Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review
For the week ending March 6, 2026
Sunday, March 1, 2026
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recognized that Ohio became the 17th state of our great nation on March 1, 1803! For more than two centuries, Ohioans have helped shape America through their leadership, innovation, and determination. From Lake Erie to the Ohio River, and all across our big cities and small towns, Ohio truly is the Heart of it All!
Monday, March 2, 2026
Lt Governor Jim Tressel helped students see that when they track their sleep, move their bodies, and fuel up the right way, they’re building more than muscle. They’re building discipline. That message was on full display at the I Promise School in Akron during the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly.
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 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approval of eight projects that will create 1,320 new jobs and retain 1,195 jobs statewide.
During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought to the board by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to result in more than $80.6 million in new payroll and generate more than $853 million in investments across Ohio.
The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is empowering Ohio’s students to take ownership of their health one goal at a time. And the students at Faircrest Memorial Elementary in Canton are well on their way to reaching Gold-level achievements.
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Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio in highlighting a new, groundbreaking international study showcasing the positive impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on children and families.
Led by researcher Dr. Claire Galea, the new groundbreaking study published by the Dollywood Foundation is the largest-ever shared book reading study, surveying more than 86,000 caregivers in Ohio and across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.
Findings from the international study show that books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthen children’s early literacy skills and family reading habits. The Imagination Library mails one free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age 5.
“This new research backs what Ohio families have been sharing with us – that children with Imagination Library books inside the home love to read, and read often, and are better prepared when they get to kindergarten,” said First Lady DeWine.
 Globally, the study found that children who receive books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are 15 times more likely to respond to and join in reading compared with children who are not enrolled in the program. Children who receive the books are nine times more likely to be read to four or more days per week.
The study also found that after receiving just 10 books, children in the program are at least four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emergent literacy skills – such as stronger vocabulary (6x) and phonological awareness (7x) – compared to children not in the program.
“We are proud of the fact that our friends in the Ohio Legislature continue to financially support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, along with local partners in every Ohio county,” said Governor DeWine. “This new study, the largest in the world on shared book reading, provides more evidence that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is a winning investment in children, families across the world, and especially here in Ohio.”
Governor DeWine joined leaders and volunteers from the U.S. Peace Corps to celebrate its 65th anniversary at the Ohio Statehouse. The Peace Corps was founded in 1961 and has provided a way for Americans to serve abroad as neighbors, teachers, and learners. Over the past 65 years, nearly 250,000 volunteers have served in more than 140 countries.
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 Ohio has again showcased its strength as a national leader in economic development by ranking best in the nation for its “micropolitans” — cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 — attracting new businesses and investments. Ohio was awarded the top spot in the annual Governor’s Cup rankings by Site Selection, a leading corporate real estate economic development magazine.
Ohio was ranked No. 3 nationally for economic development projects — the fourth year in a row the state has held this top ranking in what corporate real estate analysts regard as “the industry scoreboard.” Ohio also ranked in the top 10 for the eighth consecutive year in projects per capita, with a rank of No. 6 nationally.
“Investments in Ohio’s cities and communities of all sizes are creating opportunities for Ohioans in every corner of the state,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Site Selection’s rankings demonstrate that Ohio is a premier location to build or grow a company and reflect how the state’s strong business environment is laying the foundation for future success.”
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Lt. Governor Tressel visited London Middle School for a Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly, where students got to show off their commitment to making healthy habits for a healthier future.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2026
First Lady DeWine read to Rose Hill Elementary School kindergarteners in Reynoldsburg to celebrate Read Across America Week.
First Lady DeWine is a fierce champion of reading and early childhood literacy. She has worked to expand Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio to all 88 Ohio counties and increase enrollment. Since 2019, more than 25 million books have been given to Ohio children under the age of 5 at no cost to their families. This month, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio hit a new record month of enrollment with nearly 419,000 children receiving a book in March.
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Governor DeWine spoke at the Developmental Disability Awareness and Advocacy Day event at the Ohio Statehouse, where he celebrated the strength, talent, and contributions of Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. In Ohio, we are building communities where everyone can live up to their full potential.
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Lt. Governor Tressel spoke with the Mayors' Partnership for Progress about the importance of having a strong and healthy workforce and got feedback from the community leaders.
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Thursday, March 5, 2026
Lt. Governor Tressel visited McCormick Middle School in Wellington for a Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly to emphasize the importance of classrooms and gyms working together to support students.
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Governor and First Lady DeWine attended the Ohio Statehood Day celebration at the Ohio Statehouse to mark Ohio's 223rd birthday and recognized the many Ohioans who have made an impact on our state and nation.
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Governor DeWine signed the following bill into law:
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Senate Bill 9, sponsored by State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township), to expressly incorporate changes in the Internal Revenue Code since March 7, 2025, into Ohio law and to declare an emergency.
Friday, February 6, 2026
 Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced more than $9 million in grants to support the creation of workforce housing in five counties.
The funding comes from the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program, which provided up to $10 million in grants this fiscal year, followed by roughly $15 million in fiscal year 2027, to help communities expand housing opportunities close to major economic development projects.
“As our economy grows and more opportunities are created across the state, investing in workforce housing ensures that the people powering Ohio’s success can live and thrive in the communities they serve,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “The investments Ohio is making through the REDD program will help more hard-working families put down roots and build brighter futures.”
"Ohio's economic momentum is creating opportunities in communities all across our state. That growth brings the need for more housing to ensure people have a place to call home," said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. "Programs like this help ensure our communities are prepared to meet the moment and create the housing needed to support this incredible growth.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
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