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Governor DeWine Press Conference Summary for Tuesday, February 16

Below are the updates from Governor DeWine’s press conference. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 2:00 PM.

Here’s the news from Tuesday: 

VIRTUAL TOWNHALLS

WEATHER DELAYS

CENTRAL SCHEDULING SYSTEM UPDATE

INVESTING IN OHIO:  OHIO’S FY 22-23 OPERATING BUDGET

Statements of Support for Governor DeWine’s Executive Budget

BROADBAND 

“The need for reliable internet access to rural Ohio has been something that Farm Bureau has been stressing for years, and the pandemic has shown what a huge issue this is.  To see that type of investment in this proposal is a very positive sign of major progress in our efforts.” – Jack Irvin, Vice President of Public Policy, Ohio Farm Bureau 

H2OHIO 

“We applaud Governor DeWine’s ongoing commitment to addressing the significant water quality challenges and supporting our invaluable natural resources in Ohio.  In the Governor’s recently-released biennial budget the continued funding for H2Ohio, which is working to address the root causes of water quality issues through key programs housed within Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Department of Agriculture, and EPA has again demonstrated that investment in our natural resources is not a luxury; it is an investment in ourselves.  Impacts from the pandemic shined a light on the vulnerability of many social systems, from our places of gathering and work to entire cities and industries. But it also revealed another reality: that nature provides irreplaceable benefits to us all in times of strife, especially when our sense of community has been dismantled. Natural areas support our physical and mental well-being. Research shows that spending enough time in nature even makes us happier.  Nature’s worth can be quantified, too. Ohio’s lands and waters play a key role in our economy, with the outdoor recreation industry bringing $1.5 billion in annual tax revenue to our state and local governments. We look forward to working with Governor DeWine, and the General Assembly to protect and restore our precious lakes, streams and natural places.” - Bill Stanley, Ohio State Director, The Nature Conservancy 

PUBLIC SAFETY 

"We applaud Governor DeWine & Lt. Gov. Husted for maintaining critical funding in the nonprofit security grants as part of the state's public safety budget.  Threats to houses of worship and other faith-based organizations and at cause-focused nonprofits have increased sharply in recent years.  Rather than slowing down during the pandemic, plots have become deadlier and radicalization has accelerated, and Ohio's share of such attempts and plans is far too high.  As we move more fully into reopening Ohio, now is precisely the time to refocus on the safety of those at high risk of terror attack with targeted, sustainable investments in community security needs."  - Howie Beigelman, Executive Director, Ohio Jewish Communities 

Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov 

As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.

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