Cabinet of the Governor of Ohio facts for kids

Ohio has set up 26 important groups, called departments, that help the Governor run the state. Each department is led by a person called a Director or Commissioner. Their job is to keep the Governor informed and help manage Ohio. When the Governor chooses a new Director, the Ohio Senate must agree to the choice.

Directors can stay in their jobs as long as the Governor wants them to, or until they decide to leave. These Directors can also choose their own team members to help them. Because the Governor picks them, these departments are a big part of Ohio's Executive branch. This means they have the power to make sure Ohio's laws are followed. Many of these departments also create rules and make decisions that act like laws for the state.

When new rules are suggested, they are announced in the Register of Ohio. Once they are official, they are written down in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

What Are Ohio's Government Departments?

Ohio has many departments that work like different teams to help the state run smoothly. Each department focuses on a specific area, from helping people find jobs to protecting the environment. These departments are sometimes called "cabinet" or "administrative" departments because their leaders often meet with the Governor as part of the cabinet.

How Do These Departments Help Ohio?

Each department has a special job to do for the people of Ohio. For example, one department might focus on keeping our parks and natural areas safe, while another helps schools. They all work together to make sure Ohio is a good place to live, work, and grow up.

Here are some of the main departments:

• Ohio National Guard: This department helps manage the state's military forces, like the National Guard, which can help during emergencies.
• Department of Administrative Services: This group helps other state agencies with things like hiring, technology, and managing state buildings.
• Department of Aging: This department works to support older adults in Ohio, helping them with services and resources.
• Department of Agriculture: This team helps farmers, makes sure our food is safe, and protects Ohio's natural resources related to farming.
• Office of Budget and Management: This office helps the Governor plan how the state's money will be spent.
• Department of Commerce: This department helps businesses grow and makes sure different industries follow state rules.
• Development Services Agency: This group works to improve Ohio's economy and help communities grow.
• Department of Developmental Disabilities: This department helps people with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Department of Education: This team oversees schools and education programs across Ohio.
• Environmental Protection Agency: This agency works to protect Ohio's air, water, and land from pollution.
• Department of Health: This department helps keep Ohioans healthy by preventing diseases and promoting wellness.
• Office of the Inspector General: This office investigates waste, fraud, and abuse in state government.
• Department of Insurance: This department regulates insurance companies to protect consumers.
• Department of Job and Family Services: This group helps Ohioans find jobs and provides support for families in need.
• Department of Medicaid: This department manages the state's healthcare program for low-income individuals and families.
• Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: This team helps people with mental health challenges and addiction issues.
• Department of Natural Resources: This department manages Ohio's state parks, forests, and wildlife areas.
• Department of Public Safety: This group includes the Ohio State Highway Patrol and works to keep people safe on roads and in communities.
• Public Utilities Commission: This commission regulates utility services like electricity, gas, and water.
• Board of Regents: This board oversees higher education in Ohio, including colleges and universities.
• Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: This department manages state prisons and helps with rehabilitation programs.
• Department of Taxation: This department collects state taxes that help fund government services.
• Department of Transportation: This team plans, builds, and maintains Ohio's roads, bridges, and transportation systems.
• Department of Veterans Services: This department helps military veterans and their families.
• Bureau of Workers' Compensation: This bureau helps workers who get injured on the job.
• Department of Youth Services: This department works with young people who have been involved in the justice system.

Members of the Cabinet are listed at List of members of the Ohio Cabinet

Images for kids

• 

  The Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, where some state departments are located.