Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel were active across the state this week, focusing on workforce development, healthcare expansion, legislative actions, and housing initiatives, while also honoring Memorial Day and pausing data center tax exemptions.
Lt. Governor Tressel continued his WorkOhio Job Connector Tour, visiting the PAST Foundation Innovation Lab in Columbus, Forge Biologics in Grove City, and New Bridge Cleveland. These visits highlighted training providers and employers in STEM, advanced manufacturing, robotics, biomanufacturing, and healthcare. Lt. Governor Tressel said, "WorkOhio is all about helping people discover the opportunities that fit their interests, talents, and goals – and organizations like the PAST Foundation are helping open those doors early."
Governor DeWine, joined by CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, celebrated the expansion of the OhioSEE program at Hopewell Elementary in Dublin, which will provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses to more elementary students in rural communities. Governor DeWine said, "I am grateful to Dr. Oz and the Trump Administration for this funding so that more Ohioans can receive expanded access to necessary health care." Additionally, Governor DeWine signed three bills into law, addressing light-based medical devices, inmate identification cards, and epinephrine delivery systems for schools.
Governor DeWine also directed a pause on new data center tax exemption requests, pending a study by the Ohio General Assembly's Joint Data Center Committee. On Friday, he announced $26.9 million in Welcome Home Ohio Program grants to support 246 affordable housing projects across 57 counties. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources invited the public to the Great Council State Park Heritage Festival on June 6, celebrating Ohio's diverse cultural history and shaping Ohio's future.