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WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, July 21, 2023
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review
For the week ending July 21, 2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023
A bus drops students off at an elementary school in Dayton, Ohio PHOTO: MEGAN JELINGER/REUTERS
The following editorial about school vouchers was published July 16, 2023, in the Wall Street Journal:
More Dollars Follow Ohio Students
Wall Street Journal
By: The Editorial Board
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro sold students out by backing down on a school voucher proposal this month, but his Republican neighbor Gov. Mike DeWine is doing better in Ohio. The Governor and the GOP Legislature recently narrowed the funding gap between charter and district schools and opened a state voucher program to all families, making the Buckeye State the latest to offer universal school choice.
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program has offered K-12 school vouchers to families with income under 250% of the federal poverty level—about $75,000 for a family of four—or to families with students attending the state’s worst-performing schools. The new law opens the vouchers to any family regardless of income or school attendance.
Monday, July 17, 2023
 Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks announced $90 million for transportation investments in the area surrounding Intel’s future campus, known as the Silicon Heartland. This is the latest in a long list of funding commitments and investments in this region.
"Much like everything we do in Ohio, economic development is a team sport. We are committed to working together with our local government partners to make sure we’re all meeting not only the demands of today, but tomorrow as well," said Governor DeWine.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development and has a cascading effect leading to increased productivity, job creation, and improved quality of life for residents,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Investment in infrastructure is vital for promoting long-term economic growth and prosperity.”
Governor DeWine announced a new, online resource to help middle school students learn math. All Ohio districts and schools serving students in grades 6-8 will have access at no cost to Zearn, through June 30, 2025.
“Students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and access to this math program will give teachers another tool to help their students thrive,” said Governor DeWine.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
 Governor DeWine announced that 20 local first responder agencies will receive a total of nearly $4 million to help support wellness and staffing needs.
“We are proud to offer this support to our local first responders because keeping them healthy is key to keeping our communities safe,” said Governor DeWine.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
 Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted met with the JobsOhio international team, which assists in connecting Ohio with companies around the globe. Ohio is the No. 2 state for foreign direct investment with the 4,200 international companies in Ohio employing 270,000 Ohioans.
Governor DeWine announced that nearly three dozen local drug task forces in Ohio are receiving state support for their work to disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery.
“Illegal drugs harm too many Ohioans every year, and these grant funds will ensure that the state’s drug task forces can continue their daily battle to push back against this scourge," said Governor DeWine.
Governor DeWine wrote "International Action on Haiti Needed Now" an Op-Ed in The Washington Times that was published on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Haiti is on the brink of collapse.
For decades, the island nation and its 11 million people have withstood repeated natural disasters, presidential coups, violent uprisings, devastating disease, and unconscionable poverty. Yet somehow, Haiti survives -- perhaps until now.
The nation has devolved into complete lawlessness. There have been no elections since 2016 and no elected legislature or President since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse two years ago. Gangs now run the country -- violent, disparate, and heavily armed.
International action is long overdue.
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Lt. Governor Husted provided remarks and moderated a panel with artificial intelligence (AI) experts from Ohio, and around the nation, at John Carroll University. Panelists at the forum shared their expertise on the functions of AI, along with strategies for businesses, educators, and state and local leaders, so that Ohio can continue its legacy of innovation as this new technology emerges. |
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Governor Mike DeWine and ODOT Director Marchbanks announced funding awards of over $9.8 million for projects that will improve safety for students walking and biking to and from school in 25 counties.
“Walking and biking is a healthy way for children to get to and from school, but we must ensure each student can do so safely. This program provides that opportunity,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Governor DeWine announced Ohio will receive a $14.2 million Grid Resilience Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize the electric grid and reduce the impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters for Ohioans. These grants aim to ensure the reliability of power sector infrastructure so that all communities have access to affordable, reliable, and safe electricity.
“Reliable electricity is essential to ensuring quality of life for all Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Modernizing our grid and protecting it from extreme weather will help keep Ohio’s homes, schools, and offices thriving.”
 Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted celebrated the 43rd annual Governor’s Fish Ohio Day in Port Clinton, alongside Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz, Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker, and other leaders from the conservation and tourism industries. This annual event highlights the importance of protecting and improving Lake Erie and the lake’s fishery.
“Fish Ohio Day provides a great opportunity to experience the world-class fishing on Lake Erie and highlight the partnerships working to keep the lake healthy,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “It is also a day to renew our commitment to improving water quality in Lake Erie and across the state through the H2Ohio initiative.”
“Lake Erie is one of the most productive fisheries in the world and one of my favorite places to fish,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The day offers a chance to celebrate the incredible resource we have right in our backyard.”
Friday, July 21, 2023
Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced grant awards totaling $135 million that will support 90 critical water infrastructure projects in 64 counties throughout the state.
“From the first dollar awarded through this program to now, we’ve made hundreds of transformative investments in the future of our communities,” said Governor DeWine. “Having a strong water infrastructure not only safeguards the health and well-being of our residents, but it makes our neighborhoods more resilient and better prepares local leaders for sustainable economic growth.”
“This additional round of funding will help communities from one corner of the state to the next replace aging, overwhelmed infrastructure, ensuring that Ohioans have access to clean drinking water,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “These projects will not only greatly improve the quality of life for residents in these areas, but they also boost economic growth related to business expansion and housing development.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
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