COLUMBUS, Ohio — "Let's Be Clear" is all about transparency. WKYC has a clear, mobile newsroom that we're taking across the state to talk to those making headlines in Ohio. Whether you agree with the guest, disagree, or are a fan of them, we know you have questions for them.
It's been about six months since Mike DeWine took office as Ohio's governor.
It's also been about six months since DeWine last joined Let's Be Clear. Last time, we had to do the interview from inside the statehouse due to frigid temperatures. This time, DeWine hopped in the clear truck for another round of answers.
You can re-watch the full interview again below:
DeWine said he hasn't experienced any big surprises during the first six months of his term. He says he's focusing on the budget right now, which targets funding for Lake Erie and early childhood education.
"It runs out Wednesday night and I certainly hope the legislature gives me a bill before Wednesday night," DeWine said. "Talking with the Speaker and the Senate President this morning, they're really down to just a few things."
Last week, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released their forecast predicting another massive harmful algae bloom for the western portion of Lake Erie. The algae bloom is expected to reach a severity of 7.5 on a Harmful Algal Bloom scale of 10, making it a top five harmful bloom number in the past 17 years.
DeWine said he wanted $900 million set aside for Lake Erie to be used over the next nine years. Instead, the House came back with two years.
"Not exactly what we wanted but I think there's a real realization in the Senate and the House that we've got to focus on Lake Erie," DeWine said.
DeWine also commented on President Donald Trump's recent feud and racist tweets directed at Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.) and Ayanna Pressley (Mass.) suggesting they return to their countries.
"It's not appropriate," DeWine said of Trump's remarks. "We're all Americans. We're a country that was founded by immigrants and we've been replenished with legal immigrants through the years. They're all Americans, and one thing our Constitution guarantees is, you're a citizen, you're a citizen .There's no grades of citizenship, and that's one of the great things about this country."
DeWine also said his support for Trump continues amid the president's appointment of conservatives to the federal bench, as well as his stance on trade.
"I think there's a real feeling among Ohioans and Americans that we've been run over in the past by other countries," DeWine said. "What people in Ohio tell me is, we don't want a trade war, we want to get this settled, but they tell me, 'I think Trump's doing the right thing in regard to trade because he's not letting the United States get pushed around.'"
Click here to watch previous episodes of Let's Be Clear.
