Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review
For the week ending October 3, 2025
Monday, September 29, 2025
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Andy Wilson announced the launch of a free, state-supported mobile app that provides real-time driving feedback for practicing drivers.
The new RoadReady Ohio app was created by DPS's Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) in partnership with app developer J.F. Griffin as part of the state’s work to provide families of young drivers with new tools and resources.
The app is designed to help drivers with learner's permits and their parents/guardians log the required 50 hours of supervised driving time needed before taking the final driver's license test. It also scores each driving session in key areas like braking, acceleration, turning, and speed, offering recommendations on how drivers can improve their skills during their next practice drive.
“By combining innovative technology with proven safety practices, this app turns a smartphone into a trusted partner for new drivers and their families,” said Governor DeWine. “I am proud of the work Ohio is doing to help our newest drivers become our safest drivers.”
The RoadReady app is available in other states, but Ohio is the first state to incorporate telematics features that analyze drivers' actions and provide feedback and driving tips. Once all 50 mandated practice hours are complete, the app can also sync with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles database to generate the required affidavit and driving log attesting that the practice took place.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, toured the Reynoldsburg High School's Livingston Campus school-based health and vision center.
"What Reynoldsburg City Schools has accomplished here is really phenomenal," said Governor DeWine. "Students here are able to get not only the primary care they need but also essential vision services, like eye exams and glasses fittings, so they don't miss valuable classroom time. That's exactly what we are going to do with OhioSEE."
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 Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel signed a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Ohio.
“Ohio is setting a high standard by bringing together businesses and partners to break down barriers faced by individuals with disabilities who are working to seek employment,” said Governor DeWine. “This month reminds us that every individual has unique talents that can drive our economy forward.”
Lt. Governor Tressel added, “By recognizing the many strengths of people with disabilities and empowering them to be active contributors to our workforce, we make our entire state stronger and build a brighter future for everyone.”
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel helped Cloverleaf Elementary School in Medina County kick off the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge Silver Level.
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Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine visited the Springboro Public Library in Warren County and read The Very Hungry Caterpillar – an Imagination Library book – to children.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio has more than 404,000 children enrolled statewide, and free books are going to 70 percent of Ohio homes with children under the age of five. That means more than 404,000 children receive a book in the mail every single month.
First Lady DeWine highlighted a new program in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. In August, Ohio’s Birth Certificate paperwork started including an option for parents to sign up for the Imagination Library. That means infants can be signed up before ever leaving an Ohio hospital to go home. Ohio is the first state to have a program that allows families to sign their children up while at the hospital.
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Lt. Governor Tressel visited with students at CE Budd School in Loudonville who were pumped up to work through some Team Tressel Fitness Challenge activities.
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Governor DeWine received the final recommendations of the Ohio Property Tax Working group from Co-Chairs Pat Tiberi and Bill Seitz.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Lt. Governor Tressel visited the Cambridge Middle School Bobcats who are taking on the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. Students are putting in hard work, dedication, and grit showing their skills during the visit.
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Governor and First Lady DeWine attended the Ohio's Public Children Services Agencies conference to celebrate the work Ohio children services professionals do. They are often the ones on the front lines protecting the most vulnerable children in our society. While attending the conference the Governor and First Lady were award the Child & Family Lifetime Advocate award for their work supporting Ohio's children throughout their career in public service.
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Thursday, October 2, 2025
Governor DeWine signed Executive Order 2025-04D to suspend the normal rulemaking process to allow the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to adopt a rule allowing expanded access to tools to prevent drug overdoses. In addition to test strips and reagent kits for fentanyl, the rule, OAC 4729-8-02, exempts tests for the following compounds from the definition of drug paraphernalia under Ohio law:
- Xylazine;
- Medetomidine;
- Benzimidazole-opioids (commonly referred to as nitazenes); and
- Benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related compounds.
Drug test strips and reagent kits serve as crucial tools in harm-reduction efforts, allowing users to test substances for the presence of certain substances that are contributing significantly to overdose fatalities.
“Items such as test strips have been shown to reduce the risk of overdose, and these items are important in Ohio’s overall strategy to lower overdose deaths,” said Governor DeWine. “We are removing barriers for communities to access tools that prevent overdose and save lives.”
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director LeeAnne Cornyn informed him that she will leave her position, effective October 8, 2025.
“I want to thank Director Cornyn for her advocacy on behalf of people with mental health and substance use disorders,” said Governor DeWine. “LeeAnne has been a champion for some of our most vulnerable citizens and has been tireless in advocating for our work building out a system of care across the state.”
Governor and First Lady DeWine attended a historical marker dedication ceremony for TV pioneer Rod Serling. Rod attended Antioch College (now Antioch University) in Yellow Springs and became the creator and host of The Twilight Zone.
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Friday, October 3, 2025
Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine celebrated the grand opening of Cincinnati Children's Hospital College Hill Campus' new greenspace. With funding from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, this project offers patients a vibrant, safe outdoor environment dedicated to supporting youth receiving inpatient and residential mental health treatment.
"What we are celebrating today is really about enhancing the quality of life for the children receiving care here," said Governor DeWine. "This is another step forward in building an entire system of care for youth facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to Cincinnati Children's, the city of Cincinnati, and all other partners who helped support this project."
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Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the launch of the Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of school transportation across the state. With total funding of $10 million, this program will provide competitive grants to eligible applicants for the repair, replacement, or addition of authorized school bus safety features to school buses in active service or for safety enhancements to the purchase of a new school bus.
“Whether they are in the classroom or on the school bus, our commitment to parents and families is to do whatever we can to keep students safe,” said Governor DeWine. “These School Bus Safety Grant funds further this goal to ensure Ohio students are safe on their way to and from school, and when traveling to athletics and other school activities.”
 Governor DeWine recognized National Manufacturing Day, celebrating the hardworking Ohioans who build and innovate to power the state’s economy.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
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