Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the approval of nine projects that will create 707 new jobs and retain 1,614 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 $44 million in new payroll and spur more than $217 million in investments across Ohio.  

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted celebrated the 44^th annual Governor’s Lake Erie Fish Ohio Day alongside Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz, ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker, and other leaders from the conservation and tourism industries. This annual event highlights the importance of protecting and improving Lake Erie and its great fishing.

“Fish Ohio Day is a celebration of the world-class fishing on Lake Erie and the dedication of those who work to improve the lake’s water quality, manage its fish populations, and bring visitors to the area each year,” said Governor DeWine. “This day provides a great opportunity to showcase The Walleye Capital of the World.”

“Lake Erie is a popular outdoor recreation destination and drives a substantial amount of economic value for the region,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Whether you visit for the day or stay for a lifetime, Lake Erie continues to draw you in time and time again.”

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced that the state is supporting 35 projects to preserve dozens of historic buildings across Ohio. 

More than $68 million in tax credits will be awarded to 12 communities as part of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. The program provides financial incentives for the private redevelopment of historic buildings that are vacant and/or generate little economic activity.

“As our downtowns and neighborhoods grow and evolve, it’s important that we preserve Ohio's historic spaces in a way that drives further investment into our communities,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting these renovations, we're reviving historic buildings that stood prominently in the past so that they can contribute to Ohio's strong economy and growth in the future.” 

“Economic development is vital for our economy to continue to grow, and we can do that in a way that preserves our existing historic spaces while creating new opportunities for housing, businesses, and communities,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This program preserves Ohio’s history while investing in the future.”

Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine joined central Ohio mental health and community leaders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new residential facility in Columbus known as Melissa’s House.

The home will provide a comfortable, supportive, and secure environment for individuals facing serious mental health challenges to focus on their treatment and recovery.

“By opening Melissa’s House, we are opening the doors to what will be one of the finest residential mental health care facilities in the country,” said Governor DeWine. “It’s yet another example of our all-of-the-above approach to building a world-class system of mental health supports in Ohio. Recovery is for everyone. We are expanding a continuum of housing options, so all Ohioans – no matter their circumstance in life – have access to the care and support they need, when they need it.”

First Lady DeWine took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kids’ Town Park, a new literacy-focused exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center, and hosted story time to promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio.

Also, she helped distribute food at the MidPointe Library Middletown’s Summer Lunch event. 

Statewide, Ohio’s Imagination Library has enrolled 404,234 kids, which totals 61% of eligible kids in Ohio. Ohio’s Imagination Library mails kids one high-quality, age-appropriate book each month until their 5^th birthday. All Ohio children – from birth to age 5 – are eligible to be enrolled in the program at no cost to their family by signing up here.

Governor DeWine announced the appointment of Kelly Linger to the Columbiana County Municipal Court. 

Linger, of East Liverpool, will assume office on July 23, 2024, and will be taking the seat formerly held by Judge Katelyn Dickey, who resigned upon being appointed to the Ohio Seventh District Court of Appeals. She will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and will need to run for election in November 2025 to retain the seat.