Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

Governor DeWine and Office of Budget and Management (OBM) Director Kim Murnieks introduced the 2026-2027 executive budget and outlined the priorities of the DeWine Administration’s proposal.  

“Our executive budget is all about investing in Ohio’s greatest asset, our people,” said Governor DeWine. “The budget I am sending to the legislature today continues to build on the things that make Ohio the Heart of it All: our children and our families, our students and our workforce, and our businesses and our communities. Importantly, this budget is also designed to ensure that Ohio’s strong economic growth continues for years to come.” 

In Zanesville, Governor DeWine visited Zanesville High School to tour the in-school driver's education program that operates in partnership with the Muskingum Ohio Valley Education Service Center. The program was created in October 2022 and has since provided essential driver's education to more than 1,800 students. 

As part of his executive budget, Governor DeWine proposes the creation of a grant program to help more schools launch similar driver training programs. 

"We must help ensure that as our teenagers get older, they are safe while driving on Ohio’s roads," said Governor DeWine. "Unfortunately, current driver training programs are simply out of reach for many families. Now is the time to put driver’s education back into our high schools."

In Perrysburg, Governor DeWine visited the YMCA Child Development Center at Owens Community College to tour the facility and discuss how giving families access to affordable, quality childcare stimulates the state’s workforce and economy. The center serves families that are eligible for support through Ohio's Childcare Choice Voucher Program, which continues to be a priority in the Governor's new budget proposal. 

"For far too many working parents, finding affordable and quality childcare has become difficult," said Governor DeWine. "It is time that we help families lift this burden and create a stronger workforce in Ohio."

While in Dayton for the annual meeting of the Dayton Development Coalition, Governor DeWine discussed the importance of investing to create a cybersecurity workforce to protect critical infrastructure. 

"Ohio’s growing economy needs a specialized workforce that is skilled in protecting the data systems of public and private employers," said Governor DeWine. "We will continue to fund the Ohio Digital Academy in this budget to generate high-tech workforce capacity and meet Ohio's advanced technology and cybersecurity needs." 

Governor DeWine also visited the University of Cincinnati (UC) to meet with university leadership, students, and regional employers to discuss UC’s cooperative education program, known as co-ops. The co-op model, which was invented at UC more than 100 years ago, connects students with employers – providing an opportunity for these students to gain firsthand experience with in-demand jobs as part of their education experience.

The Governor’s proposed executive budget requires all state colleges and universities to offer a dedicated work-based learning program.

“Work-based learning opportunities like co-ops, internship, or externship programs are a win-win for students, colleges, and employers,” said Governor DeWine. “Many of these roles are paid, giving students the chance to earn money while also getting the real-world experience that will prepare them to excel as they launch their careers.”

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced that the southbound lanes of Interstate 471 approaching the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge will reopen on Sunday evening, exactly 100 days after the roadway was severely damaged by fire.

“Reopening southbound access to this bridge in just over three months is a tremendous accomplishment," said Governor DeWine. "The closure of these lanes wasn't only an inconvenience but also a disruption to the supply chain. I applaud our ODOT team and their partners for working hard to finish the project ahead of schedule."