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*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Friday, May 31, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending May 31, 2024
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*Monday, May 27, 2024*

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2024 Memorial Day graphic [ [link removed] ]
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*Tuesday, May 28, 2024*

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Jail Safety [ [link removed] ]

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced [ [link removed] ] more than $73 million in state support for the construction of three new jails in Ohio.

Funding for new jails in Adams, Jackson, and Wyandot counties will be awarded through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, which was launched by Governor DeWine in 2021 to help local communities with functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails.

“Continued investments into Ohio’s jail infrastructure create safer environments for the people who work there and better spaces for important programming, education, and training opportunities for those in our jails,” said Governor DeWine. "When people serving jail time have access to quality, comprehensive support, they are better prepared to make positive choices upon release." 



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Groundbreaking at state fire academy [ [link removed] ]

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) officially [ [link removed] ] broke ground on a five-story Search and Rescue Training Tower located on the SFM Ohio Fire Academy campus in Reynoldsburg. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a significant advancement in the future of firefighter and EMS training in Ohio.

The $16.7 million facility is designed to provide firefighter and EMS students with a controlled, realistic training environment for a wide range of rescue scenarios. Upon its completion in approximately 18 months, the structure will offer comprehensive training opportunities that are critical in preparing Ohio’s firefighters for high-rise rescues and complex emergency scenarios.

“The Ohio Fire Academy has made huge strides in providing comprehensive training opportunities for our brave first responders,” said Governor DeWine. “This new search and rescue training facility will ensure that our firefighters receive realistic training experience to build on their skills for responding to emergency situations in our communities.”



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Governor DeWine issued the following statement on Tuesday's developments regarding the special session of the Ohio General Assembly:

"I congratulate the Ohio Senate on passing a bill today to both put President Biden on the November ballot, as well as taking strong action to ban foreign contributions in Ohio campaigns. They are both the right thing to do.

"I have been taken aback by how many officials and special interest groups have come out against efforts to ban potential foreign support for ballot initiatives. A reasonable person would conclude from these statements that there are individuals who likely intend to put foreign money into ballot measures this fall and that groups promoting these initiatives might be relying on such support from foreign sources. A foreign contribution ban is needed in Ohio right away to protect the integrity of the Ohio Constitution, our November election, and all future elections.  It’s the right thing to do.

"While I understand the Democratic National Committee has just today proposed a work-around to help get President Biden on the Ohio ballot, it is prudent legislation be passed to get this done. As I previously said, we do not want to leave something so basic as having the sitting President of the United States on the ballot to others when this can—and should—be done legislatively. It’s the right thing to do.

"For these reasons, it is important that a bill or multiple bills that accomplish these common-sense measures come to my desk right away this week. It’s the right thing to do."

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*Wednesday, May 29, 2024*

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Lt. Governor Husted speaks at the Narcotics Intelligence Center’s Annual Drug Summit in Columbus [ [link removed] ]

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted provided remarks at the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center’s Annual Drug Summit.

The summit provides an opportunity for law enforcement, prosecutors, intelligence analysts, crime lab and other criminal justice personnel to share best practices, training, and resources with criminal justice stakeholders across the state.  



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Welcome Home [ [link removed] ]

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik  announced [ [link removed] ] nearly $29.5 million in awards to help improve housing access in Ohio.

The funding is part of the first round of the Welcome Home Ohio program, which is investing a total of $100 million in grants over two years to help landbanks purchase, rehabilitate, or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible Ohioans. An additional $50 million in nonrefundable tax credits is available to landbanks and eligible developers for rehab and new construction projects once a property is sold. 

“The need for safe and affordable housing is a national challenge that requires proactive solutions, meaningful investments, and strong collaboration across all levels of government,” said Governor DeWine. “This program represents an innovative and forward-thinking approach that addresses the barriers many Ohioans face when trying to buy a home."

“By investing in affordable housing across Ohio, we are allowing more Ohioans to enhance their quality of life while supporting economic growth in our state,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We’ve created a program that will attract more businesses, create more jobs, and afford more Ohioans the opportunity to pursue homeownership.” 



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Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced [ [link removed] ] the publication of a model policy [ [link removed] ] designed to minimize student use of cell phones during school hours.

