Governor Mike DeWine




*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Friday, February 18, 2022

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending February 18, 2022

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Bengals Graphic

On *Sunday* [ [link removed] ], Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl run:

"Ohio and all Bengals fans are so very proud of this Bengals team.? They represented Cincinnati and Ohio with class and honor.?They fought right to the end -- just like they did throughout the season.? No one expected them to go to the playoffs.? No one expected them to go to the Super Bowl.? But they made it.? It took grit.? Determination.? And incredible optimism! They showed us all that the future is very bright, and Fran and I and our family can?t wait until the season starts next year!"


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On *Monday [ [link removed] ]*, the 1,450-mile Buckeye Trail was officially designated a State Trail by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at Burr Oak State Park in Glouster. The Buckeye Trail is only the third trail in Ohio to receive this recognition.

?Following the Buckeye Trail is one of the best adventures you can find in Ohio?s great outdoors,? Governor DeWine said. ?This designation shows how important this trail is for Ohioans who want to see the sights our state has to offer.?

The designation as a State Trail recognizes the prominence of the Buckeye Trail in the network of Ohio?s recreational trails and solidifies the partnership between ODNR and the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA). ODNR Director Mary Mertz made the designation official during the annual BRRRRR Oak Winter Hike. After the signing ceremony, Director Mertz and BTA President Steve Walker signed a joint statement acknowledging the designation and celebrating the renewed partnership.

?Trails are something we are very passionate about at ODNR, and the Buckeye Trail is one of my favorite paths in Ohio,? Director Mertz said. ??From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River and through the hills of Appalachia, this looping trail highlights something in every corner of the state that makes Ohio beautiful.?

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Lt. Governor Husted?speaks to the Ohio General Assembly?s Business First Caucus about Intel in Ohio.

Lt. Governor Husted?speaks to the Ohio General Assembly?s Business First Caucus about Intel's investment in Ohio.

On *Tuesday*,?Lt. Governor Jon Husted?stopped by the?Ohio Statehouse?to talk with the Ohio General Assembly?s Business First Caucus about Intel's investment in Ohio [ [link removed] ].

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Ohio Ag Day at the Capital

Governor DeWine greets members of the Ohio Farm Bureau at their anuual Ag day in Columbus.

On *Wednesday,?*Governor DeWine stopped by the Ohio Farm Bureau's annual Ag Day at the Capital, where he had the opportunity to speak with several members of the the Farm Bureau.

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Also on?*Wednesday [ [link removed] ]*,?Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced that $3 million in grants are available for projects that will improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin through the creation or restoration of wetlands.

ODNR is administering the Ohio River Basin H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program as part of Governor DeWine's?H2Ohio [ [link removed] ]?initiative. Wetlands help improve water quality by trapping, filtering, and removing excess pollutants and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the water before they flow into waterways and contribute to harmful algal blooms.?

Map of Basins [ [link removed] ]

?Ohio has a great abundance of water, making our state a prime location for economic development, so we must ensure that this important resource stays clean," said Governor DeWine. "Similar to H2Ohio's work in the Lake Erie Basin, H2Ohio projects in the Ohio River Basin will contribute toward naturally improving water quality throughout the rest of the state."

?We have made water quality a passion and a priority at ODNR,? said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. ?Spreading the opportunity to contribute to this issue facing Ohio and build even more wetlands will only strengthen our efforts to ensure clean water for families all across our great state.?


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Lt. Governor Husted speaks to nearly 200 students and educators during the 2022 Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase.

Lt. Governor Husted speaks to nearly 200 students and educators during the 2022 Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase.

Lt. Governor?Husted?spoke to nearly 200 students and educators about the importance of STEM education?at the 2022 Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase on *Wednesday*.

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Additionally,?Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced on *Wednesday [ [link removed] ]?*that 40 Ohio livestock and poultry producers will receive grants totaling $10 million to help them expand capacity and meet the growing demand for meat processing services.

?The supply chain issues that our country is facing have put increased pressure on our meat processors, and they can't keep up with the demand," said Governor DeWine. "By awarding this money, we can help these Ohio businesses enhance their operations to strengthen the local meat supply chain and reduce reliance on out-of-state processors."

