On March 12, Governor Mike DeWine gave his State of the State address. During this, he talked about multiple topics including child care, education and the workforce. During his address, he stressed the importance of these topics and how Ohio will fix the issues surrounding them.
State of the State
Ohio State Governor Mike DeWine gave the State of the State address on March 12. In these political addresses, both the Ohio State Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives meet and listen to the governor's plan for the government in the next few years. The speech lasted for an hour and a half, being considered one of Governor DeWine's longest speeches he has ever given.
It started with DeWine listing all the accomplishments the government has had in the past years.
In this speech he talked about several topics, and one of the biggest ones that he talked about was the work force, but he also highlighted education along all aspects.
Workforce
One of the big factors that Governor DeWine highlighted in his address was the creation of more jobs in the state. Regions like Defiance are getting a 400 job increase, Wyandotte County is getting an additional 140 from their new soybean processing plant.
He also highlighted Joby Aviation, an aviation company that moved into the old US Postal Service air processing plant in Dayton. They are looking at adding 2,000 jobs in the area. Joby Aviation will be making almost 500 air taxis per year to service the Dayton area.
“I think the idea of air taxis in our area is exciting, and if they’re going to create jobs for our community, I don’t see any issue with them being here,” Dayton resident Jacob Yote said.
DeWine also spoke about the Honda electric battery plant that is bringing almost 22,000 jobs to the area. Another company, WorldPay, is in the Cincinnati area and is looking to bring 500 new jobs. Additionally, DeWine also talked about the higher production of steel at the Mingo Junction steel plant that will produce more jobs.
There were multiple other companies and areas mentioned in the State of the State address regarding jobs, but the point being was that, since DeWine took office, there has been a significant increase in job availability in the area. DeWine additionally spotlighted construction and other Craftsman's workers thanking them for building the state.
He also pointed out that Ohio was ranked 7th when it came to job security in the economy by CNBC. This is an apparent jump from 34th just years ago. This is something that he would like the government to continue working on following the last year of his term.
“I think it's great that more jobs are being created,” Yote said. “Our economy isn't in the best shape right now, and everyone is looking for job security, so if he can provide that, more power to him.”
Additionally, DeWine highlighted how the state of Ohio has helped people with disabilities to get jobs and enter the workforce with their accommodations. He also talked about pushing to help formerly incarcerated people re-enter the workforce after jail and prison through job training. He pointed out that an increase in jobs and dignity will contribute to less crime.
Childcare
Another large issue that DeWine talked about was child care in general. DeWine claims that it is important for children to have the tools that they need to be able to succeed in the classroom. One of these programs that he highlighted to be working on is a program called OhioSEE. This program focuses on vision and helping the children who need it get vision care.
“It will ensure that all Ohio students in kindergarten through third grade — including those who may be home-schooled or attend private schools — will not only get a vision screening, but they will also receive comprehensive eye exams if the screenings indicate a correction is needed,” DeWine said about the program. “And if they do need glasses — they will get them.”
He also spoke about similar dental programs. These programs would send dentists to schools to give screenings and other small procedures.
DeWine also spoke about children's mental health, and boasted to have not only built one regular Ohio mental health facility for the first time in years, but he plans to expand it to include pediatric mental health.
In addition to these childcare needs, DeWine focused a lot on the educational growth of our state and how he can improve things.
Education
Governor DeWine spoke a lot about the improvements to schools that implemented cell phone bans. He claims that schools that have implemented bans have seen an improvement of reading comprehension in other learning goals since their bans.
“I think she's been able to learn more,” Fairborn Resident Karrie Porter said, speaking about her daughter. “Of course as a mother, it is a little nerve-wracking that I can't pick up the phone and contact her if I need to. But there has been improvement in learning.”
Fairborn City Schools was one of the many area schools that implemented the use of Yondr's cell phone pouches. These pouches essentially lock students' phones in until the end of the day, allowing them to not have access to their phones at all while at school.
Governor Mike DeWine proposed a statewide ban on cell phone use during school hours, citing data from schools that have already implemented such bans and reported improvements in student engagement, academic performance, and behavior.
Reading literacy was a large topic when it came to education at the State of the State address. DeWine cited an increase in language arts efficiency in children of younger grades, thus showing improvement in Ohio children's literacy. To help keep the momentum going with literacy, DeWine highlighted the state's intent on working with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Foundation to give books for free to every Ohio State citizen with a child under the age of five.
To reward schools for improved reading literacy, Governor DeWine has also announced plans to roll out "the science of reading" program for schools. According to DeWine, 40 schools have already been selected for this program and the list of schools will be announced soon.
In addition, DeWine also talked about things he would like to improve with Ohio schools. One of the things he talked about was implementing Ohio history education into all classes starting at kindergarten on the K-12 level. He also talked a lot about the improvement of physical education.
Another big thing that he plans to address in schools is life planning skills. According to DeWine, in the near future, he is going to work on putting driver's education back into schools in Ohio, as well as teaching other career planning and life skills classes. The point of the addition of these classes is to empower high school kids going into college and allow them to have the skills necessary to thrive in our economic environment.
Higher education
During the address, the governor announced new scholarships. One is a $5,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors in the top 5% of their class who attend an Ohio college or university.
Additionally, DeWine announced a proposal that would allow students in the top 5% of their high schools to be admitted to any main campus state school. This admittance would be considered guaranteed admittance.
DeWine also discussed increasing funding for college students by expanding internships and co-op opportunities to provide valuable job experience. The goal is to make it easier for graduates to secure jobs in Ohio. He plans to work with schools to implement these initiatives.
DeWine also touched on college activism, praising schools that encourage critical thinking and open dialogue through student protests. As part of this, he announced the creation of Centers for Civics, Culture, and Society on five state college campuses. Wright State University, one of the schools recognized for fostering open discussion, will be among those receiving one of these new centers.
“I think it's cool that our school allows us to express ourselves freely,” a Wright State Student who asked to remain anonymous said. “I mean, I might not feel comfortable entirely admitting to protests because of our current presidential administration. But I think it's nice that we have support from our governor and it's nice we have support from our faculty on campus that allows us to speak freely about our opinions.”
It was clear by the end of the address that Governor Mike DeWine is charging ahead for his last year in office.
The full address can be found here.
