Gov. Dewine delivers State of State speech
COLUMBUS – In his 2024 State of the State address, Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine announced a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of children across the state, emphasizing education, health, and safety measures.
“This is our time to meet the moment. Our time to do the hard things that matter and will make a lasting difference for our children and their future,” Governor Dewine stated April 10, setting a tone of urgency and commitment towards youth-oriented policies.
Education, literacy enhancements
A notable accomplishment Dewine highlighted is the successful
implementation of literacy curricula based on the Science of Reading.
This method, backed by extensive research, has already received a $64 million state investment. Looking ahead, Dewine has challenged leaders of Ohio’s higher education institutions to align their teacher preparation programs with this scientific approach to literacy. Vision, health services In health care, the governor introduced the Children’s Vision Strike Force, spearheaded by Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff.
This initiative aims to scale local efforts ensuring that students who fail vision screenings receive necessary follow-up
exams and glasses.
Additionally, the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative is creating and expanding community- and schoolbased health clinics in 20 counties, aiming to serve tens of thousands of students and residents.
Early childhood, child care programs
Governor Dewine announced significant expansions in early childhood education and child care accessibility.
Adjustments to the child care quality rating system will simplify processes and focus on improved outcomes for children.
Moreover, a new Child Care Choice Voucher Program is set to provide financial assistance to 8,000 more Ohio children from families earning up to $60,000.
Development programs for educators, principals
The address also covered developments in educational leadership, including the creation of a Principal Apprenticeship Program for handson training of aspiring principals, building on the success of the earlier Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
Career, technical education
On the career development front, Governor Dewine is pushing for legislation to integrate career planning into high school graduation requirements. This follows a $200 million
investment to enhance career tech education, ensuring students have access to modern training facilities.
Mental health, crisis intervention
Expansions in mental health services were also prominent, with plans to extend a mobile response stabilization service to all 88 Ohio counties. This program is designed to provide immediate help to families in crisis.
Substance regulation, public safety
Further legislative efforts called for by Dewine include tighter restrictions on the sale of Delta-8 hemp products and public marijuana consumption. He also urged for a statewide ban on flavored tobacco
products, given their popularity among young users.
Traffic safety initiatives
In terms of safety, the governor is advocating for stronger traffic laws, including making not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense, an extension of the state’s successful distracted driving laws.
Governor Dewine’s address painted a comprehensive picture of a proactive governance strategy focused squarely on improving the lives of Ohio’s children through education, health care, safety, and economic initiatives, his office said.