Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his 2024 State of the State Address to a joint State House and Senate session on Wednesday.
The governor laid out his agenda, which focused on Ohio’s youth, specifically improving access to child care and children’s health care.
For all of us in Ohio — this now is our time in history — and we must act with great urgency to not squander this precious, finite window of opportunity when our children are growing up.
This is our time to meet the challenges I have laid out today — to do the hard things… pic.twitter.com/XBHVGD5YeQ
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) April 10, 2024
“This is our time to chart Ohio’s path farther forward as we protect our most precious resource – our children — so our newborn babies can grow and thrive. So our kids can be healthier and more resilient. So they learn to read, go to school, find a career they are passionate about, and ultimately grow into thriving, productive, hard-working Ohio adults,” he said during his speech.
The governor gave the address as he and his wife, First Lady Fran DeWine’s great-granddaughter, were in the audience.
In Mike’s State of the State address he talked about his plan to ensure all Ohio children have the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential. Including the work we are doing with @ImaginationOhio. It was also nice having our new great-grandchild, Betty Jane, join us! pic.twitter.com/66T3LnuPw3
— Fran DeWine (@FranDeWine) April 10, 2024
Afterward, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose applauded the governor’s focus on the state’s youth population.
“As a father of three young girls, I appreciate [Governor Mike DeWine’s] focus on Ohio’s future and young Ohioans in today’s State of the State address. The state of Ohio is strong and will continue to prosper when we support families, foster entrepreneurship, and protect our communities,” LaRose said.
As a father of three young girls, I appreciate @GovMikeDeWine’s focus on Ohio’s future and young Ohioans in today's State of the State address.
The state of Ohio is strong and will continue to prosper when we support families, foster entrepreneurship, and protect our…
— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) April 10, 2024
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO), which is a government sector lobbying association in the Buckeye State, also applauded Mike DeWine’s focus on Ohio children.
“CCAO looks forward to continuing work with the DeWine-Husted Administration and the General Assembly on the implementation of the programs announced today in furtherance of our shared goal for Ohio’s children grow up in healthy, safe environments across the state’s 88 counties,” the group said in a statement.
"Ohio Kids Win." Read our statement on @GovMikeDeWine's State of the State address from CEO Shannon Jones (@sjones524): https://t.co/FAyQPaFAbQ pic.twitter.com/gu90SBK5NO
— Groundwork Ohio (@GroundworkOhio) April 10, 2024
Groundwork Ohio, an advocacy group for children, specifically applauded the governor’s announcement of a Child Care Choice Voucher Program, Child Care Access Grants, and the expansion of the pilot program Family Connects.
“Governor DeWine’s address, totally dedicated to the needs of children, underscores his lifelong commitment to kids and echoes the cries of babies, families, and professionals,” the advocacy group said.
The Ohio Republican Party also commented on Mike DeWine’s address on a broader note, saying, “Strong leadership from Ohio Republicans at every level continues to move our state forward and create new opportunities for all Ohioans.”
“Unfortunately, the failed policies in Washington from Democrats like Sherrod Brown and Joe Biden are hindering our progress by intentionally destroying American energy independence, driving up interest rates, and making everyday essentials Ohioans rely on cost more than ever,” the Ohio Republican Party added.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Fran DeWine.
