On Monday, Governor Mike DeWine observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

"On Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and service of Dr. King whose lessons of courage, compassion, and humility still inspire us today," he said. 

On Tuesday, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced a historic increase in the balance of Ohio's savings account.

The Ohio Office of Budget and Management transferred $727 million into the Ohio Budget Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the "rainy day" fund, bringing the cash balance to nearly $3.5 billion. This funding reserve represents the largest balance for this fund in state history. 

“We are delivering on our promises to Ohioans with conservative management and sound budgeting," said Governor DeWine. "Businesses and investors can be assured that Ohio’s finances are in order, and we are planning for the long term. Filling up our rainy day fund is another way that we are showing strong results for our citizens.”

“Balanced budgets and saving for a rainy day are foundational elements of running a responsible government,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We are growing the Ohio economy, and as a result of that growth, we have been able to fund state government, cut taxes and balance the budget.”

On Wednesday, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will receive $48 million in federal grant dollars over the next three years to support and increase access to quality early childhood care and education. The Preschool Development Grant - Birth to Five comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

“The largest group of Ohioans living in poverty are children aged five and under,” said Governor DeWine. “This grant allows Ohio to better serve these children by creating stronger cross program coordination and higher quality programming in publicly funded childcare, public preschools, early intervention and home visiting that form a strong foundation for successful learning.”

Also on Wednesday, Governor DeWine made the following appointments to positions on his staff:

Aimee Shadwick has accepted the position of Director of RecoveryOhio, the governor’s initiative to prevent, reduce, treat, and support long-term recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders. Shadwick has been with RecoveryOhio since 2019, including serving as Interim Director. Previously, she worked at the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board .

Felicia King has accepted the position of the Director of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. She is a long-time employee of Governor DeWine, serving in the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, most recently as Interim Director. Previously, she worked for then-Attorney General DeWine and worked for him while he served in the U.S. Senate.

On Thursday, in response to the severe weather watch, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency provided Ohioans with tips on how to be prepared and stay safe during severe weather.

On Friday, Governor DeWine announced he will nominate Brian Baldridge of Winchester to be the next Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 

Baldridge is currently a State Representative for the 90^th Ohio House District which encompasses all of Adams and Scioto counties and parts of Brown County.   

Baldridge and his family operate Baldridge Farms, which has both livestock and crop production. The Baldridge family has farmed in Ohio for seven generations.

“I am pleased to nominate Brian Baldridge for director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Brian knows the industry and is passionate about promoting Ohio agriculture.   He also shares my vision for making needed improvements to the Ohio State Fairgrounds.”

Prior to serving as a state representative, Baldridge was an Adams County Commissioner for four terms and township trustee for Wayne Township for two terms.

In addition to his elected public service, Baldrige has served his community as a firefighter and paramedic for the Wayne Township Fire Department. He also served as a career firefighter and paramedic with the Anderson Township Fire Department.     

Baldrige must be confirmed by the Ohio Senate.