COLUMBUS – In his 2022 State of the State speech to Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine presented an upbeat outlook for the state.

He addressed issues ranging from mental illness to state parks, from education to support for law enforcement, according to a March 23 news release.

“Now is the time to ‘seize our Ohio moment,’” the governor said. “I see an Ohio that harnesses the innovative potential of our research colleges and universities to conduct strategic, cutting-edge research. An Ohio with fewer emergency room visits and where fewer Ohioans with mental illnesses are living on the streets. An Ohio where mental illness isn’t criminalized. lessening pressure on the criminal justice system."

He cited the Appalachian region of Ohio in particular as a priority.

“One of the most important things we can do that will benefit – not only the 32 counties in the Appalachian region, but also our entire state – is to make a long-overdue, comprehensive investment in Appalachia,” the governor said.

DeWine pledged to crack down on crime and to increase funding for police.

“We need to get tough on the convicted violent offenders who carry and use weapons in violation of the law," he said. "If we can remove this small group of dangerous offenders from our streets, the violent crime in our distressed neighborhoods will be reduced dramatically, and the citizens and families who live there will be safer and lives will be saved.”

Even libraries were mentioned in the governor's speech. He cited the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library, which provides local communities with half of the funds they need to operate the program in their counties.

“We know that a  child’s brain is 80 percent developed by the time they turn 3 years of age. So, these first years of development are so very important. Enrollment in the Imagination Library improves kindergarten readiness and family literacy habits. And no matter where you live in Ohio, your child is eligible.”