WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, September 22, 2023

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending September 22, 2023

Monday, September 18, 2023

Governor DeWine attends Joby Aviation announcement

Governor DeWine holding a model Joby aircraft with Lt. Governor Husted and Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef announced that Joby Aviation Inc. will build an electric air taxi manufacturing facility at the Dayton International Airport, creating 2,000 new jobs in the Miami Valley.

Joby Ohio?s new assembly-line manufacturing facility will build, test, and fly all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis that will predominantly be used for commercial passenger operations. The aircraft, designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 200 mph over a 100-mile range.? The corporation plans to operate the aircraft as part of aerial ride-sharing networks in cities and communities around the world.

"Ohio?s legacy in aviation leadership begins with the Wright Brothers and continues now with Joby Aviation, as they launch a new era in advanced aviation manufacturing and aerial mobility in Dayton,? said Governor DeWine. ?The aircraft that will roll off Joby Ohio?s production lines will redefine urban transportation and contribute to a transformational change in the way people and goods travel. We welcome Joby and celebrate the new chapter of air mobility history that will be made here in Ohio, the Heart of Aviation and Aerospace.??

?Today?s announcement didn?t come about by chance, it was earned through 20 years of strategic planning in the Dayton region, leading us to be in the best possible position for a company like Joby to expand their operations from California to Ohio,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?Dayton has solidified itself as the center of aviation innovation, from the Wright Brothers to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, but for over 100 years, that innovation has not been successfully translated into the manufacturing of aircraft and the thousands of jobs that come with it. Today, that elusive aspiration becomes reality.?

Governor DeWine issued the following reprieve of execution:

Scott Group,?who was scheduled to be executed on January 10, 2024.? The new date of execution has been moved to February 17, 2027.

Governor DeWine is issuing this reprieve due to ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide?drugs?to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), pursuant to DRC protocol, without endangering other Ohioans.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Mound City Group in Chillicothe, Ohio (Credit: Courtesy of The Ohio History Connection)

Governor DeWine is?celebrating Ohio?s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage designation for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, after a committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, voted Tuesday to approve it. The Earthworks were built by Native Americans between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago.

?We are so pleased that the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are getting attention on the world stage, which will draw more visitors to appreciate what Ohioans have valued for years at these impressive sites,? said Governor DeWine. ?I encourage all Ohioans to visit these eight sites, if you haven?t already, to see an intriguing and amazing window into the past before Ohio was even a state.?

Governor DeWine attends 2023 Farm Science Review

Governor DeWine attended the grand opening of the 2023 Farm Science Review on Tuesday morning. The Farm Science Review features more than 100 educational sessions, 600 exhibits, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, and immersive virtual reality videos of agricultural activities.?

Governor DeWine joined state, local, and federal leaders in Columbus to unveil the new Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC).

Ohio Ballistic Testing Initiative grpahic

Governor DeWine joined state, local, and federal leaders in Columbus today to unveil the new Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC).

Housed within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Central Ohio CGIC is operated in partnership between the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This centralized law enforcement hub, which focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence, combines the expertise of firearm evidence examiners, intelligence analysts, and investigators under one roof to rapidly collect, analyze, and share information about guns used in violent crimes.

"The new Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center represents the next generation in intelligence-based policing, and it is unlike anything that has ever been done in Central Ohio before," said Governor DeWine. "The teams taking part in this large-scale and long-term collaboration are sharing everything from intelligence and investigative leads to technology and manpower so that they can zero in on the people who are shooting and killing others without remorse. Gun violence is about to become much, much harder to get away with in Central Ohio."

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and JobsOhio President and CEO Nauseef announced that the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC), a multi-state, regional initiative led by Ohio and dedicated to advancing the research and production of crucial microelectronics for the defense industry, was awarded regional hub designation and $24.3 million for fiscal year 23 through the prestigious Microelectronics Commons (ME Commons) program.?This partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) places Ohio, as a part of the MMEC, among the eight regional "hubs" nationwide. The MMEC comprises over 65 public, private, and nonprofit entities, with leadership from many key Ohio institutions.

