ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The DeWine administration announced Monday that Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest around $10 billion in additional funds for its data center infrastructure across Ohio, with hundreds of new jobs expected by the end of 2030. AWS previously announced plans to invest $7.8 billion in June 2023 and the company has committed to more than $23 billion in announcements since 2015. The DeWine administration said that represents the second-largest planned investment by one private sector company in Ohio history. While locations have not been finalized, AWS is planning to expand its data centers outside of the Central Ohio region. Those plans are contingent on the execution of long-term energy service agreements.

Gov. Mike DeWine's administration announced Monday the approval of assistance for 14 projects expected to create 1,202 new jobs and retain 2,978 jobs statewide. During its monthly meeting, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) reviewed economic development proposals brought by JobsOhio and its regional partners. The projects are expected to collectively result in more than $82 million in new payroll and spur more than $283 million in investments across Ohio.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The DeWine administration awarded state, local and regional jurisdictions and nonprofits over $24 million in federal funding to improve traffic safety and reduce road-related fatalities in FFY25, the governor's office announced Monday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) leads all recipients with more than $10 million in grants for high-visibility enforcement and general purposes. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is a distant second with over $860,000, followed in order by smaller awards to Ohio State University, Ohio Attorney General's Office, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Just trailing them are a raft of OVI task forces: Oxford Division of Police, University Hospitals - Cleveland Medical Center, Blue Ash Police Department, Canfield Police Department, Stark County Sheriff's Office, and Summit County Sheriff's Office's will receive grants of $250,000 each. Other OVI task force awards between $200,000 to $250,000 include Dayton Police Department, Warren Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and Lucas County Sheriff's Office.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced Tuesday several of what it called "technical enhancements" to help Ohioans manage their unemployment claims more easily. According to ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder, new features include the ability to now file weekly claims through the online "chat,” through the automated phone system, or even through text message in many circumstances.