Governor Mike DeWine




*WEEK IN REVIEW*
Friday, March 4, 2022

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

"For the week ending March 4, 2022

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Governor DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sign a memorandum of understanding

Governor DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sign a memorandum of understanding confirming the states' intention to work together on the Brent Spence Bridge project.

On *Monday [ [link removed] ]*,?Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that they will jointly pursue up to $2 billion in federal funding to drastically reduce traffic congestion on and around the Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Cincinnati, Ohio, to Covington, Kentucky.

During a public briefing in Covington ,?Governors DeWine and Beshear announced plans to request up to two billion in?funding from the?U.S. Department of Transportation for the long-discussed Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.

Brent Spence Bridge

"For decades, the backups on the Brent Spence Bridge have frustrated drivers, hindered economic development, and slowed supply chain deliveries. Today, a solution is in reach, and we are committed to aggressively working together to secure this funding to help us fix this transportation nightmare once and for all,"?said Governor DeWine. "Not only will this project improve quality of life for drivers in Ohio and Kentucky, but keeping this major transportation network open and moving will also have a significant positive impact on our national economy and national security."??

As part of Monday's announcement, Governors DeWine and Beshear signed a memorandum of understanding confirming the states' intention to work together on the bridge project. The memorandum also?directs transportation officials in both states to begin preparations for construction. A?more detailed interstate agreement will be signed later this year.?

?With today?s signing, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Ohio are aligning our efforts to make this project a reality,? said Governor Beshear. ?This memorandum spells out our obligations and positions us to quickly apply for these federal dollars, which will allow us not only to build this new bridge ? but to do it without tolls! And just as important: This project shows what we in government can do when we embrace cooperation and progress and simply do what is best for our people.?


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Also on *Monday* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine signed?House Bill 4 [ [link removed] ],?House Bill 229 [ [link removed] ],?Senate Bill 181 [ [link removed] ] into law.

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Broadband Ohio

On *Tuesday [ [link removed] ]*,?Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that BroadbandOhio has published a new mapping resource tool on their website that more accurately shows how many of the state?s households are connected to high-speed internet, providing a clearer, more detailed picture of Ohio?s broadband availability gaps. A statewide map along with profiles on each of the 88 counties can be found at _Broadband.Ohio.Gov [ [link removed] ]._

The maps use on-the-ground Ookla Speedtest Intelligence? records from a 15-month period to measure four different internet speeds: under 10 Mbps; under 25 Mbps; under 50 Mbps; and 50-100 plus Mbps. Whereas the FCC Fixed Broadband Deployment Data from FCC 477 maps only uses data that is reported through internet service providers, this new map uses real-world, on-the-ground speed test information from actual internet customers to determine where there are gaps in coverage. The new maps will be used as a supplement to other currently available data, helping to provide more information to BroadbandOhio; Ohio citizens; local, state and federal officials; internet service providers; and other stakeholders.

?As Governor Mike DeWine and I continue work to expand broadband so that every Ohioan can be a part of the modern economy, healthcare system and education system, understanding where there are gaps is key,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?The new mapping resource launched today is driven by customer data and will help us better pinpoint where we need to focus our funding, attention and efforts.?

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Ohio Statehood Day

Governor DeWine on *Tuesday [ [link removed] ]* announced six appointments to the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial during a celebration of Ohio Statehood Day at the Ohio Statehouse.

The duty of the Commission is to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S.?and the impact of Ohioans on the nation's past, present, and future.

Governor DeWine poses with Doug Preisse and Michael Coleman.

Governor DeWine pictured with Doug Preisse, chair of the new Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, and former Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, co-chair of the Commission.

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I-70 in Dayton

The Ohio Department of Transportation changes the lights on I-70 in Dayton to blue and yellow in support of Ukraine.

To show additional support for the people of Ukraine, Governor DeWine directed the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to illuminate the state's two lighted bridges in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag on *Tuesday [ [link removed] ]*.?

?This is a way to show our support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia?s unprovoked attack on their country,? said Governor DeWine. ?I hope all Ohioans will join with the more than 42,000 Ukrainians living in our state and continue to pray for a peaceful end to this senseless Russian aggression.?

