Monday, May 20, 2024
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the
approval of three projects that will create 345 new jobs and retain
77 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. The projects are expected to
result in more than $20 million in new payroll and spur $180 million
in investments across Ohio.
Governor DeWine issued a statement following the death of former
Ohio Adjutant General Richard C. Alexander. Governor DeWine also
ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be
flown at half-staff upon all Ohio National Guard installations from
Monday until sunset on the day of his funeral. The flags should also
be flown at half-staff at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe
Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower from sunrise to sunset on
the day of his funeral.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Governor and First Lady DeWine celebrate Tourism Day at the Ohio
Statehouse
Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Department of
Development Director Lydia Mihalik joined nearly 120 travel and
tourism industry partners on the lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to
celebrate the tourism industry’s continued success in Ohio.
Surpassing all previous records, tourism now boasts its highest-ever
economic impact, exceeding $56 billion annually.
“Tourism Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and promote the
diverse attractions and destinations that make our state the best
place to visit and raise a family,” said Governor DeWine. “The
tourism industry significantly contributes to Ohio's economy,
helping Ohio’s people, businesses, and communities thrive.”
Following the event in Columbus, Governor DeWine traveled to Findlay
Market in Cincinnati to tour Ohio's oldest continuously operated
public market and celebrate the tourism industry in the state’s
southwest counties. Findlay Market was recently named one of the top
public markets in the country by USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice
Awards.
Governor DeWine announced $1.6 million in grant funding to help
local law enforcement agencies implement violent crime reduction
strategies in their communities.
Eighteen law enforcement agencies in 15 counties will receive
funding through the latest round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction
Grant Program. Since the launch of the program in 2021, more than
$81 million has been awarded to 175 local law enforcement agencies
for targeted programs and enhanced technology that aid in preventing
and solving violent crime incident.
"The overall goal of this program is to help law enforcement
implement public safety strategies that meet the unique needs of
their communities, " said Governor DeWine. "Many agencies have
reported success in solving and preventing crime because of these
grants, and I'm glad we're able to continue supporting local
communities through this program."
Second Lady Tina Husted joined HealthSource as company
representatives cut the ribbon on their new $4 million community
health center in Wilmington.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Governor DeWine and other officials participate in a ribbon-cutting
ceremony to celebrate the new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare
facility in Columbus
Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction
Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to
unveil the all-new Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare hospital in
Columbus.
“As we prepare to open the doors to this new hospital, we are also
opening the doors to a new era for Ohio’s mental healthcare system,”
said Governor DeWine. “This world-class facility offers the space
and resources necessary to provide more patient-friendly treatment
strategies for individuals facing serious mental health challenges.
We believe this new hospital will open more pathways to recovery and
enhance our ability to transform lives.”
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has
begun renovations to the Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center to
provide an educational experience that highlights fishing and the
rich Lake Erie ecosystem.
“Lake Erie is Ohio’s crown jewel, where people can relax, boat,
swim, and enjoy top-tier fishing,” Governor DeWine said. “This new
aquatic visitor center will be a go-to destination for people to
learn about everything Lake Erie has to offer and all of the work
that goes into protecting it.”
The Ohio Department of Development released the 2023 Ohio Export
Report during National World Trade Month to showcase the state’s
thriving export sector and highlight its export initiatives designed
to bolster Ohio’s position in the global marketplace.
"We are experiencing tremendous economic growth across Ohio,” said
Governor DeWine. "Ohio is positioning itself as an economic leader
across the United States and acround the world. More businesses are
seeing the success they can have in Ohio and are making their
products right here in the Heart of Innovation.”
Lt. Governor Husted spoke with officials from the Mayor’s
Partnership for Progress at the Statehouse while the group was in
Columbus for its legislative day. He briefed them on Ohio’s
statewide economic progress, as well as progress within the state’s
Southeastern region.
Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Ohio Department of
Development Director Mihalik announced the next cohort of an
impactful program designed to help communities create localized
broadband expansion plans.
Five teams are participating in the third cohort
of the BroadbandOhio Community Accelerator Program, which is a
collaboration between the Department of Development’s BroadbandOhio
office and Ohio State University Extension.
“Our commitment to providing every Ohioan with high-speed internet
access starts with partnerships at the local level,” said Governor
DeWine. “Over the past two years, the Accelerator program has proven
to be an important tool in helping communities leverage available
funding and launch projects crucial to closing the digital divide
across the state.”
“We know that having access to high-speed internet is essential to
participating in the modern economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By
supporting broadband projects through this program, we are able to
help our local partners turn their challenges into successes so they
can provide high-speed internet for their communities, giving them
the tools they need to live their version of the American dream.”
