Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a two-term Republican, presented his child-focused policy priorities to state lawmakers on Wednesday, with improved child care and child health care access expected by 2024. has become a core element of the Ohio governor’s agenda.
DeWine delivered his State of the State address to a joint session of the Republican-controlled Legislature in the House chamber of the state Capitol, previewing his 2024 budget and policy plan.
DeWine said his focus on improving health care and student learning could boost Ohio’s economy, including expanding child care and increasing the number of college graduates in the state.
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He said he wants to build on previous efforts to expand the provision of subsidized child care, college tuition and technical education in high schools.
“The most important thing we can do for the future of Ohio is to ensure that every child in Ohio, no matter where they live or who their parents are, “It’s about making sure they have the opportunity to live to their full God-given potential. And they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions in life,” DeWine said.
DeWine said he wants to use $85 million in federal funding to expand child care services by creating a child care voucher program for families who meet income eligibility requirements.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine speaks during a press conference on Friday, December 29, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Custer)
The voucher program is available to households making up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $60,000 for a family of four. He estimated it would help 8,000 children. He did not say how much money it would require or what subsidies would be provided to households.
DeWine said the state needs to better retain college graduates and said he hopes to start collecting data to measure how many graduates are employed within six months. He positioned the initiative as an accountability measure to help students choose which higher education institution to attend.
As part of the effort to help children learn, DeWine said he wants to ensure that all children who fail their school vision screening exam can be retested and receive glasses if needed. Ta. Too many people don’t, he said, announcing the creation of a Children’s Vision Strike Force to work with vision care experts.
“Ohio has never had a statewide plan to ensure that every Ohio child who needs glasses has glasses,” DeWine said. “I will now.”
Mr. DeWine promised to improve many aspects of health care for young children and school children.
DeWine said all schools should consider starting school-based health clinics. He said the administration could provide technical assistance.
He said his administration will launch a new pilot program in 11 counties to provide all new mothers with a nurse visit about three weeks after giving birth. Visiting nurses can help parents find medical support and assist with breastfeeding and other aspects of infant care, DeWine said.
DeWine said similar programs have a track record of reducing infant mortality, emergency room visits, postpartum depression and Child Protective Services investigations.
He also said he wants to expand rapid response services for children in mental health crises from 38 counties to all 88 counties.
When it comes to public health and safety, Ohio voters approved a bill legalizing recreational marijuana last year that went against Republican legislative leaders who refused to pass it, banning its use in public places. asked lawmakers to do so.
He called on lawmakers to strengthen seatbelt laws, require schools to minimize student cell phone use in the classroom, and restrict children under 16 from using social media apps. They called for the creation of a new bill that would require parental consent. An existing law signed by DeWine was blocked by the courts.
“We need to go after the social media companies that target our children, addict them, and monetize that addiction,” DeWine said. “What they are doing is shameful.”
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He also urged lawmakers to outlaw flavored e-cigarettes and flavored cigarettes, and to limit the use of delta-8 THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, in children, which produces the mildly intoxicating effects of delta-9 THC. He called for the sale to be prohibited.