"Being chosen as a critical hub in the ME Commons initiative places the Midwest, with leadership from key Ohio institutions, at the heart of American-made semiconductor innovation," said Governor DeWine. "The partnerships forged with Ohio?s business, academic and community leaders have resulted in bringing this prestigious hub to the Midwest. The foundation for this statewide collaboration was laid during the advocacy for the CHIPS Act in 2021 and 2022, and more recently, it has gained momentum as we seize the opportunities arising from Intel's $20 billion investment in our state."

"This is a big win and serves as another opportunity for Ohio to take the lead in reshoring semiconductor production and securing vital defense and commercial microelectronics research and manufacturing," said Lt. Governor Husted. "With a focus on delivering the best solutions to our nation's warfighters and supporting our critical National Security Strategy, we are confident in our ability to both secure and expand America's leadership in the global microelectronics supply chain. It?s another step for Ohio to help America advance our economic and national security."

Lt. Governor Husted gave remarks at AICU Meeting

Lt. Governor Husted gave remarks about the importance of preparing our students for Ohio?s future workforce at the annual meeting in Columbus of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Governor DeWine announced a partnership among the RecoveryOhio initiative, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Health?s Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) to install lifesaving naloxone kits at rest areas across the state.

"Increasing access to naloxone is critical to combatting the opioid crisis and decreasing the number of overdose deaths in Ohio,? said Governor DeWine. ?By placing Naloxboxes in rest areas across the state we are providing more opportunities to reverse the deadly effects of illicit opioids and providing opportunities for Ohioans to choose recovery.?

Twelve amateur photographers have been recognized for their ability to capture the day-to-day lives of the people, plants, and animals that live and thrive in the Lake Erie watershed. The 2023 "Life on Lake Erie" photo contest winners were announced during the Ohio Lake Erie Commission?s (OLEC) Sept. 20 meeting. The winning photos can be found at the OLEC website, www.lakeerie.ohio.gov.

?Lake Erie is one of Ohio?s greatest natural resources,? said Governor Mike DeWine. ?These photographers used their talents to highlight why our North Coast is a great place to vacation, live, work, and raise a family.?

Lt. Governor Husted attend Little Brown Jug

Lt. Governor Husted attended the?Little Brown Jug Thursday evening at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.?The event is one of the most famous and highly regarded harness racing events in North America. It takes place at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio. This year, It?s My Show won the 78th Little Brown Jug.

Friday, September 22, 2023

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced that the Ohio Board of Building Standards recently adopted the 2024 Ohio Building (OBC), Mechanical (OMC) & Plumbing Codes (OPC) rules, a process that resulted in the removal of duplicative and unnecessary language in these codes and decreases the number of words in the Ohio Administrative Code by over 610,000, ultimately making it easier for businesses to comply.

?As businesses continue to thrive and grow in Ohio, the updated building codes come at a perfect time,? said Governor Mike DeWine. ?The Board of Building Standards is making it easier for businesses by not only removing unnecessary and duplicative language but also by including new technologies and materials used in construction today."

?When we set out on our mission to eliminate one-third of the OAC, our goal was to make it easier for people and businesses to comply ? saving people time and money,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?Streamlining Ohio?s building code was a big part of this effort. Additionally, through passage of the recent budget, we are now able to work with the Lottery Commission to delete up to 1.7 million unnecessary words related to individual lottery game procedures. We have also identified an additional 2.3 million words of duplicative and unnecessary regulatory text established by individual higher education institutions. This initiative is a great example of common-sense regulatory reform, which ultimately makes our state more attractive for new business growth.?

Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced three communities will receive a total of $2.25 million in Residential Public Infrastructure Grant funding for improvements to their wastewater treatment facilities.?

The grants, funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant, will help these communities improve the quality of life for more than 1,300 Ohioans by providing safe and reliable drinking water and proper disposal of sanitary waste.?

?Access to clean water and reliable infrastructure is not just a basic necessity, it is the heart of any thriving, healthy community,? said Governor DeWine. ?Through these investments, we?re not only safeguarding our environment, but also enhancing the quality of life for our residents.??

?The projects announced today will benefit Ohio families living in these communities and ultimately makes these regions more attractive for economic growth,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, leading to increased productivity, job creation, and improved quality of life.??

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957