WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, December 15, 2023

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending December 15, 2023

Monday, December 11, 2023

Governor DeWine announces details on H2Ohio expansion in Cincinnati.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the expansion of H2Ohio, the state's comprehensive, data-driven strategy to improve water quality throughout Ohio.

Since launching in 2019, H2Ohio has primarily focused on water infrastructure replacement in low-income areas,?statewide wetland creation, and the reduction of algal-bloom-causing agricultural runoff into Lake Erie. The new H2Ohio Rivers program will expand the initiative's overall goals to also focus on improving and maintaining the health of Ohio's large rivers.?

"We know that river health in Ohio has improved tremendously in the last several decades, but there is still more work to do," said Governor DeWine. "Water is one of Ohio's greatest assets, and my administration is dedicated to protecting this invaluable resource."

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor?s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that 26 workforce partnerships located throughout the state will receive $5 million in awards through the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant. The program supports collaborations that help bring Ohioans into the workforce pipeline while meeting the needs of job creators and the local economy.

?Today?s awards set a record for the most partnerships created or expanded through the grant in a single round, creating more opportunities for communities and industries to grow that workforce pipeline,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?It's important that we encourage collaboration throughout communities so we can train our students with the skills businesses in their regions need and expose them to opportunities available in their own back yards.?

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced that Worldpay, a leading global provider of payment processing solutions, will reestablish its global corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, bringing more than 500 new jobs and $56 million in associated payroll to southwest Ohio.

"Ohio welcomes Worldpay back to our thriving ecosystem of financial technology businesses," said Governor DeWine. "Being one of the largest state economies in the country, we recognize the pivotal role that financial technology plays in shaping the future of commerce and finance.?

"Worldpay selecting Ohio for its headquarters showcases our position as a supportive environment for fintech innovation," said?Lt. Governor Husted. "Coupled with the Cincinnati Innovation District, this announcement allows Worldpay to tap into a rich talent pool of highly skilled professionals in finance, technology, and data analytics."

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted?announced the approval of assistance for 11 projects set to create 1,636 new jobs and retain 1,715 jobs statewide.?? During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $141 million in new payroll and spur more than $2.5 billion in investments across Ohio.?

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik released official program guidelines for the new $150 million Welcome Home Ohio program, which was developed to improve access to affordable housing across the state.

?Housing needs are present all across Ohio,? said Governor DeWine. ?Through this program, we have the opportunity to support new investments in housing construction that will help cultivate vibrant neighborhoods and stimulate economic vitality.??

?By ensuring all current and future Ohioans have access to affordable housing, we are not only meeting the basic needs of our residents but also laying the foundation for sustainable economic development,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?As companies continue to invest in Ohio, we will need the housing stock to support that growth and prepare our communities for the opportunities those businesses bring.??

Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Mrs. Tina Husted joined in the menorah lighting at the Governor's Residence to continue the celebration of Hanukkah.??

Pickleball, playgrounds, and picnic areas are just some of the fun new projects to receive funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program. The $1.6 million in funding will be used to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans across the state. ?

?These projects support the fact that Ohio is a great place for people to live, work, and play,? Governor DeWine said. ?We?re excited to work with our local partners to broaden opportunities for outdoor recreation.?

Governor DeWine attended Columbus Crew MLS Cup vicotory rally.

Governor DeWine announced that members of the Ohio Expositions Commission voted to approve a lease addendum to allow Columbus Crew to build two additional practice fields at the Historic Crew Stadium and Ohio Health Performance Center.

The agreement expands the leased area in the vicinity of Historic Crew Stadium by approximately 8.8 acres while preserving the remainder of the property for year-round use by the Expo Center and Ohio State Fair. The acreage had previously been used for livestock trailers and other parking during the State Fair.

?Just as the Ohio State Fair is an ingrained part of the culture of our state, the Crew is also a point of pride in Ohio,? said Governor DeWine. ?The commission?s vote today will not only support our 2023 Major League Soccer Cup Champions, but it will improve fairgoers? experience by creating an increase in available parking during the fair each summer.?

