Monday, March 25, 2024
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Loveland,
Gallipolis, and Athens following his announcement of new projects to
revitalize communities and stimulate transformational change in
Appalachia.
The projects will be funded as part of the Appalachian Community
Grant Program, which was developed by the DeWine-Husted
Administration and Ohio General Assembly to infuse $500 million into
Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region. Governor DeWine applauded a
change made to the state’s administrative rules that require
emergency departments to report nonfatal drug overdoses to the Ohio
Department of Health.
The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review approved the addition of
rule 3701-3-16 to the Ohio Administrative Code. The rule will take
effect April 8.
"We must continue to work tirelessly to address the overdose crisis,
to support those in recovery, and to encourage wellness to prevent
addiction in the first place," said Governor DeWine.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Governor DeWine announced that the state has distributed 1 million
fentanyl test strips in an initiative to combat the opioid crisis.
The strips serve as crucial tools in harm reduction efforts,
allowing users to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, a
potent synthetic opioid that has been increasingly found laced in
various street drugs, contributing significantly to overdose
fatalities.
“By providing access to fentanyl test strips, we empower individuals
to make informed decisions and potentially avert tragic consequences
associated with opioid use," said Governor DeWine.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Governor DeWine announced that Indian Lake State Park will reopen on
Friday, March 29, following damage from the tornado and severe
storms that struck Logan County on March 14. Thanks to the
unwavering dedication of Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff,
local community members, and volunteer groups from across Ohio, this
beloved recreation destination is ready to welcome back visitors
well ahead of the start of the summer season.
“Ohioans are resilient, and we have been diligent in assuring the
health and safety of residents in the weeks following the tornadoes
and severe storms in western Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “Indian
Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for Ohioans and visitors
to enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation, and its reopening is a step
toward rebuilding our communities.”
Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the death of
former Hamilton County Auditor and State Representative Brigid
Kelly:
"Fran and I are saddened by the death of Hamilton County Auditor
Brigid Kelly. Brigid dedicated much of her career to public service,
first as a Norwood City Councilwoman, then as a State
Representative, and then as Hamilton County Auditor. Like many who
worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative, and
willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of
Ohioans. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Brigid’s
husband, Steve, and her entire family."
In honor of the life and service of former State Representative
Brigid Kelly, 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 Hamilton County, the Ohio
Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower from sunrise to
sunset on the day of her funeral.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Opportunities
for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have joined forces to introduce
LightSound technology at Ohio state parks and wildlife areas,
enhancing accessibility for Ohioans who are blind or have low vision
during the April 8 solar eclipse.
“Ensuring accessibility for all Ohioans is a priority for our
administration,” Governor DeWine said. “By partnering with OOD and
ODNR to introduce LightSound technology, we're taking meaningful
steps to leave no Ohioan behind, especially during significant
events like the solar eclipse."
Governor DeWine issued the following statement regarding the death
of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman:
“Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of former U.S.
Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.
“Joe was a Senate colleague who put country over party. He cared
deeply about our country and the people he served. He was a man of
great integrity. I was proud to work together with Joe on a number
of issues including legislation to combat underage drinking on
college campuses.
“He was a good man, who lived his faith. He was the first Jewish
nominee for vice president, and he exhibited graciousness in defeat
when the 2000 election was called for the Bush-Cheney ticket.
“Fran and I send our condolences to Hadassah and their entire
family. May Joe’s memory be a blessing."
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture announced
more than 1.8 million acres are now enrolled in H2Ohio, a
comprehensive water quality plan designed to address complex issues
affecting Lake Erie. The results of the most recent sign-up period
show a 32% increase in enrolled acres when compared wiith previous
sign ups.
“Ohio’s farmers initially stepped up when H2Ohio was announced to be
part of the solution to the water quality issues we see in Lake
Erie,” said Governor DeWine. “Today we are announcing that even more
of Ohio’s farmers are dedicated to doing their part, and we
appreciate their willingness to participate in the effort to improve
Ohio’s water quality.
Friday, March 29, 2024
Governor DeWine released the "2024 State of Ohio Travel Guide"
produced by TourismOhio, inviting visitors and residents to explore
must-see attractions and offering inspiration for dining and
overnight stays, in addition to Ohio trip-planning resources.
Travelers can view the guide online or receive a free copy by mail.
“It’s wonderful to see all of Ohio’s unique and exciting
destinations and also learn about some creative and truly innovative
Ohioans showing the spirit of our great state,” said Governor
DeWine. “Fran and I hope the guide encourages people to come
experience the heart of it all for themselves – because we know when
they visit Ohio, they’ll fall in love with it.”
VIEW 2024 TRAVEL GUIDE
Governor DeWine announced the availability $4 million in substance
abuse grants over the next two years as part of the Ohio Deflection
and Pre-Arrest Diversion Grant Program, administered by the Office
of Criminal Justice Services.
“Helping those with substance abuse issues with recovery is an
important strategy to reduce crime and the stress it places on our
corrections system,” Governor DeWine said. “These grants will allow
local communities challenged by high overdose rates to develop,
expand, or enhance substance use deflection and pre-arrest diversion
programs, to identify, treat, and support those impacted by the use
and misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other substances.”
Governor DeWine announced the appointment of Katelyn Dickey to the
7th District Court of Appeals.
Dickey, of Lisbon, will assume office on April 10, 2024, and will be
taking the seat formerly held by Judge David D'Apolito, who resigned
at the beginning of the year. She will serve the remainder of the
unfinished term and will need to run for election in November 2024
to retain the seat.
Following this week’s damage assessment by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) in the 11-county area affected by this
month’s tornadoes, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has initiated several
federal and state disaster aid mechanisms which could bring
financial relief to Ohioans affected by the severe weather
incidents.
“After the recent tornadoes in Indian Lake and the surrounding
region, I promised that we would do all we can to support those who
lost their homes or businesses, or had their homes or businesses
severely damaged, to help them on the road to recovery,” said
Governor DeWine. “Today I am initiating several steps for potential
relief for Indian Lake and the surrounding communities.”
FEMA declarations are granted at the discretion of the President and
often take several months for a decision to be issued after the
Governor’s application. |