by: Sarah Hudacek, Coalition Manager
This week, Governor DeWine delivered his annual State of the State address, which, in a historic move, focused almost entirely on Ohio youth from birth through higher education. Many of the proposals the Governor introduced are promising steps towards making Ohio the best state to live and grow up. Ohio adults and older adults are vital parts of a healthy Ohio, as well. AOF continues to advocate for policies and investments that make Ohio not just the best state to live and grow up, but to later work, raise a family, retire, and age.
Here’s a run-down of the parts of Governor DeWine’s speech we’re watching most closely:
Child Care
Governor DeWine announced a new Childcare Choice Voucher Program that would serve families up to 200% of the federal poverty level and would cap co-pays at 9% of a family’s income. Publicly Funded Child Care initial eligibility in Ohio is currently limited to 145% FPL. The Voucher program would use American Rescue Plan dollars to temporarily expand child care support to more families through June 2025.
DeWine also announced $85 million in ARPA funding for Childcare Access Grants to improve and expand child care facilities. This competitive grant is open for applications now through April 26th and is intended to support programs with costs to either increase capacity through new or existing programs, complete repairs, or provide additional support to staff and families.
Child Well-Being
DeWine announced the creation of the Children’s Vision Strike Force to scale existing local models for comprehensive eye exams for children statewide.
DeWine touted successes in School-Based Health Clinics and urged school districts across the state to utilize existing resources to build additional school-based clinics, with the help of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Department of Health.
Maternal and Child Health
DeWine announced a new pilot program in 11 Ohio counties called Family Connects, which will make every new mother eligible to receive a nurse visit around 3 weeks postpartum. The Governor’s goal is to expand this program statewide next year.
Health and Safety
DeWine re-affirmed his desire for a ban on flavored cigarette and vaping products, this time through a statewide ban, rather than previous unsuccessful legislation to allow localities to implement bans on their own.
DeWine supported the initial recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Working Group, saying he will ask for funding in the future to place youth within the juvenile justice system in smaller facilities.
Read Governor DeWine’s full speech HERE.
Full State of the State Video | Speaker Stephens Response | Democrat Joint Response