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Governor DeWine was joined by the Ohio Department of Transportation, federal leaders, and industry partners to celebrate the opening of the first electric vehicle fast charging station under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.? Located at the London Pilot Travel Center along Interstate 70 at U.S. Route 42, the nation?s first NEVI charging station opened to consumers on Friday and is equipped with four EVgo fast chargers.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently completed a purchase of 844 acres adjacent to Simco Wildlife Area in Coshocton County. The acquisition will double the size of Simco Wildlife Area, bringing its total acreage to 1,688. ?The latest acquisition at Simco Wildlife Area adds valuable habitat to eastern Ohio?s public lands,? Governor DeWine said. ?Thank you to all the sportsmen and women who have contributed to conservation in Ohio. Their support has made this purchase possible.?

In honor of the life and service of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian Kody Johnson, Governor DeWine ordered?the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be?flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Licking County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral, Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Governor DeWine signs Senate Bill 34

Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 34 into law. The bill,?sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster),?designates April as "Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month" and July as "Sarcoma Awareness Month" and to name certain provisions of the act as Hank's Law.

Lt. Governor Husted?had the chance to tour STAQ Pharma?s new Columbus facility that will soon be manufacturing medicines that Americans need and rely on.?

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced awards for projects that will help protect?Ohioans?from the dangers of toxic lead.? The Lead Safe Ohio program will allocate $84 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities in 72 counties across the state.? ?Behind every instance of lead exposure is a person and a future put at risk," said Governor DeWine. "This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect our most vulnerable citizens?and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.?? ?We want to create a safe environment for all children in Ohio, and lead poisoning can have lasting effects on the ability for our young people to learn, grow, and thrive,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?By removing this health hazard from our communities, we?re helping ensure the future leaders of our state have the tools to live up to their fullest potential.??

Friday, December 15, 2023

The Ohio Bureau of Workers? Compensation (BWC) has announced $15 million in available grant funds through the Workforce Safety Innovation Center (WSIC). This funding opportunity is being offered for the research and development of cutting-edge personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal protective technology (PPT) to enhance workplace safety.

Data collected from BWC claims determines priority areas of focus for the research and evaluation of new technologies and products that will be developed through the Workforce Safety Innovation Grant to reduce the frequency and severity of on-the-job injuries. The grant is administered to accelerate the process for innovations from proof-of-concept to the marketplace.

?This initiative reflects Ohio?s commitment to staying at the forefront of safety technology, investing in solutions that safeguard the well-being of our workforce,? said Governor DeWine.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announce Super RAPIDS grant recipients at Central State University.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor?s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that $40 million was awarded to 81 higher education institutions across Ohio through Super RAPIDS grants.?The program was included in the state operating budget to support collaborative projects among qualifying institutions to strengthen education and training opportunities that maximize workforce development efforts through a one-time funding boost to the traditional RAPIDS program.?

?We have thousands of jobs coming to Ohio and it's vital that our workforce is prepared and ready to fill them,? said Governor DeWine.??This funding provides an opportunity for our students to learn the skills they will need in their future career on the equipment Ohio's businesses use."

?To continue Ohio?s economic momentum, our students must be trained and ready for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other high-skill industries,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?We championed Super RAPIDS in the state budget to ensure that training providers have the right kind of resources and equipment available to educate the next generation of Ohio's workforce.???

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik?announced details of the new All Ohio Future Fund, which will?provide $750 million to local communities to help increase the state?s inventory of project-ready economic development sites.

Funding awarded through the All Ohio Future Fund will be used toward one-time local infrastructure costs that are necessary to prepare sites for future economic development projects.

?Increasing our inventory of project-ready sites is imperative for continued economic growth,? said Governor Mike DeWine. ?With the help of this program, we will usher in a new era of economic development for Ohio, fueling opportunity for generations to come.?

?As more businesses look to create a domestic supply chain, and because Ohio is a great place to work and do business, there is a demand for job-ready sites for businesses to locate and grow,? said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. ?We are preparing Ohio?to protect America?s economic and national security by making more of the products we need to live and thrive.?

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957

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