House Bill 292 to create an Ohio Defense Commission and Ohio Defense Fund to coordinate defense-industry growth, expand SCIF capacity and provide grant matching; witnesses cited regional economic ties to defense and proposed funding uses including SCIF construction.
Representatives of industry groups, regional economic-development organizations and the life-sciences sector told the House Veterans and Military Development Committee they support House Bill 292 to create an Ohio Defense Commission and an Ohio Defense Fund aimed at coordinating state defense strategy, attracting federal investment and supporting small defense contractors.
Steve Flaherty, founder and CEO of NekoTech, said HB 292 would provide a clear structure to connect business, academia and military customers, accelerating commercialization of dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomy and advanced materials. "That kind of coordination is game changing," he said in testimony.
Matt McLaren, director of travel and tourism policy at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, said the bill would help guide investment and strengthen coordination around major Ohio defense assets including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Glenn Research Center. He urged legislative support for a commission and fund to grow the state’s defense economy.
David Cardanier, Manager of Engagement for the Dayton Development Coalition, described the Defense Industry Expansion Program and the Ohio Defense Fund’s proposed uses: grants for infrastructure and construction (including SCIF — Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility — spaces), grant matching for federal project applications, and support for small defense contractors to compete for government contracts. Cardanier cited regional figures, saying the Dayton region has 16% of its economy tied to defense and referenced $7,300,000,000 in direct military and federal spending (JobsOhio military and federal factbook, 2025) as evidence of the sector’s local importance.
Willa Bluestone, Director of Policy for Ohio Life Sciences, said Ohio’s life-sciences companies and research institutions are an "untapped strategic asset" for national defense and noted that under the bill one-third of available dollars would be earmarked for statewide advocacy, grant matching and support for federal defense-related project applications.
During Q&A, members pressed witnesses about statewide SCIF capacity and specific projects. Witnesses said demand for secure space is high, described anecdotal burdens of traveling to access SCIFs and referenced an Enhanced Use Lease project already under construction. Committee members requested additional details to be provided to the chair's office. The committee concluded the second hearing on HB 292 with no formal vote recorded.
