COLUMBUS, Oh (WLIO) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted the state’s economic growth, workforce challenges, and future education policies during his 2025 State of the State address.
DeWine focused on economic development around the state, citing a nearly $1 billion investment by First Quality Tissue in Defiance County, which is expected to create about 400 jobs. While the growth is beneficial, he emphasized the importance of ensuring companies have the workforce needed to fill those positions.
DeWine focused on economic development around the state, citing a nearly $1 billion investment by First Quality Tissue in Defiance County, which is expected to create about 400 jobs.
To address this, DeWine tasked Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel with developing a workforce playbook for the state.
“So, I'm asking the lieutenant governor to focus on identifying the job skill set, education and talent needs in each separate region of the state. In doing this, the lieutenant governor will bring people together. He worked closely with our four-year universities and colleges, our career technical schools, our state agencies as well as local businesses and leaders,” DeWine said.
He also discussed efforts to reform Ohio’s inmate population by providing them with job training to help them transition into the workforce after release. Additionally, he encouraged Ohio businesses to employ former inmates to help address labor shortages.
“The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction releases about 18,000 people back into society each year, and it's in all of our interest to get them into the workforce, which is why we are proactively preparing inmates for reentry through specialized job training for Ohio's now most in-demand industries,” DeWine said.
On education, DeWine is pushing for a statewide ban on cell phones in Ohio schools. The state previously passed a law requiring school districts to create cell phone policies by July, but DeWine called for stricter measures.
On education, DeWine is pushing for a statewide ban on cell phones in Ohio schools.
“To give the precious time during the school day back to our kids so they can learn and teachers can teach,” he said.
DeWine included the proposed ban in his version of the state’s next two-year budget. The Ohio House and Senate are currently reviewing the budget, which must be passed by June 30.
