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*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Friday, May 10, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending May 10, 2024
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*Monday, May 6, 2024*

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced [ [link removed] ] 21 new economic development projects to transform communities along Ohio's Appalachian waterfront.

As part of Ohio's Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, more than $152 million will be awarded to communities in 12 counties to expand access to local waterways, revitalize historic riverfront downtowns, and create new tourism and recreational opportunities.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announce $152 million in waterfront development projects in Appalachia.

 “When we launched this program, we asked our Appalachian communities to think big, and that's exactly what they did,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects we're announcing today were developed by those living in our Appalachian riverfront communities because no one knows what's needed to make this region thrive better than those who live here."

“The Ohio River and its tributaries have long served as a source of commerce and economic opportunity, however; Ohio has not maximized these resources for recreation, tourism and, improving the quality of life for the people who live there,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Better days are on the way as this investment will make all of these communities a better place to live and play.”



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Governor DeWine issued a statement on the death of Ohio Republican Party Vice Chairman Douglas "Doug" Wills.

"Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of Ohio Republican Party Vice Chairman Doug Wills.

"Doug served the Republican Party as the chairman of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party for many years and at the state level was on the State Central Committee. Doug was elected vice chairman of the Ohio Republican Party at the end of April.

"Doug was not only a leader of the Republican Party, he was also a major force in the success of civic and community organizations in Tuscarawas County, including the Tuscarawas County Fair Board, Tuscarawas County Board of Elections, and the Tuscarawas County Agricultural Board.  Doug was a good person and will be missed.

"Fran and I extend our condolences to his wife, Barb, and to their family and friends."  

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Lt. Governor Husted kicked off In-Demand Jobs Week at Pickaway-Ross Career Center .

Lt. Governor Husted kicked off In-Demand Jobs Week at Pickaway-Ross Career Center as the school broke ground on a new $7.6 million expansion funded through the Career Tech Construction Grant. It will serve an additional 100 students each year.



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*Tuesday, May 7, 2024*

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Lt. Governor Husted visited New Lexington High School to tour their Workforce Development Center .
 

Lt. Governor Husted visited New Lexington High School to tour the Workforce Development Center and meet third through fifth grade students participating in the school’s Emergent Welding Program. The program introduces students to welding at an early age.




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Governor DeWine visited with members of the Hayward Middle School STEM Club. Hayward Middle School was the first school in Ohio to start a drone soccer team and just returned from Washington, D.C., where they participated in the Drone National Soccer Championship. The club is sponsored by the Braxton Miller Foundation.

Governor DeWine visits STEM club at Hayward Middle School in Springfield.

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Lt. Governor Husted joined Buckeye Hills Career Center for a Blue Collar celebration .

Lt. Governor Husted joined Buckeye Hills Career Center for a Blue Collar event celebrating students who have signed on to a career in Ohio. The school also broke ground on a new training complex to serve an additional 110 students each year. Buckeye Hills Career Center was awarded funding through the Career Tech Construction Grant to allow the school to add or expand five career-focused programs.




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Lt. Governor Husted visited Crownover Lumber in Vinton County to learn about the lumber industry and its supply chain in Ohio. The company has been in business in Ohio since 1957.

Lt. Governor Husted visited Crownover Lumber in Vinton County .

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*Wednesday, May 8, 2024*

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Lt. Governor Husted toured several programs at Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion.
 

Lt. Governor Husted toured several programs at Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion, including the construction trades lab. Tri-Rivers was awarded a Career Tech Construction Grant and a Super RAPIDS Grant, allowing the school to grow its programs to graduate more career-ready students.




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Governor DeWine hosts Governor's Holocaust Commemoration.

Governor DeWine hosted the 44th Annual Ohio Governor's Holocaust Commemoration at the Ohio Statehouse. 

The event featured Chihiro Sugihara, who shared the story of his grandfather, Chiune Sugihara, who served as a diplomat in Lithuania and defied orders from his superiors in order to save more than 6,000 Jewish refugees from Nazi persecution by issuing transit visas through Japan. The event also featured Sonia Milrod, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, one of whom received a transit visa from Chiune Sugihara.



Governor DeWine speaks with filmmakers.

After the Statehouse event, there was a screening of the first episode of the documentary "A Train Near Magdeburg," a four-part series about the liberation of 2,500 Jews by U.S. soldiers in the heart of Nazi Germany during the final days of World War II.



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Lt. Governor Husted visited Libbey Glass in Toledo, which opened in Lucas County 136 years ago, making Toledo "The Glass Capital of the World."

Lt. Governor Husted visited Libbey Glass in Toledo .

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Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced [ [link removed] ] $3.1 million in grants to support localized efforts to improve energy efficiency. 

The funding comes from the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, educational institutions, and others complete energy-efficiency projects designed to reduce costs, better the environment, and improve the lives of people in Ohio’s communities. 

"Investing in energy-efficiency projects is a catalyst for economic growth and community well-being," said Governor DeWine. “This funding allows for important energy efficient upgrades and cost savings for various buildings and facilities throughout Ohio.” 

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Lt. Governor Husted visited Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Center in Fremont .

Lt. Governor Husted visited Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Center in Fremont to tour a number of programs. The career center received a Career Tech Construction Grant and a Career Technical Education Equipment Grant for a total of $9.4 million, allowing them to serve an additional 200 students each year.



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Governor DeWine issued the following statement regarding the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System (STRS):

"I have been closely monitoring the ongoing news regarding the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Our state pension systems have an obligation to retirees to ensure their investment portfolios and accounts are stable and financially sound, so that they have the financial resources to serve retirees, both now and in the future. 

