COLUMBUS, Ohio —  Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled his budget proposal for the upcoming year on Tuesday, with a focus on education, mental health, and job training.

Speaking at the Statehouse, DeWine delivered the State of the State where he emphasized the importance of investing in the state's families and children.

"It's a budget that focuses on people and our children," said DeWine.

What You Need To Know

  • Budget proposals aimed at the economy, education, literacy, law enforcement, and environment 

  • Budget includes tax breaks for families with children

  • Investing in a new program targeted at mental health for kids 

The Republican governor's proposal includes tax breaks for families with children, including a repeal of the state sales tax on critical infant supplies such as diapers, wipes, cribs, car seats, strollers, and safety equipment.

"Our budget will ease the financial burden on all parents," said DeWine. "We believe it is our responsibility to help families provide for their children."

The governor's proposal also calls for tax reductions of $2,500 per child and expanded school vouchers for both public and private K-12 schools.

"Every Ohioan deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or income," said DeWine.

He also announced a onetime $300 million investment in career tech education, aimed at providing Ohioans with the tools to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market.

Mental health is a top priority in the governor's budget, with a proposed new department of children and youth focused on the physical and mental health of kids, struggling mothers, and foster care.

"We must do everything in our power to support the mental and physical health of our children," said DeWine.

In response to the recent police beating of Tyre Nichols, DeWine is also calling for $40 million to expand training for Ohio police officers.

"We must ensure that our police officers are equipped with the tools and training they need to serve and protect our communities," said DeWine.

However, not everyone is in agreement with the governor's proposals. House Minority Leader Allison Russo criticized the governor for not including gun reform in his budget.

"It is a tremendous oversight on the part of the governor to focus on school safety without addressing gun violence in our communities," said Russo. "This is something that has to be addressed head-on."

Members of the governor's own party have also expressed concern about the long-term impact of his priorities on the state's finances.

"Our responsibility as a legislature is to make sure we have the revenues to meet our priorities and we don't burden future Ohioans with debt that we're expanding on today," said Senator Matt Dolan, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Despite these concerns, supporters of the governor's budget proposal argue that Ohio is in a strong financial position and that the money is being used wisely.

"We're fortunate to be in a fiscally good position in Ohio, and it sounds to me that we are using that money wisely," said Rep. Bill Seitz, Majority Caucus Leader.

The governor's budget proposal will now be reviewed by the legislature, with debates and discussions expected to continue in the coming weeks.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to pass a budget that invests in the people of Ohio and sets our state on a path to a brighter future," said DeWine.