01/31/2023

Governor DeWine Delivers 2023 State of the State Address

He laid out his plan ease the financial cost on Ohio families

Today, Governor Mike DeWine delivered his 2023 State of the State Address to the Ohio General Assembly. This speech highlighted DeWine’s priorities in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.

During his address, DeWine laid out his plan ease the financial cost on Ohio families. His proposed budget asks for a repeal of the State’s sales tax on critical infant supplies, such as diapers, wipes, cribs, car seats, strollers and safety equipment. Also included is a $2,500 per child tax deduction.

To remove duplications and inefficiencies across various state agencies, departments and offices, the governor announced that his proposed budget establishes the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. This department, while combining programs and functions from six different state agencies, will focus on delivering much needed services to Ohio’s children and families.

During his address, DeWine ensured that his proposed budget will continue to implement of the Cupp-Patterson school funding formula, while also providing historic investments in the EdChoice Scholarship program. To help support safety in our schools, the governor explained his budget will include state funding to provide a school resource officer in every school building in the state. DeWine also touched on that his budget will also include a one-time investment of $300 million for capital improvements and equipment for career tech education.

The governor stressed the importance of keeping Ohio’s talented young people in the state. To help with that, he stated that his budget will include a $5,000 a year scholarship rewarded to Ohio students graduating in the top 5 percent of their class if they choose to attend a college or university in Ohio. To help make college more affordable, the governor announced his budget will include need-based financial aid to students choosing to enroll in community colleges or university regional campuses. Additionally, DeWine talked about how his budget will also expand the eligibility for Ohio College Opportunity Grants and increase the scholarship amount to $6,000 for.

Additionally, DeWine announced his All Ohio Future Fund proposal that will one-time investment of $2.5 billion that will support large site infrastructure needs to attract more businesses to move to Ohio. He also highlighted a $150 million investment in his proposed budget to establish new Innovation Hubs in regions around the state.

DeWine explained how his proposed budget will help address the mental health needs in the state by providing funding for 988 crisis hotline, continuing to support treatment and counseling services, and expanding the capacity of our pediatric behavioral health care system. He also called on the Legislature to join him in creating the State of Ohio Action for Resiliency Network (SOAR Network) to help understand the unique nature of mental health issues across Ohio.

DeWine also laid out his plan to help Ohioans achieve the dream of homeownership by announcing his proposed budget includes  “Low Income Housing Tax Credits” and “Single Family Housing Tax Credits," as well as an “Ohio Home Ownership Savings Account."

During his address, DeWine echoed his support for public safety in his proposed budget by highlighting investments in Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS), Next Generation 9-1-1  and Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC). He also said there would be more resources for body cameras and continuous training for Ohio law enforcement officers.

The governor praised the successes Ohio has seen from the H2Ohio program and laid out his vision for the H2Ohio “Rivers Initiative” that is in his proposed budget.

To read the complete State of the State address, please select this link.