WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, May 24, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending May 24, 2024

Monday, May 20, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the approval of three projects that will create 345 new jobs and retain 77 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. The projects are expected to result in more than $20 million in new payroll and spur $180 million in investments across Ohio.

Governor DeWine issued a statement following the death of former Ohio Adjutant General Richard C. Alexander. Governor DeWine also ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all Ohio National Guard installations from Monday until sunset on the day of his funeral. The flags should also be flown at half-staff at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Governor and First Lady DeWine celebrate Tourism Day at the Ohio Statehouse

Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik joined nearly 120 travel and tourism industry partners on the lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to celebrate the tourism industry’s continued success in Ohio.

Surpassing all previous records, tourism now boasts its highest-ever economic impact, exceeding $56 billion annually.  

“Tourism Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and promote the diverse attractions and destinations that make our state the best place to visit and raise a family,” said Governor DeWine. “The tourism industry significantly contributes to Ohio's economy, helping Ohio’s people, businesses, and communities thrive.” 

Following the event in Columbus, Governor DeWine traveled to Findlay Market in Cincinnati to tour Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and celebrate the tourism industry in the state’s southwest counties. Findlay Market was recently named one of the top public markets in the country by USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Governor DeWine announced $1.6 million in grant funding to help local law enforcement agencies implement violent crime reduction strategies in their communities. Eighteen law enforcement agencies in 15 counties will receive funding through the latest round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. Since the launch of the program in 2021, more than $81 million has been awarded to 175 local law enforcement agencies for targeted programs and enhanced technology that aid in preventing and solving violent crime incident. "The overall goal of this program is to help law enforcement implement public safety strategies that meet the unique needs of their communities, " said Governor DeWine. "Many agencies have reported success in solving and preventing crime because of these grants, and I'm glad we're able to continue supporting local communities through this program."

Second Lady Tina Husted joined HealthSource as company representatives cut the ribbon on their new $4 million community health center in Wilmington.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Governor DeWine and other officials participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare facility in Columbus

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the all-new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare hospital in Columbus.

“As we prepare to open the doors to this new hospital, we are also opening the doors to a new era for Ohio’s mental healthcare system,” said Governor DeWine. “This world-class facility offers the space and resources necessary to provide more patient-friendly treatment strategies for individuals facing serious mental health challenges. We believe this new hospital will open more pathways to recovery and enhance our ability to transform lives.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has begun renovations to the Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center to provide an educational experience that highlights fishing and the rich Lake Erie ecosystem.   “Lake Erie is Ohio’s crown jewel, where people can relax, boat, swim, and enjoy top-tier fishing,” Governor DeWine said. “This new aquatic visitor center will be a go-to destination for people to learn about everything Lake Erie has to offer and all of the work that goes into protecting it.”

The Ohio Department of Development released the 2023 Ohio Export Report during National World Trade Month to showcase the state’s thriving export sector and highlight its export initiatives designed to bolster Ohio’s position in the global marketplace.  "We are experiencing tremendous economic growth across Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. "Ohio is positioning itself as an economic leader across the United States and acround the world. More businesses are seeing the success they can have in Ohio and are making their products right here in the Heart of Innovation.”

Lt. Governor Husted spoke with officials from the Mayor’s Partnership for Progress at the Statehouse while the group was in Columbus for its legislative day. He briefed them on Ohio’s statewide economic progress, as well as progress within the state’s Southeastern region.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced the next cohort of an impactful program designed to help communities create localized broadband expansion plans. Five teams are participating in the third cohort of the BroadbandOhio Community Accelerator Program, which is a collaboration between the Department of Development’s BroadbandOhio office and Ohio State University Extension. “Our commitment to providing every Ohioan with high-speed internet access starts with partnerships at the local level,” said Governor DeWine. “Over the past two years, the Accelerator program has proven to be an important tool in helping communities leverage available funding and launch projects crucial to closing the digital divide across the state.” “We know that having access to high-speed internet is essential to participating in the modern economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By supporting broadband projects through this program, we are able to help our local partners turn their challenges into successes so they can provide high-speed internet for their communities, giving them the tools they need to live their version of the American dream.”

