Five things to know for Friday, Sept. 26
Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited Edison Middle School in Erie County to hold an assembly for students preparing to take on the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Mike DeWine's Office)
Group: Ban sugary drinks from SNAP
A workgroup created by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has recommended that Ohio seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ban carbonated beverages with high levels of sugar or similar caloric sweeteners from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“Over the course of our meetings, we heard from experts in the areas of food nutrition, health outcomes, public health and nutrition programs, and retail logistics,” Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder said in a release. “I applaud our working group for recommending a solution that puts Ohio on the path to better health outcomes.”
Bill would designate Oct. 14 as Charlie Kirk Memorial Day
State Senator Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, has introduced Senate Bill 271 to designate Oct. 14, the birthday of slain conservative icon Charlie Kirk, as Charlie Kirk Memorial Day.
“His leadership has inspired countless young individuals to take a stand for freedom,” Cutrona said in a release. “This day will serve as a reminder of the legacy he has built in shaping the future of our great nation.”
Feds award Ohio millions for school grants
The U.S. Department of Education awarded Ohio nearly $105 million, including $55.5 million through the 2025 Charter Schools Program grant. This funding should help high-performing community schools flourish by replicating successful school models.
According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, an additional $49.2 million in matching funds from the State Facilities Incentive Grant is expected to help high-performing community schools address their facility costs.
Feds pick Ohio for pilot to boost self-sufficiency, strengthen families
Ohio is one of five states that the Trump Administration has selected for a new pilot program to help people overcome employment hurdles and transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. The Buckeye State was selected for a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pilot, administered by the Administration for Children and Families, to explore innovative approaches that promote work and reduce government dependency.
Programs should help increase driving instructor ranks
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office launched two new programs, the Instructor Development Grant and the New Instructor Incentive, to support driving schools across Ohio in recruiting and training new instructors. Eligible driving schools to apply to become one of up to six regional training centers designed to increase licensed driving school capacity.
The training centers will receive a reimbursement of up to $1,500 for each instructor trained. The program launches as a new law requiring new drivers under the age of 21 to complete driver education before obtaining a license, which takes effect on Sept. 30.
