Coronavirus: DeWine postpones State of the State address

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday night that he has postponed the 2020 State of the State Address, which he was scheduled to deliver March 31 in the House Chamber in the Ohio Statehouse.

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DeWine, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R–Medina, and Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, R–Glenford, jointly released a statement regarding their mutual agreement to postpone the address.

A new date has not been set.

 

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Following is the joint statement in its entirety:

“Over the past several weeks, Ohio has taken unprecedented steps in response to the global coronavirus crisis — all aimed at keeping our fellow citizens safe. The world’s leading medical experts recommend the continued practice of “social distancing” to slow the spread of the virus and ‘flatten the curve’ to prevent overwhelming our healthcare facilities.

“We have taken steps to ensure that the business of our state is carried out in a safe and careful manner to protect our many public servants, their families, and anyone with whom they come into contact. In keeping with those ongoing goals, we will not bring together the governor, the lieutenant governor, the governor’s cabinet and the entire General Assembly in the same place at the same time for the State of the State address until a later date, after the state of emergency has concluded.

“Just yesterday, the General Assembly gave unanimous support for the state’s coronavirus response legislation. The temporary changes made through this legislation will give much-needed relief to Ohio’s businesses and our workforce to support our families and our economy during this difficult time. We will continue to work together throughout this crisis to serve the best interests of every Ohioan. We are in his together, and we will make it through this together.”

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