WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, May 17, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending May 17, 2024

Monday, May 13, 2024

Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine participating in a groundbreaking ceremony at the state fairgrounds

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and representatives from the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fairgrounds broke ground on two buildings to revitalize the fairgrounds in Columbus: the Ohio Showcase Building and the new agriculture building. 

The projects are part of the long-term master plan recommended by the Expo 2050 Task Force, which was created by Governor DeWine in 2019 to develop a strategic vision for the future of the 360-acre state fairgrounds — home to the Ohio State Fair since 1886.

“There is so much to enjoy at the Ohio State Fair, and the enhancements to these spectacular fairgrounds will make the experience even better,” said Governor DeWine.  “These projects will preserve the historic beauty and character of the fairgrounds, while also adding modern improvements that showcase everything great about our state.”

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, last week led a statewide tour for In-Demand Jobs Week. He visited 12 counties, seven schools, four businesses, and one career exploration event.

In-Demand Jobs Week was designed to promote Ohio’s most in-demand and fastest-growing industries through statewide hiring, education, and training events. This year, the theme for In-Demand Jobs Week 2024 was "Ohio, The Heart of Opportunity."    

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Lt. Governor Husted attended the first meeting of InnovateOhio's Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Coalition in Columbus alongside representatives from K-12 education, higher education, business, and technology. During the meeting, he talked about Ohio’s AI initiatives.

In honoring Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week, 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 the state of Ohio from sunrise to sunset on May 15, 2024.

During the Ohio Business Roundtable Ohio CEO Summit, Governor DeWine joined KeyCorp CEO Chris Gorman for a fireside chat during which they discussed preparing the workforce for the new industries moving into Ohio by requiring a career pathways plan for high school graduates, supporting career technical education, and increasing credentialing programs.  (Photo by Ohio Business Roundtable)

Also, Lt. Governor Husted joined Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger for a fireside chat to talk about Ohio’s mission to bring the semiconductor supply chain back to the United States.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Governor DeWine at Karrer Middle School in Dublin, Ohio, where he signed House Bill 250

Governor DeWine signed House Bill 250 at Karrer Middle School in Dublin. The new law, which aims to minimize student use of cellphones in K-12 schools, will require every district in Ohio to establish an official policy governing the use of cellphones during school hours.

“Our school children currently face countless distractions every day from the devices in their pockets,” said Governor DeWine. “By limiting these distractions, we will reestablish the opportunity for students across Ohio to immerse themselves in their classwork, learn from their teachers, and create lifelong memories with their closest friends.”

Sponsored by former State Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), and with the cellphone provision championed by State Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), HB 250 requires that all districts place an emphasis on limiting cellphone use and reducing cellphone-related distractions in classrooms. It also includes exceptions for students who require a cellphone to monitor a health concern or for student learning as determined by school officials.

“Local school districts will create the policies that work best in their environments and for their students, but the core mission of this bill is clear: minimize screen time during school time,” Governor DeWine added. “Not only is this time precious for the educational development of our children, but we also have a responsibility to safeguard our kids from the nonstop barrage of alerts from the internet and social media that have been proven to be damaging to their mental health.”

“As I have traveled the state and spoken with schools about their smartphone policies, the feedback is unanimous. You improve student academic performance and reduce bullying and disciplinary issues when you get phones out of the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Husted, who was also on-hand for the bill signing ceremony. “It’s important that students are focused on their lessons rather than ‘likes’ and giving them a few hours out of the day without their phones will minimize their time on social media apps and algorithms that are addicting and harming them. This bill is a positive step for Ohio students and families.”

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced financial support for three businesses in East Palestine impacted by the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment.  

Through the East Palestine Emergency Support Program, 23 businesses have received support totaling more than $3.8 million. 

“My administration is dedicated to supporting the people and businesses of East Palestine for as long as they need us, through these grants and otherwise," said Governor DeWine.  

Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the Ohio Workforce Association Local Board Luncheon at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in Columbus. The event brought Ohio's 20 local workforce board leaders together to receive updates on workforce development efforts.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Governor DeWine announced that the state will award nearly $16 million to install 22 new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along Ohio’s interstates, state routes, and U.S. routes. Funding for the EV chargers is being awarded as part of the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Ohio was the first state in the nation to activate a NEVI charging station as part of this program.  “As more electric cars and trucks make their way to Ohio roadways, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure needed to enable easy and convenient travel,” said Governor DeWine.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced the opening of the second application period for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program. This funding helps schools purchase up-to-date equipment so they can better prepare students to be career-ready upon graduation. “With more and more companies coming to or expanding their operations into Ohio, we need to make sure our workforce has the latest skills and the most up-to-date training equipment,” said Governor DeWine. “This investment into Ohio schools is an investment in Ohio’s future.” “The best way we can prepare our students for their future career in Ohio is to train them on the equipment companies are actually using,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This is a great opportunity for schools to have access to high-tech equipment that will prepare thousands more students for in-demand careers here in Ohio.” The application for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program opens May 16, and will close at 5 p.m. on June 28.

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced $3.1 million in grants to support sustainable, long-term cost and energy savings. 

The grants are funded through the Brightening Ohio Communities Grant Program, which was announced in November by Governor DeWine. Administered by the Department of Development, the program helps pay for energy-efficient streetlights, perimeter lighting, and lighting in municipal-owned parking lots in communities that are in need of extra funding support.

"The grants we're announcing today will empower these communities to make more impactful, long-term investments in their neighborhoods,” said Governor DeWine. “By doing something as simple as replacing old streetlights, we're helping free up resources that can be redirected to vital community services like education and public safety." 

Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited with students at Oxford Elementary School in Cleveland Heights as they received new prescription eyeglasses that will allow them to see more clearly and learn more easily.  “These students are seeing a whole new world than they were just a few moments ago, it’s truly a life-changing experience,” said Governor DeWine. “By helping our children see their best, we also help them to read their best and learn their best.” In his recent State of the State Address, Governor DeWine referenced the work of Sight for All United to provide vision supports to students in the Mahoning Valley. During his address, he announced plans to form a Children’s Vision Strike Force to take the effort statewide and provide schools with the technical assistance they need to implement similar programs. Following the event at Oxford Elementary School, Governor DeWine announced the members of the new strike force. Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA, will serve as chair. Other members represent a cross section of experts in the eye care and education fields, as well as vision advocacy leaders and state policymakers.

Lt. Governor Husted joined the Markus family and Delaware County legislators and officials to to announce the introduction of “Braden’s Law” in honor of Braden Markus, who was the victim of a sextortion crime in 2021. The law would increase penalties for such crimes and mandate that companies give parents digital access within 30 days of their children’s deaths.

Governor DeWine and Ohio EPA announced $2.2 million in H2Ohio grants for more than 250 communities in 78 counties to help pay for equipment needed to maintain public drinking water distribution systems.

“H2Ohio continues to have a tremendous impact in our communities,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohioans deserve to have reliable, clean drinking water, and these H2Ohio grants will help municipalities all over the state make needed investments to their local drinking water systems.”

Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the “Prayer at the Statehouse” event in Columbus about the importance of governing with faith. The event provides an opportunity for faith leaders from around the state to worship, pray, and connect with Ohio's government leaders.

Friday, May 17, 2024

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.

More than $2.1 million in grants from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund will be awarded to 35 existing drug task forces to help officers identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations, interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, and prevent the sale of illegal narcotics.

“Drug task forces across the state have stepped up in a big way to support individuals who are recovering from substance use disorder and to protect our communities from an influx of illegal drugs," said Governor DeWine. "This funding will help our local law enforcement agencies continue this vital work."

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente announced more than $2 million in funding to expand a model that is helping more Ohio foster children find a loving home. The Treatment Foster Home Pilot Program will connect foster children facing significant behavioral health challenges with foster families who are equipped to support children with complex needs in their homes. Announced by Governor DeWine in his 2024 State of the State Address, the pilot will replicate and expand upon the Northwest Treatment Foster Care Partnership – a collaboration between Sandusky, Seneca, Ottawa, and Wyandot counties’ Public Children Services Agencies. “By offering one-on-one foster family support and tailored treatment, the Northwest Partnership has been able to secure homes for foster children who might have otherwise been placed in group homes or residential facilities,” said Governor DeWine. “We are excited to expand this innovative concept across Ohio to help place more foster children in homes with caring adults to help create a brighter pathway for these children to reach their God-given potential.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957