WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, February 2, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending February 2, 2024

Monday, January 29, 2024

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor?s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that 398 employers were approved for funding through the November round of TechCred, providing the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 5,925 tech-focused credentials. This round marks the most credentials approved in a single funding round, surpassing the previous highest of 5,289 credentials in September of 2023.

?If you want to advance your career skills and improve your job security and earning power, TechCred ?is a no-cost solution for any Ohioan to advance their career,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?It also is a great tool to give Ohio employers the ability to build the best workforce in the nation.?

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted? announced the approval of three projects set to create 295 new jobs and retain 132 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 three projects are expected to result in more than $24 million in new payroll and spur $271 million in investments across Ohio.??

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced state support for 15 mixed-use development projects expected to create more than $401 million in new payroll and $2.6 billion in investments across Ohio.?

The projects are receiving state support as part of the third round of the?Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program. Projects will support the construction or redevelopment of more than 13.3 million square feet of transformational space to create housing, retail, dining, office, lodging, and entertainment opportunities across the state.??

"These projects are creating dynamic spaces for Ohioans to live, work, and play," said Governor DeWine. "With these investments, we are empowering communities to better themselves for the future and spur more economic growth in Ohio."

Governor DeWine announced a new statewide initiative to collect and destroy stockpiled firefighting foam containing hazardous polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The new Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program will operate in partnership between the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, State Fire Marshal's Office, and Battelle. Using Battelle's patented PFAS Annihilator^TM? technology, AFFF will be exposed to supercritical water oxidation, which effectively destroys AFFF and PFAS-contaminated wastewater to non-detectable levels.

?Until now, fire departments have had no way to safely dispose of this toxic foam," said Governor DeWine. "With this new program, we'll now be able to completely destroy AFFF to prevent dangerous exposure to PFAS and avoid environmental contamination."

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Governor Dewine visited the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to learn more about the agency's work regarding mental health issues in Ohio.?

Governor DeWine signed House Bill 101, sponsored by Representatives Adam C. Bird (R-New Richmond) and Jean Schmidt (R-Miami Township, Clermont County) which modifies the law regarding village dissolution and also makes appropriations and provides authorization and conditions for the operation of state programs.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced the new Statewide Children?s Vision Initiative, which aims to address the shortage of access to vision care services among underprivileged children across the state. Through a grant provided by the Office of Budget and Management, the Ohio Optometric Foundation will provide approximately 4,000 comprehensive eye exams and glasses to Ohio K-12 students not currently receiving vision care.?

Funding for the Statewide Children?s Vision Initiative was provided in HB 33 of the 135^th General Assembly (operating budget), to deliver a statewide vision care project and an independent evaluation. The total available for this new initiative for this biennium is $2.5 million.

"Clear vision is so very important for student success as our children progress through school and learn to read,? said Governor Mike DeWine. ?We want all of Ohio?s children to have the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential, and this program will make a significant difference in the lives of children whose families are otherwise unable to access vision care.?

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Governor DeWine, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced details of more than two dozen recommendations issued by the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group to enhance the safety of school bus travel in Ohio.

Governor DeWine created the working group in August, following the death of a Northwestern Local School District student who was killed in Clark County after another vehicle collided with his school bus.? "When a tragedy like this occurs, we owe it to parents and the public to determine if more can be done to prevent it from happening again," said Governor DeWine. "While studies consistently show that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for students, the working group found that there are things we all can do to make school bus travel safer."

Lt. Governor Husted provided remarks at Red Roof's 50th anniversary event in New Albany. The first Red Roof opened in Grove City in 1973.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Governor DeWine visited Medill Elementary School in Lancaster and East Elementary School in Athens to learn about the school districts? literacy initiatives.

Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the death of former Ohio Senate President Stanley J. Aronoff.

"Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of our friend, former Ohio Senate President Stanley J. Aronoff.?

"Stan and I served together in the Ohio Senate.? Throughout his career in state government, Stan was an advocate for Cincinnati and for many projects across the state of Ohio.

"Stan was a driving force behind the restoration of the Ohio Statehouse, making sure that there was adequate funding and long-term vision to bring the Statehouse complex, including the Senate Annex, back to its original Greek-revival style with the functionality for use in the modern era.

"Stan was also a passional advocate for the arts in Ohio.? ?The Stanley J. Aronoff Center for the Arts in downtown Cincinnati bearing his name is host to a wide variety of performances from national and international artists.

"Stan was a true public servant.? Fran and I extend our condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing."

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik? announced financial support for two East Palestine businesses impacted by last year?s train derailment. These two companies join 18 others previously approved for financial assistance, bringing the total amount of support to more than $3.45 million.?

?As we approach the first anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, the state continues to offer support where it?s needed,? said Governor DeWine. ?The people of East Palestine are resilient, and we will continue to support them for as long as it takes.?

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that eight institutions of higher education received approval to offer Ohio's Teacher Bootcamp Program, creating first-hand experiences for up to 655 Ohio K-12 educators. Teacher bootcamps connect educators to local businesses so they can learn more about the in-demand skills needed to be successful in the current workforce. The program aims to help educators better prepare students for career readiness upon graduation.

?I am pleased these colleges and universities are taking the lead and implementing these bootcamps to provide teachers real-world experiences they can take back to the classroom to help better prepare students for life after graduation,? said Governor DeWine. ?With an emphasis on in-demand jobs, teachers will help spark interest in career paths that will help our communities thrive.?

?We?ve seen great success from communities doing this independently, and today's awards will help us grow the program to serve more students, schools, and communities,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?This is a win for everyone involved because we are showing teachers what a career looks like in their community so they can bring that knowledge back to the classroom and incorporate it into their lessons, teaching their students what skills are in-demand to help create the future talent pipeline for businesses near them.? Lt. Governor Husted announced the Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program awards at a roundtable discussion at Ashland University with area business and education leaders.

Friday, February 2, 2024

Governor DeWine recognized the resilience, determination, and perseverance of the citizens of East Palestine in the days since the Norfolk Southern train derailment on February 3, 2023. In a video message, Governor DeWine outlined the steps taken by the state to help East Palestine and reinforced his commitment to supporting the local community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957

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