“By removing the distraction of cell phones from classrooms, our school children will be free to flourish and will see improved academic engagement and social interaction,” said Governor DeWine. “Schools that implement this model policy will quickly see positive results by giving children a break from the nonstop notifications that have proven to be harmful to student performance and mental health.”

“The feedback from school administrators, students, and parents that I have spoken with as I have toured the state hosting roundtables on this topic has been unanimous. You improve student academic performance and reduce bullying and disciplinary issues when you get phones out of the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “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. Hopefully, this model policy will provide valuable guidance for our school districts.”

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*Thursday, May 30, 2024*

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Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Independence for a roundtable discussion about cellphones in schools. [ [link removed] ]

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



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Improvement Districts [ [link removed] ]

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks announced [ [link removed] ] more than a dozen new transportation projects that aim to support job growth and retention.

Nearly $5 million will be invested in 14 projects as part of the Ohio Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement District [ [link removed] ]  program.

“As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, our transportation system must keep pace. These projects will help create and retain jobs by ensuring that businesses can safely and efficiently carry out their work and transport products,” said Governor DeWine. 



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Visitors take in the sight of a Goodyear blimp at Wingfoot Lake [ [link removed] ]

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that Wingfoot Lake State Park will be part of the Ohio Air & Space Trail, a significant initiative by America 250-Ohio to honor Ohio's rich history in air and space exploration. As the manufacturing location of Goodyear’s first blimps, Wingfoot Lake State Park is a notable addition to the Ohio Air & Space Trail commemorating Ohio’s instrumental role in aerospace development.  

“Ohio is the heart of aviation, and our long and distinctive heritage in aerospace will be a highlight of Ohio’s celebration for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Linking Wingfoot Lake State Park as part of the Ohio Air & Space Trail will give outdoor enthusiasts a place to learn more about Ohio’s aviation history while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.”



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*Friday, May 31, 2024*

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Governor DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced [ [link removed] ] that a new “street grid” reconnecting downtown Cincinnati to Queensgate and reduced impacts to Goebel Park in Covington are among seven major innovations to enhance the transformative $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project, based on engineering evaluations and public feedback.

The recommended design refinements meet or exceed the contract objectives of improving quality, reducing costs, shortening schedule, improving safety and/or supporting local communities. More than 100 suggestions submitted to the project team from the public, key local stakeholders, and the design-build team were evaluated based on objectives.

“These thoughts and ideas will make the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor even better,” said Governor DeWine “These enhancements aren’t just about reducing congestion on an interstate, it’s about improving safety, reconnecting communities, and enhancing the lives of those who live, work, and visit the area.

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Round 6 WWIG Map [ [link removed] ]

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Mihalik announced [ [link removed] ] $122.7 million in grant awards to help improve water infrastructure in 59 counties. 

The funding is part of the sixth round of the Ohio BUILDS (Broadband, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Local Development Success) Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program [ [link removed] ]. Funding will provide $84.5 million in support of 43 new critical infrastructure projects and $38.2 million in gap funding for 33 previously funded projects with costs that exceeded initial estimates.

“The investments we've made through this program have been transformational in many Ohio communities,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects we're funding are about more than new pipes — they're about protecting the health and wellbeing of Ohioans across the state.”

“Investments in our communities’ infrastructure are key to expanding sites for new businesses and housing that the people who work at these businesses will need to live and thrive,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This program is a key part of our efforts to ensure every community has the foundation in place to improve the quality of life to make Ohio a great place to live, work, and raise a family.” 



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GOV-Sales-Tax-1080x1080 [ [link removed] ]

Governor DeWine announced [ [link removed] ] the 2024 expanded Sales Tax Holiday will take place from 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 8.

In conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, Governor DeWine expanded the length of Ohio’s Sales Tax holiday to 10 days and will allow tax-free purchases made in-person or online on all eligible items of up to $500.

“Ohio’s sales tax holiday, historically, has been meant to help families buy clothing and school supplies for the upcoming school year,” said Governor DeWine. “This expanded sales tax break will help Ohio’s families with back-to-school necessities as well as other substantial purchases during a time when so many household budgets are being strained.”



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*Governor's appointments on May 31, 2024* [ [link removed] ]


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Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957







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