Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has outlined his agenda for 2024, with a strong focus on improving access to child care and children’s health care. He emphasized the importance of ensuring all children in Ohio have the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams. DeWine’s priorities include expanding subsidized child care, college tuition, and technical education offerings in high schools, as well as retaining more college graduates in the state by collecting data on job placement rates within six months.
One key initiative proposed by DeWine is the creation of a child care voucher program for families that meet income eligibility requirements, aiming to help 8,000 children from families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level. He also plans to allocate $85 million in federal funding for grants to expand child care offerings. In addition, DeWine announced the launch of a “Children’s Vision Strike Force” to ensure that every child who fails a vision screening test in school can receive a follow-up eye exam and, if needed, a pair of eyeglasses, addressing a critical need for vision care among children.
DeWine also pledged to improve various aspects of health care for infants and schoolchildren, advocating for the establishment of school-based health clinics and launching a pilot program in 11 counties to offer new mothers a visit from a nurse three weeks after delivering a baby. These programs are aimed at reducing infant mortality, emergency room visits, postpartum depression, and child protective services investigations. Additionally, he plans to expand a quick-response service for children in mental health crisis from 38 to all 88 counties.
On public health and safety issues, DeWine called for the banning of marijuana use in public after Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana. He also proposed tougher seat-belt laws, restrictions on cellphone use by students in classrooms, and new legislation requiring parental consent for children under 16 to use social media apps. DeWine expressed concerns about social media companies targeting children and monetizing their addiction, and urged lawmakers to take action against flavored vaping and cigarettes, as well as the sale of delta-8 THC to children.
Overall, DeWine’s policy priorities for 2024 reflect his commitment to improving the well-being of Ohio’s children by expanding access to child care, enhancing children’s health care services, and addressing public health and safety concerns. His proposals aim to support families in need, promote educational opportunities, and create a healthier environment for children to thrive. By focusing on these core elements, DeWine seeks to build a stronger foundation for the future generations of Ohioans.
