On Monday, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz awarded $1.7 million in grants to support dozens of new outdoor recreation projects in local communities across the state.

“We are excited to help communities all over Ohio create fun, safe, and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Governor DeWine. “These grants help local parks improve and upgrade their outdoor spaces for citizens of Ohio.”

On Tuesday, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education recognized National STEM and STEAM Day. The Governor applauds the innovative ways educators provide dynamic science, technology, engineering, the arts and humanities and mathematics instruction. 

On Wednesday, Governor DeWine recognized World Adoption Day. In Ohio, thousands of children are living in out-of-home placement settings every day. Adoption and foster care can provide a stable, loving home. Learn more by visiting fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov

On Thursday, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced two new services for veterans and military spouses on OhioMeansJobs.com.

Veterans registered on the website are now prompted to complete a brief questionnaire asking if they would like to receive one-on-one help with their job searches. In addition, the resumes of military spouses are now designated with a red and blue “S” to make them stand out to military-friendly employers – much like veterans’ resumes that are flagged with a “V.”

"We are proud that Ohio is home to the fifth-largest veteran population in the nation and we are always looking for ways to support our military members and their families," said Governor DeWine. "By offering individualized assistance to veterans and military spouses during their job search, we are creating another way to say ‘thank you’ to our servicemen and women and continuing our commitment to making Ohio the most military-friendly state in the country.”

Also on Thursday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted provided keynote remarks at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce's Impact Ohio Post General Election Conference in Columbus. The event offered an opportunity to hear directly from the leaders who will shape Ohio’s policy and political agenda for the upcoming biennium. 

Lastly on Thursday, Governor DeWine authorized the use of the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to help several counties impacted by severe storms in February, May, June, and July of 2022.

The SDRP is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance. The program is intended to provide supplemental state assistance to local governments and eligible non-profit organizations for costs associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work.