On March 23, Governor Mike DeWine delivered his 2022 State of the State Address to the Ohio General Assembly. The speech highlighted the DeWine-Husted Administration’s successes accomplished in partnership with legislators while also focusing on future initiatives to help all Ohioans.
- State budget being balanced
- Ohio’s bond rating being its highest since 1979
- Unemployment, down to 4.3%, is at lows touched in only two other periods in our state’s history.
Address Highlights: A Bold Vision for Ohio’s Future
Mental Health – Gov. DeWine made transforming mental health services a keystone goal for his administration, calling for investing significant resources in making help visible accessible, and effective.
“We can create the opportunity for people with mental illness or addiction to build the skills to lead joyful, meaningful lives. And if we do, it will result in reduced community costs and more people working — and contributing — to the vitality of their communities.”
State Parks – Gov. DeWine laid a vision for Ohio state parks to be the best state parks in the country.
“From Maumee Bay to Geneva to Lake Hope to Great Seal to Hueston Woods to John Bryan, our state parks are the crown jewels of Ohio, and they add so much to our quality of life and what makes Ohio such a great place to live.”
Appalachia – Gov. DeWine reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio’s Appalachian region to ensure no Ohio citizen is left behind.
“One of the most important things we can do that will benefit — not only the 32 counties in the Appalachian region, but also our entire state — is to make a long-overdue, comprehensive investment in Appalachia.”
Mentors – Emphasizing the importance of adult guidance for young people, Gov. DeWine talked about his plan to work with the Ohio General Assembly and with community leaders and our colleges and universities to create a combined scholarship and mentorship program so that no child in this state lacks guidance and direction and has the financial support necessary to go to college or technical school.
“Our state’s economy — our state — will not fully flourish if we leave these kids behind. There is so much untapped potential that our state cannot afford to waste.”
Distracted Driving – Changing the culture around using electronic devices while driving has been a priority of Gov. DeWine’s. More drivers putting down their phones and using hands-free technology will help prevent crashes, save lives, and make our roads safer.
“We must do more…Members of the General Assembly — lives are at stake. Please pass this bill.”
Law Enforcement – Gov. DeWine reiterated his commitment to funding the police.
“We are doubling down on our support for law enforcement by giving them more resources — not fewer — to keep our communities safe!”
Imagination Library – Gov. DeWine also took time to note the success of the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library, created by First Lady Fran DeWine in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
“Enrollment in the Imagination Library improves kindergarten readiness and family literacy habits. And, no matter where you live in Ohio, your child is eligible.”