Lt. Governor Husted gave a workforce overview and
discussed various training and career tech opportunities at the
Governor's Executive Workforce Board Meeting at Worthington
Industries.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Governor DeWine and Gold Star Mother Theresa Mecionis, surrounded by
First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio service members, place a wreath at
the Ohio Statehouse Veterans Plaza in honor of our fallen heroes
Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine hosted a wreath-laying
ceremony to honor Ohio service members who sacrificed their lives
while serving their country, protecting our freedom, and building a
brighter future for others.
The Governor’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony takes place each year ahead of
Memorial Day. This year’s event was held at the Veterans Plaza on
the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse.
“There is a powerful message in the expression, ‘freedom is not
free.’ The families of the fallen – our Gold Star families –
understand this on a level the rest of us can only imagine,”
Governor DeWine said. “The Ohio military men and women whom we
remember and celebrate at this event were sons and daughters,
mothers and fathers. They believed in freedom, took an oath to
defend it, and gave their lives doing just that. We owe them a debt
we can never repay.”
Lt. Governor Husted toured the Latty Facility of Mercer Landmark, a
locally-owned farm cooperative, many of whose locations are involved
with agronomy services related to H2Ohio.
Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Director Jack Marchbanks announced more than two dozen road safety
projects that target areas with a history of severe and deadly
crashes.
As part of ODOT's Highway Safety Improvement Program, nearly $87
million will be invested into 28 roadway safety projects in 22
counties, with the majority of the projects focused on improving
dangerous intersections.
According to ODOT, crashes at intersections account for roughly 30
percent of all traffic deaths each year, killing 362 people in 2023
and 104 people so far this year
“When it comes to our roadways, safety will always be our top
priority," said Governor DeWine. "Our goal is to save lives by
investing to improve dangerous intersections."
Lt. Governor Husted traveled to Lima for a roundtable discussion
with school leaders from the region. The discussion focused on phone
policies in K-12 schools.
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted expressed written opposition
to a federal rule that would endanger Ohio's energy grid.
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted sent a letter to United
States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan
regarding the agency's "Final Rule" on fossil fuel power plants.
DeWine and Husted agree with energy users, energy producers, and
Ohio's regional transmission organization, PJM, which have all have
expressed concerns that the rule will accelerate the decommissioning
of currently operating power plants while slowing the ability of new
plants to begin operation. The resulting decrease in available
electricity would endanger supply and increase costs for all Ohio
citizens.
"Ohio has had major successes in attracting businesses, in part, due
to our reliable and affordable resources, including electricity. It
is clear that this proposed rule would endanger the availability of
reliable and affordable energy in Ohio and other parts of the United
States," said Governor DeWine. "It is important that Ohio is on the
record opposing this rule as we urge the U.S. EPA to pursue policies
that reduce the harm to our nation's energy supply."
“Our ‘Made in America’ strategy is at stake with the implementation
of these new EPA rules, which restrict the supply of reliable and
affordable energy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Ohio continues to
attract major companies, especially in the AI, semiconductor and
manufacturing fields that have allowed us to diversify and
strengthen our economy. An ongoing concern for our state is our
ability to supply facilities with an adequate energy supply, and the
federal restrictions and delays will inhibit our ability to provide
that energy.”
As part of Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy
began construction of a unique barrier wetland in Sandusky Bay. The
project site is located just offshore of Pickerel Creek Wildlife
Area in Sandusky County.
Sandusky Bay is a protected embayment between the mouth of the
Sandusky River and Lake Erie. It is a prominent tributary to Lake
Erie and a valuable resource for recreational and commercial
activities.
"This is only the beginning of the H2Ohio wetland restoration work
planned for Sandusky Bay,” said Governor DeWine. “This barrier
wetland highlights our commitment to preserving habitat and
improving water quality for Ohioans and wildlife alike.”
Pursuant to Article III, Section 8 of the Ohio Constitution,
Governor DeWine called a special session of the Ohio General
Assembly to begin on Tuesday, May 28th. The purpose of the session
will be for the General Assembly to pass legislation that addresses
ensuring both major party presidential candidates will be on the
Ohio ballot in November, as well as legislation that would prohibit
campaign spending by foreign nationals.
“Ohio is running out of time to get the sitting President of the
United States on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is
unacceptable,” said Governor DeWine. “It is important that when
Ohioans cast their vote for President of the United States, United
States Senator, and many other offices this fall, they have the
opportunity to cast a vote for either of the major party candidates
for those offices.”
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