Each company will receive a grant of up to $250,000, with half of the funds disbursed before projects are started and the other half awarded after the companies show that the initial funds were spent on eligible costs. In total, the businesses receiving awards have estimated that the funds will help them create up to 830 jobs.

?These grants will not only benefit consumers, but they will also help sustain these businesses and bring new job opportunities to Ohioans,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?In addition to new jobs, this funding will help businesses retain 300 jobs and nearly $30 million in payroll.?

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U.S. Flag

Additionally, in honor of the life and service of former Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, William G. Batchelder III, Governor DeWine?has ordered [ [link removed] ]?that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, the Rhodes State Office Tower, and all other state-owned buildings as well as upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Medina County today, and to remain lowered until sunset on the day of his funeral, February 18, 2022.


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On *Thursday [ [link removed] ]*,?Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bill into law:


* House Bill 51 [ [link removed] ], sponsored by Representative Brian E. Lampton, regards valuation adjustments for destroyed/injured property and expressly incorporates changes in the Internal Revenue Code since March 31, 2021, into Ohio law, to provide temporary authority, expiring July 1, 2022, for members of a public body to meet by means of teleconference or video conference.

This bill contains an emergency clause and went into effect immediately upon signing.

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Governor DeWine also issued the following statement on *Thursday* [ [link removed] ] upon the death of Cincinnati businessman Robert Lindner:

"Fran and I were saddened to hear of the death of Robert Lindner.? ?He along with his siblings Carl, Dorothy and Richard built United Dairy Farmers (UDF) from a storefront to one of the largest privately held companies in the Cincinnati region.?

"A member of the 'Greatest Generation,' Bob served in the Pacific in World War II, and was a steadfast supporter of the USO.

"In addition, Bob and his wife, Betty, were also generous donors to many Cincinnati-area civic and charitable organizations.??

"Fran and I send our condolences to his family and friends."

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OhioRise

Additionally, on *Thursday [ [link removed] ]*, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Director Maureen Corcoran named the 20 community-oriented Care Management Entities (CMEs) selected to build local systems of care for OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), Ohio?s first highly integrated care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs.

"Our goal is making sure children with the most complex needs receive the right kind of care, in their hometowns, surrounded by families and communities they know and trust," said Director Corcoran.

CMEs are vital to the success of the OhioRISE model. They will serve as the singular point of contact families will turn to in times of crisis, and a welcomed resource for managing day-to-day behavioral health and family support services. Their focus is ensuring that wrap-around, high-intensity care is available, coordinated locally, and clinically integrated for children enrolled. The state is granting each CME with approximately $900,000 to $1.2M to assist with start up costs.


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Ohio State Fair graphic

On *Friday [ [link removed] ]*, Governor DeWine and Ohio Expo Center & State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler announced that the 2022 Ohio State Fair will run from July 27 to August 7.

?The Ohio State Fair brings people together. It?s a place where we can all celebrate our great state and make memories that will last a lifetime,? said Governor DeWine. ?Fran and I absolutely love fairs, none more than the Ohio State Fair.?We have experienced so many remarkable moments with our children and grandchildren at fairs over the years, and this summer, we can?t wait to enjoy the Ohio State Fair once again.?

This year's 167th Ohio State Fair?is possible thanks to the hard work of thousands of staff members, exhibitors, volunteers, vendors, partners, performers, concessionaires, youth leaders, and sponsors. At this time, the Ohio State Fair staff are actively working on enhancements that will make this year?s Ohio State Fair safe, fun, and memorable.

?When we open our gates, people will be able to rediscover the Ohio State Fair,? said Strickler. ?This summer, all of our fair favorites will return. You?ll be able to walk through the barn, see the iconic butter cow, try some deep-fried food on a stick, listen to music, browse arts exhibitions, watch performances by the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir, visit with Smokey Bear, learn about agriculture, and so much more.?


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As of?*Friday*, there have been 2,642,330 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. Additionally, 35,493 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths have occurred. A total of 111,398 people have been hospitalized, including 13,115 admissions to intensive care units.

*CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION*

In-depth COVID-19 data for Ohio:?coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ].?

Ohio's central scheduling system:?gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]

All vaccine providers:?vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]

More vaccine information:?coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine [ [link removed] ]

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit?coronavirus.ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]?or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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*MEDIA CONTACT:*
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957







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