Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

Governor DeWine signed Ohio’s Fiscal Years 2026-2027 operating budget into law.

Am. Sub. House Bill 96 supports the priorities of the DeWine-Tressel administration by making historic investments in Ohio’s people and workforce, children, and communities.

“This budget builds upon my commitment to make Ohio the best place for everyone to live their version of the American Dream,” said Governor DeWine. “It prioritizes our children, empowers our workforce, and strengthens our communities. We are investing in the people of Ohio, not just today, but for generations to come.”

“As Ohio continues to attract more jobs, it’s important that the state continues to invest in our workforce,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The budget Governor DeWine signed today does just that and much, much more. It enhances support for career-technical education, job training, and apprenticeship programs tailored to Ohio’s industries. These investments will help all Ohioans live up to their God-given potential.”

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel discussed a number of initiatives and priorities in the operating budget that support Ohio’s people and workforce, children, and communities.

The budget supports the priorities of the DeWine-Tressel administration by making investments in education, children’s mental and physical health, workforce initiatives, public safety, and more.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Andy Wilson announced the launch of a new traffic safety campaign to raise awareness about how vehicle occupants who fail to buckle up threaten the safety of others traveling with them. 

The new "Hard Hitter" seatbelt campaign uses football imagery to illustrate the physical impact of an unbuckled vehicle occupant on another passenger during a traffic accident. A crash at speeds of 50 miles per hour has the potential to hurl an unrestrained occupant with eight times the force of a 240-pound linebacker running at full speed. 

"When you decide not to wear a seat belt, it's naive to think that the only life at risk is your own," said Governor DeWine. "By choosing not to buckle up, you're choosing to risk the lives of everyone else in the car with you. We want everyone to think about that the next time they consider staying unbuckled -- especially with friends and family in the car."

“Wearing your seatbelt every time you get in a car saves lives,” said Lt. Governor Tressel.  “We hope this campaign helps Ohioans realize that buckling up is serious. As someone who has spent a career watching how hard linebackers can hit, being unbuckled in a crash is worse.”  

Governor DeWine joined leaders from Cleveland-Cliffs to celebrate  the company's new $150 million Stainless Bright Anneal Line at Coshocton Works. The equipment installed at the facility is nearly 100% manufactured in the U.S., and key project suppliers were all Ohio-based. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn today announced $137.5 million in funding for 55 new traffic safety projects in 41 counties across the state.  

The funding awards are part of Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which invests more per capita on roadway safety than any other state.

“Ensuring the safety of Ohio's roadways is always one of our top priorities,” said Governor DeWine. “Whether you’re driving or walking, we want every Ohioan to get where they’re going safely.”