In response to Governor Mike DeWine’s State of the State address, Groundwork Ohio’s CEO Shannon Jones issued the following statement.
“Governor DeWine’s address, totally dedicated to the needs of children, underscores his lifelong commitment to kids and echoes the cries of babies, families, and professionals.”
Groundwork celebrates Gov. DeWine’s continued and deep commitment to Ohio’s infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, ensuring the economic stability of our state through the strong foundations created for our youngest Ohioans. Today Gov. DeWine made three key new commitments for Ohio’s youngest children:
1. Child Care Choice Voucher Program: 8,000 more Ohio families up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or earning less than $60,000 for a family of four, will be eligible for a voucher. Parents struggle to work with limited access to affordable, quality child care. Over 800,000 working parents have cut back on work due to child care obstacles.
“Gov. DeWine has heard the call of working families and now many will have access to a child care voucher.”
2. Child Care Access Grants: $85 million to improve and expand existing child care facilities. Across the state, there are significant facility issues that, at best, undermine the learning of Ohio’s youngest children and, too often, at worst, pose threats to their health or prevent them from being able to access care at all.
"Every child deserves access to a safe and nurturing child care environment and this investment is long overdue and a huge step in the right direction.”
3. Family Connects Expansion: New pilot program in 11 Ohio counties where every new mom will be eligible to receive a home visit from a nurse about three weeks after delivering her baby. Gov. DeWine will be asking the legislature to scale Family Connects statewide in the next state budget.
"This intervention boosts the health of moms and babies in high-risk communities, addressing disparities and investing in vital infrastructure for their well-being.”
The Governor's full State of the State address can be found here.