COLUMBUS, Ohio — In his second inaugural address Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine called for making Ohio “the best state in the nation” for mental health treatment, research and prevention efforts.
“We are removing the stigma associated with addiction and mental illness from Ohio,” a Greene County Republican said from the Ohio Capitol Rotunda following the oath taking by his son, Ohio Supreme Court Judge Pat DeWine. Yes, it’s a stigma.”
DeWine’s focus on mental health in his speech foreshadows his plans to put money on his mouth on the issue.governor said before His new two-year state budget plan, set to be released in the coming weeks, will invest millions in service expansion, research, and job development to improve Ohio’s mental health services. strengthen the State legislators ultimately have a lot of say in what the final budget will be.
The governor encouraged people outside the state, especially legal immigrants, to move to Ohio, promoting the state’s quality of life, low taxes, cultural attractions, and “top-notch” educational institutions.
“People are coming back to Heartland,” said DeWine. “And not all roads lead to Ohio, but many roads certainly lead to Ohio!”
DeWine emphasized the achievements of his first term in office and vowed to continue such work in his second and final term.
In particular, his administration is committed to improving infrastructure (including repairing Cincinnati’s Brent Spence Bridge and building a new one along it), tracking down drug dealers, and promoting childcare, clean drinking water, and high-speed internet. He said he was expanding access to
“Thank you for giving us the most precious thing. It’s time. Time to keep working for you while we work on the state’s unfinished business,” said DeWine.
Jeremy Pelzer covers state government and politics at Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.read more of his work here.
