WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, September 13, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending September 13, 2024

Monday, September 9, 2024

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine welcomed Governors and leaders from both the Midwest and Japan to Ohio for the 54th annual Midwest U.S. – Japan Conference. Hundreds of Japanese companies have chosen to call Ohio home, and Japanese-owned companies employ more than 68,000 Ohioans.  Those Japanese-owned companies and their employees continue to invest, grow and thrive here in the heart of the Midwest.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced that nearly 1,000 Ohio high school students participated in the 2024 High School Tech Internship program, providing them with real-world experience in tech-related roles at an early age.

"This is how we keep our young talent in Ohio, by connecting them to employers and career paths before they leave high school,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “When we started, many employers were skeptical that high school students were up to the task, but given the fact that this year we hit a record number of intern requests, shows employers and students see the value of the program.”

Lt. Governor Husted also announced that the application period to become an intermediary through the High School Tech Internship program began on September 9, 2024, and closes October 4, 2024 at 5 p.m. Selected intermediaries will administer the program regionally for internships taking place in summer 2025.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Lt. Governor Husted participated in a roundtable discussion at the Cincinnati Hebrew Day School with families and school leadership to highlight how the Educational Choice Scholarship (EdChoice) Program is benefitting Ohio families.

In honor of those killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 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 Ohio from sunrise to sunset on September 11, 2024. 

Governor DeWine announced new state support for the city of Springfield, which is dealing with significant stress on its healthcare and public safety systems due to the influx of thousands of Haitian migrants over the last several years.  "I want the people of Springfield and Clark County to know that as we move forward, we will continue to do everything we can to help the community deal with this surge of migrants," said Governor DeWine. "The federal government has not demonstrated that they have any kind of plan to deal with the issue. We will not walk away."

Lt. Governor Husted joined the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance Board Meeting to share state updates, including the launch of the Ohio Mobile ID Check app which businesses can use to securely and privately accept customers’ mobile IDs in person using an iPhone.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced more than $7 million in grant funding to support 12 new H2Ohio wetland projects. 

“Wetlands are a vital component of H2Ohio to improve water quality across our state," said Governor DeWine. "Every new wetland we create or restore continues to build on all the progress we’ve been making over the years through H2Ohio.”

The 12 new wetland projects will be located in 10 counties including Athens, Butler, Clark, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Holmes, Lake, Richland, and Summit counties. The projects range from wetland restoration to enriching stream corridor forested areas. These projects were selected through a competitive grant process, and H2Ohio grant awards will fund up to 100% of the project costs. 

Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Terra State Community College to help school leaders unveil new equipment that will expand Terra State's Skilled Trades and Automation Technologies Hub to serve more students each year. His visit concluded with a tour of the facility.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks announced that ODOT will award a total of $15 million in grant funding to support roadway safety improvements and improved road signage in several local cities and townships.

“The safety of those who travel on Ohio’s roadways will always be a top priority," said Governor DeWine.  "Whether it's upgrading a major thoroughfare or installing better signage along a small township road, the projects we're supporting will help local governments maintain and improve the streets their citizens drive on each day."  

Governor DeWine joined state, local, and international leaders to welcome French battery systems manufacturer Forsee Power to Ohio. The corporation, which designs, assembles, and supplies lithium-ion battery systems in Europe and Asia, chose Hilliard for its headquarters when expanding into the North American market. The new headquarters and industrial site will bring at least 150 new jobs to the area.

Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the OhioX CEO Retreat to tech leaders about how Ohio is positioning itself as a leader in technology and innovation by investing in programs like Innovation Hubs and the AI Education Toolkit.

Friday, September 13, 2024

This fall, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites nature enthusiasts and history lovers alike to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the state’s purchase of the iconic Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park. On Saturday, October 12, visitors are invited to gather at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center at 9 a.m. for welcoming remarks followed by a challenging 4.5-mile guided hike along USA Today’s No. 1 hike in America, “Whispering Cave.” This scenic adventure takes hikers through vibrant fall colors along the Grandma Gatewood Buckeye Trail to the stunning Whispering Cave and back.   “This 100th anniversary truly is a celebration for all of Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “Hocking Hills is well loved by Ohioans and is getting the world-wide recognition it deserves as a fantastic hiking destination with unparalleled natural wonders for all visitors to enjoy.  We welcome everyone to take advantage of this beautiful state park and experience the Heart of Adventure, right here in Ohio.”

Governor DeWine attended the final event of the Williams County Bicentennial celebration at the fairgrounds in Montpelier.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957