Governor DeWine’s Proposed State Operating Budget Has an Eye Toward Innovation
COLUMBUS - On February 1, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted introduced their second Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2022 to 2023, Investing in Ohio’s Future.
“We have a unique opportunity to make significant investments that will spur growth and economic renewal across the state,” said Governor DeWine. “The Investing In Ohio Initiative supports both our people and our economy as we continue to prepare for the future and showcase Ohio as the premier place to live and work.”
The $171.5 billion budget has targeted efforts to strengthen and grow Ohio communities and businesses with a focus on economic recovery and efforts to combat COVID-19.
There are also a number of initiatives that focus on technology, innovation, and strengthening Ohio’s workforce.
Investing in Ohio by Enhancing our Communities
Through a nearly half-billion-dollar investment, the budget calls to support key infrastructure projects and the development and adoption of a more robust broadband network in communities throughout the state. The Executive Budget would:
Invest $250 million to provide grants to expand broadband access throughout Ohio, with the goal of ensuring that all households have the basic connectivity necessary to support children’s homework, a job search, or online training.
Investing in Ohio by Telling Ohio's Story
OhioX shares the goal of Governor DeWine to make Ohio a top destination for those considering a career move. This budget would invest $50 million in a national marketing campaign to drive 3 billion impressions across broadcast television, connected television, digital and social media, paid search, and limited radio and print advertisements promoting Ohio as the ideal place to live, learn, work, and play.
Investing in Ohio by Growing a Skilled Workforce
Ohio is investing in programs to help tens of thousands of Ohioans upskill and find success in new careers and ensure businesses can access the talent needed in today's economy. While assisting Ohioans in accessing high-demand, quality-wage careers, these initiatives also ensure businesses have access to the talent needed in today's economy and make targeted workforce investments in rural and urban parts of the state.
The Investing In Ohio Initiative also includes a $70 million investment to upskill Ohio’s workforce. This funding works to ensure that businesses have access to the talent needed to be successful, while upskilling Ohioans who are looking to acquire in-demand, tech-focused credentials. The workforce investments also include targeted funding for economically distressed rural and urban parts of Ohio. The Executive Budget would:
Fund an additional 5,000 technology-focused credentials through the TechCred Program (including the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program) in Fiscal Year 2021 ($5 million) and an additional 45,000 credentialed individuals in the next biennium ($25 million in both Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023).
Invest $15 million to support targeted workforce investments in economically distressed rural and urban communities. This program partners with businesses, communities, organizations, and educational institutions throughout Ohio to establish and expand programs that help Ohioans reskill and pursue new, in-demand employment opportunities.
Guarantee that every student in Ohio has access to computer science education.
Allocate $1 million for the Technology First Initiative. The Department of Developmental Disabilities will invest in projects to increase technology access for individuals with developmental disabilities. This initiative strives to use technology to better support individuals with developmental disabilities and ensure opportunities to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
It is important to note that this version of the budget will undergo many changes as the General Assembly shepherds the bill through the legislative process. OhioX applauds Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and their entire team for these policy initiatives and we look forward to working with the General Assembly in order to continue building Ohio into a leading technology and innovation hub.
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Spencer Gross is the Vice President of Public Policy for OhioX.