WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, June 14, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending June 14, 2024

Monday, June 10, 2024

Ohio's newest state park is now open! Great Council State Park in Xenia is located on the site that was once the 16th-century Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe. Celebrating and honoring the history of the Native Americans and European settlers in this region, the 15-acre park is free for all to enjoy.  For more information, visit the Great Council State Park website.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted helped cut the ribbon on the new Adams County Training and Business Center in West Union, which acts as a hub for workforce development and business innovation across the county.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced an additional $5.4 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in five counties across the state. 

The funding comes from the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocated $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, educational institutions, and more complete energy efficiency projects designed to reduce costs, improve the environment, and enhance the lives of Ohio residents.  

“The savings from these projects will empower these organizations to redirect more funding toward critical areas like healthcare, public safety, and economic development -- all with the goal of improving the quality of life for Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine.

Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the Ohio Inter-University Council (IUC) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Symposium about how Ohio has led the way in AI, from cutting the Ohio Administrative Code to creating an AI resource for schools.

Lt. Governor Husted submitted testimony to the House Criminal Justice Committee in support of House Bill 531 or “Braden’s Law.” Read his full testimony here.

“This is a very large issue in the lives of our children. They are being targeted online, and social media companies enable it with their algorithms. They allow our children to be targeted by adult sexual predators, and we must fight back. When Ohio takes action on an issue and passes legislation, the rest of the nation pays attention.

"I commend the Markus family for speaking up. In addition to passing a law, it’s also important we talk to our children, and that we tell them that if they make a mistake or do something that might embarrass them, they need to talk to Mom, Dad or a trusted adult in their lives. We are here to protect them, and Braden’s Law will protect children in this state.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Rebecca Bennett to the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division.  Bennett, of Portsmouth, will assume office on July 22, 2024, and will be taking the seat formerly held by Judge R. Alan Lemons, 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.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) announced more than $88 million in funding to help nearly a dozen Appalachian school districts improve public health and enhance workforce development in their areas. 

OFCC is awarding the funds as part of the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program, which was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly. The goal of the program is to create full-service centers for public education, community health services, and career development in Appalachian Ohio. 

“This is part of our continued commitment to Ohio’s traditionally underserved Appalachian communities,” said Governor DeWine. “No matter where you live in Ohio, everyone deserves access to high-quality education and healthcare resources, and these new centers will play an important role in the transformational change we're beginning to see in this region." 

Lt. Governor Husted joined the Mahoning County community to celebrate the groundbreaking of an expansion of the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. The career center was awarded more than $11.4 million through the Career Technical Construction Program to expand its Robotics and Engineering, Electricity and Automated Systems Specialist, Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, AI Systems/Software Engineering and Welding and Industrial Maintenance Programs.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

June is Responsible Fatherhood Month, and Governor DeWine shared a message with Ohio fathers and father figures. "Strong positive fathers and father figures make our children better, families healthier, and communities stronger," said Governor DeWine. "Just being there, providing a child a loving home, will help a child thrive."  Local fatherhood events are happening throughout June. To find an event in your community, visit the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood website.

Friday, June 14, 2024

Ohio’s annual free fishing days on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, give all residents a chance to fish at any public waterway without a license, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. This includes Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and Ohio’s public lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.

"Free fishing days give Ohioans the opportunity to create special moments outdoors with their families," said Governor DeWine. "Ohio is the heart of adventure, and I encourage everyone to pick up a fishing rod and enjoy what our state parks have to offer."

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is promoting preparedness and resilience when it comes to extreme heat with the #BeatTheHeatOhio summer safety series on Ohio EMA’s social media accounts. Understanding extreme heat threats that may impact Ohio will put residents at an advantage to be better prepared.

“Summertime in Ohio is a perfect opportunity to explore all that Ohio has to offer, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with high temperatures,” said Governor DeWine. “I encourage you to stay informed of heat advisories, drink plenty of water, check on older neighbors, and have a plan if the heat becomes too much.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957