In a strategic pivot, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine promotes public health initiatives under the guise of child welfare to garner conservative backing.
Lauren Weber reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- DeWine employs child-centric rhetoric to advance public health policies without explicitly labeling them as such.
- New legislative proposals include banning flavored vaping products and tightening seat-belt laws to protect young Ohioans.
- Despite political challenges, DeWine's approach has successfully secured funding for various child-focused programs.
Key quote:
"The single most important thing we can do for Ohio’s future is to ensure that all Ohio children — all of our children, no matter where they live, no matter who their parents are — have the opportunity to live up to their full God-given potential."
— Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio
Why this matters:
Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio, like many conservative governors, faces a complex set of political challenges when it comes to implementing new safety and environmental regulations. These challenges often stem from balancing the demands of economic growth and environmental protection, which can sometimes be at odds.
Recognizing that children are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards, such as poor air and water quality, DeWine has supported initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and ensuring safer living environments for young populations.