Beginning Tuesday evening, ODOT changed the lighting on the George. V. Voinovich Bridge, which carries I-90 in Cleveland over the Cuyahoga River, and the Veterans? Glass City Skyway, which carries I-280 over the Maumee River in Toledo.?

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Lt. Governor poses with Ohio STEM leaders and students.

Lt. Governor Husted pictured with Ohio STEM leaders and students after their meeting in the Ohio Statehouse.

Lt. Governor Husted?met with students and leaders from Ohio?s seven independent STEM schools *Wednesday* morning to hear from them about how they are preparing for their future careers in the field.

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Governor DeWine holds up the newly signed Senate Bill 105.

Governor DeWine displays the newly signed Senate Bill 105.

On *Wednesday [ [link removed] ]*, Governor DeWine signed?Senate Bill 105 [ [link removed] ],?House Bill 238 [ [link removed] ],?House Bill 37 [ [link removed] ]?into law.

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Ukraine flag at Ohio Statehouse

Also on?*Wednesday [ [link removed] ]*, Governor DeWine issued the following statement regarding further action that the state of Ohio is taking following Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine.

"As Russian aggression continues to intensify against the people of Ukraine, I want to assure Ohioans that our state has no contracts with Russian businesses now, and will not have any contracts for goods and services going forward.? ?We will not support Russia with Ohio taxpayer dollars.

"In addition, I am calling on the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation to divest of any Russian assets within the Bureau's investment portfolios as soon as possible.? I also want to encourage our state pension funds' efforts to divest themselves of any Russian assets.?

"Ohioans stand with the people of Ukraine and all of the freedom-loving people of the world against this unprovoked and unconscionable invasion that has led to so much suffering and destruction."?


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Lt. Governor Husted speaks at the Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy event in Columbus.

Lt. Governor Husted speaks at the Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy event in Columbus.

Lt. Governor Husted delivered remarks at the Ohio Statehouse on *Wednesday* in recognition of Ohio Developmental Awareness and Advocacy Day.?

The annual event aims to encourage people with disabilities to meet with their legislators.

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Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted also announced the approval of assistance for six projects on *Wednesday [ [link removed] ]*, set to create 1,937 new jobs and retain 2,597 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. Collectively, the projects are expected to result in more than $104 million in new payroll and spur more than $117 million in investments across Ohio.?

*See the complete list of projects approved by the TCA here.* [ [link removed] ]

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Additionally, on *Wednesday* [ [link removed] ], Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted announced state support for 13 mixed-use development projects that are?expected to result in more than $2.1 billion in new Ohio payroll and spur more than $1.4 billion in investments across the state.

The selected projects are the first proposals to receive state support through the new?Transformational Mixed-Used Development Program, [ [link removed] ]?which was created as part of the 133rd Ohio General Assembly's Senate Bill 39. The bill, sponsored by Kirk Schuring (R-Canton), was signed into law by Governor DeWine and became effective last year.??

During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) approved a total of $100 million in tax credits for the mixed-use development projects that will include the construction or redevelopment of more than 5.8 million square feet of transformational space. The projects were recommended by the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program.?

"This new program allows us to help local communities bring long-term change to underutilized areas by transforming vacant buildings, building new business and recreation spaces, creating more housing, and bringing in thousands of new jobs to Ohio," said Governor DeWine. "I'm excited to watch the progression of these 13 projects because they will have a tremendous positive impact on the local economy and on the quality of life for area residents."?

?We?re attracting companies to Ohio because of our low taxes and excellent business climate, but they need sites to set up shop,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?The transformative, innovative projects approved today aim to create job opportunities, boost further investment, and spur economic growth in communities around the state.?

*See the complete list of mixed-use development projects here.* [ [link removed] ]

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Ohio TechCred

On *Thursday [ [link removed] ],?*Lt. Governor Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor?s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced the results of the January round of TechCred, which will provide the opportunity for *Ohioans to earn 4,434 tech-focused credentials.*

?Today we are allocating over $5 million in?TechCred?funding, the most ever requested or awarded in one application period,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?Demand is growing, and TechCred is helping businesses and thousands of Ohioans become more competitive, delivering on our administration?s commitment to support efforts that upskill our current workforce in preparation for a more tech-focused economy.?

