Columbus, OH — Yesterday, Governor DeWine delivered his 2023 State of the State address to the 135th General Assembly. In his speech, he laid out his investment priorities for the year including plans to continue funding Ohio’s signature water quality program H2Ohio, economic development opportunities for the state and mental health initiatives. Governor DeWine also unveiled the State of Ohio’s Executive Budget. The proposed budget provides $307,196,000 in funding for the H2Ohio water quality program, including a new river initiative.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Pete Bucher, Chief of Staff for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“Governor DeWine continues to be a leader on Ohio’s water issues, furthering investments in significant resources for the H2Ohio program and expanding it through the H2Ohio Rivers Initiative. We look forward to working with the administration and the Ohio General Assembly to strengthen the program with accountability measures to ensure these public dollars are achieving their intended water quality improvements. We also look forward to working toward a long-term funding mechanism for the H2Ohio program. As communities across Ohio deal with toxic algae threats, the timing couldn’t be better to make this program a permanent fixture.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.
Contact:
Marisa Twigg, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund