Mike DeWine Gives Last State of the State as Ohio’s Governor

On Tuesday, term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine gave his last State of the State address, calling to mind his role as a “servant” to Ohioans.

The Republican governor often brought up the well-being of children in his remarks, highlighting efforts to implement the science of reading in schools, banning cellphones in classrooms, and reaching the lowest infant mortality rate in 20 years.

Planting Trees

DeWine referenced planting trees and the accomplishments they symbolize. “We have planted the seeds, we are about to see the results,” the governor mentioned as he shared examples.

The governor touted a decrease in the number of children in the custody of the state, as well as increased graduation rates for foster youth and expanded access to mobile mental health services for children.

In addition to his initiatives for children, DeWine highlighted other accomplishments, including balancing the budget and cutting taxes, increasing the state’s rainy day fund, a decrease in unintentional drug overdoses, securing more economic development, and investing in Ohio’s Appalachian counties.

The Science of Reading

Per a state mandate, future teachers are being trained exclusively in the science of reading. With Ohio having “the toughest law in the country,” DeWine touted how other states want to follow such a plan.

DeWine brought up the science of reading first for a reason, crediting it with many success stories for students, including those with dyslexia.

The governor announced further steps, directing the Department of Education and Workforce to create regional instructional implementation teams to help K-12 classrooms implement the method. There will also be coaches helping in poorly performing areas.

Reading Initiatives and Dolly Parton

Ohio first lady Fran DeWine “made it her mission” to get kids reading, the governor said, at the “most crucial time.”

“Reading is the key to everything. So, it’s essential that children learn early about the importance of books and reading,” he stressed.

The Buckeye State holds a distinction as the only state where parents can enroll their children from birth in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. More than 37,000 Ohio newborns have been enrolled since the program began at hospitals last summer, according to the governor.

Ohio children have the highest library enrollment in the country, with over 70% of households with children under the age of five receiving books.

A Reprieve From ‘Excessive Screen Time’

DeWine also focused on the importance of children playing without the distraction of screens, lamenting that “excessive screen time is really a thief.” He also mentioned the state’s cellphone ban as an area of hope, urging schools to be “vigilant” in enforcing the law and in extending recess.

DeWine called for parents to limit screen time, saying they have “a moral obligation” to do so.

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who replaced now-Sen. Jon Husted, is credited with the “Team Tressel Fitness Challenge,” where over 390,000 students in 300 schools in Ohio participate. DeWine called on the state Legislature to make it more permanent.

“It’s about confidence, encouragement, and learning what we can all accomplish together more than we could ever do alone,” DeWine said to describe the challenge.

The Importance of Eye Exams and Glasses

The governor referenced reading not only as an accomplishment, but also as a target for further growth.

He noted only one in four students who need the full eye exam and glasses actually receive them.

“No child should ever be scared to read because they can’t see the words on the page,” DeWine insisted, mentioning an example of a second-grade student who said she “felt very confused” and “was scared” before wearing glasses. He superintendents to make use of free help from the state.

Hope for the Future

DeWine said children create hope for the state.

Because of a new governor’s merit scholarship, DeWine touted that 85% of Ohio’s top students are remaining in the state for college. The governor argued that this is “increasing the chances they will get a job in Ohio and stay in Ohio.”

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