The January round of TechCred marked the *12th round* of the program. On Thursday, Lt. Governor Husted announced that *370 Ohio employers* were approved for funding, resulting in Ohio employees earning up to *4,434 technology-focused credentials*. Businesses of all sizes are utilizing the program, with *116 new employers* joining the program for the first time this round.

?The interest in the TechCred program shows there is a desire among business?leaders to improve the technical skills of the workforce,? said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. ?The credentials being earned by Ohio workers will help both employees and businesses be successful in a tech-driven economy.?

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Governor DeWine offered tips and resources on *Thursday* [ [link removed] ] to Ohioans looking to assist the humanitarian crisis occurring because of Vladimir Putin?s aggression against Ukraine.

?Seeing images of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing their homes is heartbreaking; and many Ohioans are looking for ways to help,? said Governor DeWine. ?Unfortunately, scammers are quick to exploit people?s generosity and goodwill. Just a few extra minutes of research can help ensure contributions will be used for their intended purpose. Ohioans stand with the people of Ukraine and all of the freedom-loving people of the world and condemn this invasion and the suffering it has caused.?

*Tips and Resources* [ [link removed] ]

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Ohio Human Trafficking Prevention Program Grants

On *Friday [ [link removed] ]*,?Governor DeWine announced that 11 organizations will receive over $1.3 million in grants to develop and implement human trafficking prevention programs across Ohio.

The grants are from a collaboration between the Governor?s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ohio Children?s Trust Fund (OCTF), and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services? (ODJFS) Children?s Justice Act Task Force. The programs will assist minors who are victims or at-risk for human trafficking and professionals that serve minor victims, and will expand human trafficking prevention education, direct intervention services, and training to minors at risk of victimization.

?Human trafficking is a reprehensible crime that has devastating effects on its survivors,? said Governor DeWine. ?These grants show our continued commitment to help protect those most vulnerable to human trafficking and will provide additional support to professionals on the front line.?

Because of these programs, community members, professionals, families, and at-risk youth across Ohio will receive much-needed human trafficking prevention services, outreach, and advocacy.

?These organizations are working to close service area gaps across the state and deliver critical multi-tiered services to support vulnerable youth and the adults who are responsible for their safety and well-being,? explained OCTF Executive Director Lindsay Williams. ?I commend their tenacity and commitment to lead or join forces with their local human trafficking coalitions while providing more coordinated, educational, and culturally relevant services to help prevent human trafficking throughout Ohio.?

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Governor DeWine announced on *Friday* [ [link removed] ] that $25.9 million will be awarded for 136 new or expanded School-Based Health Centers throughout Ohio.

?Studies have shown that health and wellness are interconnected,? said Governor DeWine. ?A student who is not healthy or who is chronically absent is not able to achieve their full potential. These partnerships between healthcare providers and schools supports the whole child and ensures that every child may realize their full potential.?

The Ohio Department of Health is awarding 15 contracts, totaling $25,910,983, to create 29 new School-Based Health Centers and expand services in 107 existing School-Based Health Centers.

The new and expanded clinics will provide primary care services and preventative care in the school setting. Some of the expanded clinics will add vision, dental, behavioral health and other healthcare services. These clinics eliminate many barriers to obtaining care including transportation; parents missing time at work and lack of a provider or medical home. In many cases, they also limit the time out of the classroom.

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This week, Governor DeWine signed two Executive Orders.?


* Executive Order 2022-01D, [ [link removed] ]?to distribute workforce incentive payments quickly and efficiently to home and community-based waiver providers and licensed residential care facilities.
* Executive Order 22-02D, [ [link removed] ]?prohibiting State of Ohio investment or purchasing activity from aiding Russia in violating the rights of the Ukrainian people and ordered:
* All state agencies, boards and commissions, state educational institutions, and pension funds, to the extent practicable, divest any investment in and terminate any contracts with a Russian institution or company.
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All state agency procurement officers have specific standard contract language that prohibits the purchases of services from or investments in Russian institutions or companies and that all quotations, statements of work, and other proposals for services affirm they are in compliance with this order. This is in addition to existing?Executive Order 2019-12D [ [link removed] ]?which generally prohibits the purchase of offshore services by the State of Ohio. ?

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







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