WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, May 1, 2026

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending May 1, 2026

Monday, April 27, 2026

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the approval of five projects that will create 437 new jobs and retain 315 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 $29.4 million in new payroll and generate nearly $100 million in investment across Ohio.

Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, visited Northview Elementary, another school district participating in OhioSEE.

“OhioSEE is working, and today is a great example of that,” said Governor DeWine. “This school district flagged dozens of students who needed follow up eye care after the school nurse provided an initial vision screening, but only three students ended up getting a follow-up comprehensive exam. This is exactly what OhioSEE is addressing. Now, every student, kindergarten through third grade, who is identified as needing follow-up care in this school will receive it.”

Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine visited Greensview Elementary School in Upper Arlington City Schools to celebrate the district’s success in making their students better readers.

Greensview Elementary recently earned the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions award. The recognition honors schools across the state that stand out for their use of the Science of Reading to improve literacy outcomes for students.

“Greensview Elementary and Upper Arlington Schools are setting a positive example for the rest of the state,” said Governor DeWine. “We know the Science of Reading is the best method for teaching children how to read. Upper Arlington’s longstanding commitment to the Science of Reading is giving their students the confidence they need to become strong readers and reach their full potential.”

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump invited Governor and First Lady DeWine to the White House to welcome His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on their state visit to the U.S. Governor and First Lady DeWine were joined by their children Jill, Alice, and Anna. These moments remind us of the importance of the strong partnership and shared values between our nations.

In honor of the life and service of former State Senator James Carnes, Governor DeWine ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Belmont County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of his funeral, May 4, 2026.

Lt. Governor Tressel joined almost 650 Central Ohio students and families taking on the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge at the Columbus Clippers game.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the release of two major competitive grant opportunities designed to expand access to high-quality community schools throughout Ohio.  

The Charter Schools Program Grant and the Charter Schools Facilities Incentive Grant are part of Ohio’s ongoing commitment to ensuring all students — regardless of where they live — have access to quality educational opportunities to build a strong academic foundation for their futures. Charter schools, known in Ohio as community schools, are public schools that provide additional educational choices for families.

“Our goal is for every child in Ohio to have the opportunity to reach their full, God-given potential, and that starts with making sure families have choices in education so they can select the option that best meets the needs of their child,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Community schools are an excellent option for many Ohio students and their families, and these new grants are an exciting opportunity to expand access to high-quality community schools across our state.”

Governor DeWine and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams announced that Ohio will join ACF’s 'A Home for Every Child' initiative to improve outcomes for children in foster care.

“Every child deserves the safety, stability, and love of a permanent home,” said Governor DeWine. “By joining the Trump Administration's 'A Home for Every Child' initiative, Ohio is strengthening our commitment to ensure that kids are not waiting on families, but that families are ready and waiting for them.”

According to ACF, for every 100 children entering foster care, only 57 licensed foster homes are available nationwide. ACF’s 'A Home for Every Child' initiative aims to create a better ratio of foster homes to the number of children in the foster care system. The initiative focuses on improving the foster care system for both children and caregivers by creating a faster, more efficient pathway to permanency while also ensuring there is a safe foster home for every child.  

“ACF is thrilled the Buckeye State is joining A Home for Every Child,” said Assistant Secretary Adams. “Children deserve to grow up in loving, stable homes, and through Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio will continue to see major advancements in its child welfare system. As a native of Defiance, I am grateful to be able to work together with the state to further enhance effective prevention efforts, kinship care, and diligent foster parent recruitment and retention.”  

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Governor DeWine announced the appointment of Nicole Tipton Coil to the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Division. Coil, of Marietta, will assume office on May 26, 2026, and will take the seat formerly held by Judge Mark Kerenyi, who retired. She will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and must run for election in November 2026 to retain the seat.

Governor and First Lady DeWine were excited to join the groundbreaking for the new Huntington Bank Field, the future home of the Cleveland Browns. Projects like this support local jobs and help set the stage for continued growth in the region. Investments like this stadium will continue to make Ohio a great place to live and work for years to come.

Friday, May 1, 2026

As Ohio recognizes Older Americans Month and Older Ohioans Month this May, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) Director Ursel J. McElroy announced the launch of the Ohio Aging Compass, a free, centralized, easy-to-navigate platform, consolidating Ohio’s aging-related resources, tools, data, and long-term care information.

“The Ohio Aging Compass is a major step forward in transparency and accessibility for older adults and their families,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohioans told us they wanted a simpler, more streamlined way to navigate aging resources, and we listened. This new platform reflects our commitment to ensuring Ohio remains the best place to age in the nation.”

Governor DeWine had the great honor of presenting the Ohio Medal of Valor to the 20 honorees of the Ohio Military Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He was proud to have the opportunity to recognize all of the heroes, those who are with us and those who have died, for their bravery and service to their country and state.

Governor DeWine joined leaders from the city of Zanesville, Muskingum Valley Park District, Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to break ground on a new walking and biking trail along the banks of the Muskingum River. 

The new Canal Park Trail will begin at East Main Street in Zanesville, proceed along the riverfront through Muskingum River State Park, and end at the historic Lock and Dam #10. It will feature benches, picnic tables, an ADA accessible kayak launch, a deck overlooking the river, and an amphitheater for public events. Local partners hope to eventually connect the Canal Park Trail to other local trails, creating a continuous paved recreational trail from South Zanesville to Dresden. 

The project is being funded with a $1.1 million grant from Governor DeWine's Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative. The initiative is part of the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program that is investing $500 million into Ohio's Appalachian region.

"Our administration has always felt a strong commitment to help Ohio's Appalachian communities thrive, and the projects we're supporting are truly transforming this region," said Governor DeWine. "The ultimate goal is to attract more people to Appalachia Ohio not only to visit but also to live, work, and raise their families."

Governor DeWine is encouraging Ohioans to take advantage of this year’s sales tax holiday, which will take place from 12:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026.

“Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday comes at a time of year when families are getting ready for back-to-school,” said Governor DeWine. “The sales tax break is designed to provide meaningful savings for families as they purchase new school essentials for the upcoming year.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957

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