COLUMBUS, Ohio—Gov. Mike DeWine, in his second inaugural address on Monday, called for making Ohio “the best state in the nation” for mental-health treatment, research, and prevention efforts.
“We are ridding Ohio of the stigma – yes the stigma – that comes with addiction and mental illness,” the Greene County Republican said from the Ohio Statehouse rotunda following his ceremonial swearing-in by his son, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine.
DeWine’s focus on mental health in his speech foreshadows his plans to put money where his mouth is regarding the issue. The governor previously said his new two-year state budget plan, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, will ramp up Ohio’s mental-health services by putting millions toward expanded services, research, and job development. State lawmakers ultimately will have a lot of say about what ends up in the final budget as well.
The governor urged out-of-staters – in particular, legal immigrants – to move to Ohio, touting the state’s quality of life, low taxes, cultural attractions, and “top-notch” educational institutions.
“People are returning to the Heartland,” DeWine said. “And while maybe not all roads lead to Ohio, a whole lot of them certainly do!”
DeWine highlighted his administration’s achievements in his first term and vowed to continue such work in his second, and final term.
In particular, he said his administration is working to improve infrastructure (including repairing Cincinnati’s Brent Spence Bridge and building a new bridge alongside it), going after drug dealers, and expanding access to childcare, clean drinking water, and high-speed internet.
“Thank you for giving us the most precious thing there is, and that is time – time for us to continue to work for you as we tackle our state’s unfinished business,” DeWine said.
The governor’s address didn’t unveil any new policy proposals that weren’t previously known, and he didn’t mention some of what he previously announced he would focus on during his second term, such as his sweeping proposal to help Ohio children.
DeWine was officially sworn into office on Sunday evening at his home in Cedarville, with his son Pat also administering the oath of office. Prior to Monday’s Statehouse ceremony, DeWine also held a Statehouse gala and other inauguration-related activities over the weekend.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine takes the oath of the office while his wife Fran holds bible as he is sworn in by his son Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine during a private ceremony at his residence Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cedarville, Ohio, as his wife Fran DeWine. At left is presiding judge Tom Rose. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, Pool)AP
DeWine’s second term will likely mark the last four years of a political career that has spanned the better part of five decades. The 76-year-old is prevented by term limits from seeking a third term.
The governor won reelection last November by a landslide last November over Democrat Nan Whaley, the former mayor of Dayton.
Jeremy Pelzer covers state government and politics for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read more of his work here.