"I supported the efforts of the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber and the Ohio Retirement Study Council to conduct numerous audits to help ensure STRS is providing the best management and oversight of their pension funds. These audits have resulted in several dozen recommendations to 'improve fiduciary performance,' including 'improvements in STRS’ use of committees,…a ‘revitalization’ of investment and audit committees, and the creation of a board governance committee.' These recommendations resulted in STRS retaining a nationally renowned consulting firm, Aon, to provide guidance on corporate governance.

"Recently, we learned that Aon is severing its contract with STRS. This is a huge red flag, calling into question how STRS is operating and providing oversight. The unstated implication is that the governance issues at STRS are so concerning that Aon could not continue its contract in good faith. STRS may now be out of compliance with portions of audit recommendations due to Aon ending the contract.

"Additionally, my office has received documents containing some other disturbing allegations regarding the STRS board. I have directed my staff to forward these documents to a number of relevant offices, including the Ohio Ethics Commission, the Ohio Retirement Study Council, Attorney General Yost, Auditor Faber, Treasurer Sprague, Secretary of State LaRose, and relevant members of the Ohio General Assembly. I encourage them to review the document and take any action that may be appropriate under any jurisdiction they may have."

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*Thursday, May 9, 2024*

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Lt. Governor Husted visited Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Center in Fremont .

Lt. Governor Husted kicked off the second day of the Allied Construction Industries Construction Career Days in Lebanon, one of the largest construction hiring and exploration events in the nation. He also had the chance to walk around the exhibits to meet employers and students in attendance.



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Great Council State Park invitation

Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Lt. Governor Husted will join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for a grand opening [ [link removed] ] celebration of Great Council State Park on Friday, June 7.

Great Council State Park is Ohio’s newest state park, and is located in what used to be called “Old Chillicothe,” a vibrant Shawnee town founded in the 1770s and led by Chief Blackfish.

“Fran and I are excited to open a brand-new state park in Ohio that honors the state’s natural and cultural heritage,” Governor DeWine said. “Great Council State Park will feature an immersive interpretive center for visitors to learn about Ohio’s Shawnee and frontier history.”



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Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced [ [link removed]- ] 18 new economic development projects that will significantly improve waterfronts, trails, parks, and historic downtown districts in Ohio's Appalachian region. 

More than $51 million will be awarded to 18 communities in 10 counties as part of the $500-million Appalachian Community Grant Program, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration and Ohio General Assembly to reinvigorate Appalachian communities and rebuild local economies. The grants announced this week represent the final projects to be funded through this transformational program. 

Governor DeWine announces final round of Appalachian community grants in Warren.

"We believe in the people of Appalachia, and we believe in their vision for the future," said Governor DeWine. "The half-billion dollars we've invested in Appalachia will create new opportunities that add to the quality of life for those living in this beautiful and historic region and spur economic growth that will be life-changing for many Ohioans."

“This is just the beginning of more economic opportunities for Appalachia and creates change that allows Ohioans in this region to enjoy the affordable, high-quality life that can only be found in Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “It’s about investing in the innovation and potential of communities so they can grow and succeed in every corner of our state.” 



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Lt. Governor Husted visited GE Aerospace’s new headquarters in Evendale to learn about the company's operations and the opportunities available to Ohioans.

Lt. Governor Husted visited the Greene County Career Center in Xenia.

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Lt. Governor Husted visited GE Aerospace’s new headquarters in Evandale, Ohio.

Lt. Governor Husted toured Greene County Career Center in Xenia, which received a Career Technical Education Equipment Grant and a Super RAPIDS Grant. The funding will allow the school to expand to serve more students.



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*Friday, May 10, 2024*

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Photo of the Brent Spence bridge

Governor DeWine joined Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to announce [ [link removed] ] that the states have received federal environmental approval to move the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project forward, without tolls.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a decision this week that concludes the federal environmental review, allowing the project to advance to design and construction.

“This is an important step forward in bringing efficiency to our nation’s supply chain. The project will address one of the worst truck bottlenecks in the nation by improving safety and travel on an interstate connection that carries more than $400 billion worth of freight every year,” said Gov. DeWine. “It’s also a big step in reducing the frustration and inconvenience drivers have experienced in the corridor for more than 20 years.”



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Lt. Governor Husted visits Parma City School District’s Normandy High School.

Lt. Governor Husted visited Normandy High School in Parma, which is one of five schools to receive a Career Tech Construction Grant, allowing them to expand their Carpentry and Auto Collision programs.



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The Lt. Governor ended the day at Goyal Industries in Mansfield where he toured one of the companies that makes up Ohio’s booming manufacturing industry and visited with local industry leaders on the successes the region is seeing.

Lt. Governor visited Goyal Industries in Mansfield.

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Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] the appointment of Jennifer Petrella to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. 

Petrella, of Dayton, will assume office on June 3, 2024, and will be taking the seat formerly held by Judge Denise Martin Cross, who retired. She will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and will need to run for election in November 2024 to retain the seat. 

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Governor DeWine signed the following bills into law: 


* Senate Bill 90 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Social Work Licensure Compact.
* House Bill 161 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by former Representative Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville), eliminates the spousal exceptions for the offenses of rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, and importuning and to permit a person to testify against the person's spouse in a prosecution for any of those offenses.
* House Bill 195 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by Representatives Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma), creates an adaptive mobility dealer license.
* House Bill 269 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), updates the name of one organization receiving contributions for the "ALS Awareness" license plate and designates a portion of State Route 60 in Muskingum County as the "Sgt Bradley J. Harper USMC Memorial Highway."

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Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957







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