Ohio Governor DeWine Delivers Final State of the State Address

Outlines priorities for last year as governor, including focus on education and child health

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivered his 2026 State of the State Address to a joint session of the Ohio General Assembly, highlighting the state's major accomplishments over the last seven years and outlining key priorities for the rest of the year. DeWine focused on initiatives to improve education, child health, and road safety.

Why it matters

As DeWine's final year as governor, this address outlines his administration's legacy and the policy priorities he hopes to achieve before leaving office. The initiatives he proposed, such as expanding the Science of Reading in schools and banning cell phones, could have a significant impact on Ohio families and communities.

The details

DeWine announced several new education initiatives, including creating regional 'Science of Reading Instructional Implementation Teams' to help schools fully execute the Science of Reading curriculum, adding 50 more ReadOhio coaches to work with teachers, and launching a 'Statewide Attendance Dashboard' to provide real-time attendance data. He also called for doubling the amount of required recess time in schools and making the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge a permanent program. To address child mental health, DeWine urged the legislature to pass laws regulating AI-generated child pornography, holding tech companies accountable for harmful content, and requiring parental control features on cell phones and devices. Finally, DeWine pushed for a primary seatbelt law to improve road safety.

  • DeWine delivered the 2026 State of the State Address on Tuesday, March 13, 2026.
  • The new 'Statewide Attendance Dashboard' will launch on April 15, 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The 70th governor of Ohio, serving since 2019. DeWine delivered his final State of the State Address as he nears the end of his second term.

Fran DeWine

The first lady of Ohio, who has focused on expanding the Dolly Parton Imagination Library across the state during DeWine's tenure.

Jim Tressel

The lieutenant governor of Ohio, who DeWine tasked with developing the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for students.

Tom Young

An Ohio state representative who has introduced a bill to double the amount of required recess time in schools.

Melanie Miller

An Ohio state representative who has introduced a bill to double the amount of required recess time in schools.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Reading is the key to everything, so it is essential that children learn early about the importance of books and reading.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (irontontribune.com)

“The evidence is clear that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read. With the support of the Ohio General Assembly, the Science of Reading is required to be taught in every classroom in Ohio, from preschool programs to high school.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (irontontribune.com)

What’s next

The Ohio General Assembly will consider DeWine's legislative proposals, including the bills to expand recess time and regulate AI-generated child pornography and harmful social media content.

The takeaway

As DeWine's final year as governor, this address outlines his administration's legacy and the policy priorities he hopes to achieve before leaving office, with a focus on improving education, child health, and road safety in Ohio.