Lt. Governor Husted gave a workforce overview and discussed various training and career tech opportunities at the Governor's Executive Workforce Board Meeting at Worthington Industries.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Governor DeWine and Gold Star Mother Theresa Mecionis, surrounded by First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio service members, place a wreath at the Ohio Statehouse Veterans Plaza in honor of our fallen heroes

Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine hosted a wreath-laying ceremony to honor Ohio service members who sacrificed their lives while serving their country, protecting our freedom, and building a brighter future for others.

The Governor’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony takes place each year ahead of Memorial Day. This year’s event was held at the Veterans Plaza on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse.

“There is a powerful message in the expression, ‘freedom is not free.’ The families of the fallen – our Gold Star families – understand this on a level the rest of us can only imagine,” Governor DeWine said. “The Ohio military men and women whom we remember and celebrate at this event were sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. They believed in freedom, took an oath to defend it, and gave their lives doing just that. We owe them a debt we can never repay.”

Lt. Governor Husted toured the Latty Facility of Mercer Landmark, a locally-owned farm cooperative, many of whose locations are involved with agronomy services related to H2Ohio.

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks announced more than two dozen road safety projects that target areas with a history of severe and deadly crashes.  As part of ODOT's Highway Safety Improvement Program, nearly $87 million will be invested into 28 roadway safety projects in 22 counties, with the majority of the projects focused on improving dangerous intersections.  According to ODOT, crashes at intersections account for roughly 30 percent of all traffic deaths each year, killing 362 people in 2023 and 104 people so far this year “When it comes to our roadways, safety will always be our top priority," said Governor DeWine. "Our goal is to save lives by investing to improve dangerous intersections."

Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Lima for a roundtable discussion with school leaders from the region. The discussion focused on phone policies in K-12 schools.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted expressed written opposition to a federal rule that would endanger Ohio's energy grid.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted sent a letter to United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan regarding the agency's "Final Rule" on fossil fuel power plants. DeWine and Husted agree with energy users, energy producers, and Ohio's regional transmission organization, PJM, which have all have expressed concerns that the rule will accelerate the decommissioning of currently operating power plants while slowing the ability of new plants to begin operation. The resulting decrease in available electricity would endanger supply and increase costs for all Ohio citizens.

"Ohio has had major successes in attracting businesses, in part, due to our reliable and affordable resources, including electricity. It is clear that this proposed rule would endanger the availability of reliable and affordable energy in Ohio and other parts of the United States," said Governor DeWine. "It is important that Ohio is on the record opposing this rule as we urge the U.S. EPA to pursue policies that reduce the harm to our nation's energy supply."

“Our ‘Made in America’ strategy is at stake with the implementation of these new EPA rules, which restrict the supply of reliable and affordable energy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Ohio continues to attract major companies, especially in the AI, semiconductor and manufacturing fields that have allowed us to diversify and strengthen our economy. An ongoing concern for our state is our ability to supply facilities with an adequate energy supply, and the federal restrictions and delays will inhibit our ability to provide that energy.”

As part of Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy began construction of a unique barrier wetland in Sandusky Bay. The project site is located just offshore of Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County. Sandusky Bay is a protected embayment between the mouth of the Sandusky River and Lake Erie. It is a prominent tributary to Lake Erie and a valuable resource for recreational and commercial activities.  "This is only the beginning of the H2Ohio wetland restoration work planned for Sandusky Bay,” said Governor DeWine. “This barrier wetland highlights our commitment to preserving habitat and improving water quality for Ohioans and wildlife alike.”

Pursuant to Article III, Section 8 of the Ohio Constitution, Governor DeWine called a special session of the Ohio General Assembly to begin on Tuesday, May 28th. The purpose of the session will be for the General Assembly to pass legislation that addresses ensuring both major party presidential candidates will be on the Ohio ballot in November, as well as legislation that would prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals.

“Ohio is running out of time to get the sitting President of the United States on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is unacceptable,” said Governor DeWine. “It is important that when Ohioans cast their vote for President of the United States, United States Senator, and many other offices this fall, they have the opportunity to cast a vote for either of the major party candidates for those offices.”

Special Session Proclamation (PDF)

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957