Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his 2024 State of the State Address to a joint State House and Senate session on Wednesday.

The governor laid out his agenda, which focused on Ohio’s youth, specifically improving access to child care and children’s health care.

“This is our time to chart Ohio’s path farther forward as we protect our most precious resource – our children — so our newborn babies can grow and thrive. So our kids can be healthier and more resilient. So they learn to read, go to school, find a career they are passionate about, and ultimately grow into thriving, productive, hard-working Ohio adults,” he said during his speech.

The governor gave the address as he and his wife, First Lady Fran DeWine’s great-granddaughter, were in the audience.

Afterward, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose applauded the governor’s focus on the state’s youth population.

“As a father of three young girls, I appreciate [Governor Mike DeWine’s] focus on Ohio’s future and young Ohioans in today’s State of the State address. The state of Ohio is strong and will continue to prosper when we support families, foster entrepreneurship, and protect our communities,” LaRose said.

The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO), which is a government sector lobbying association in the Buckeye State, also applauded Mike DeWine’s focus on Ohio children.

“CCAO looks forward to continuing work with the DeWine-Husted Administration and the General Assembly on the implementation of the programs announced today in furtherance of our shared goal for Ohio’s children grow up in healthy, safe environments across the state’s 88 counties,” the group said in a statement.

Groundwork Ohio, an advocacy group for children, specifically applauded the governor’s announcement of a Child Care Choice Voucher Program, Child Care Access Grants, and the expansion of the pilot program Family Connects.

“Governor DeWine’s address, totally dedicated to the needs of children, underscores his lifelong commitment to kids and echoes the cries of babies, families, and professionals,” the advocacy group said.

The Ohio Republican Party also commented on Mike DeWine’s address on a broader note, saying, “Strong leadership from Ohio Republicans at every level continues to move our state forward and create new opportunities for all Ohioans.”

“Unfortunately, the failed policies in Washington from Democrats like Sherrod Brown and Joe Biden are hindering our progress by intentionally destroying American energy independence, driving up interest rates, and making everyday essentials Ohioans rely on cost more than ever,” the Ohio Republican Party added.

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Fran DeWine.