Wednesday, February 06, 2008

 

“The State of the State is Resolute”

Governor Strickland gave his State of the State address today. He focused primarily on education and economic development. He spoke of investing in Ohio’s future through an educated workforce, infrastructure, and emerging industries.

Education – To create a more educated workforce, the Governor has proposed a 10-year plan in which associates and bachelors degrees will be available within 30 miles of everyone in the state. He also put forth the ‘Seniors to Sophomores’ initiative, where, starting next school year, high school seniors will be able to earn college credit at Ohio’s public universities - for free. He also proposed creating the position of Director of Department of Education to oversee K-12 education. The position would be appointed by the Governor. Governor Strickland will offer his full education plan next year based on his stated principles.

Economic development - Creation of good jobs, infrastructure investment, and investment in emerging industries like biomedicine and advanced/renewable energies to stimulate the state’s economy and maintain Ohio as a strong industrial base. ‘Building Ohio Jobs’ would invest $1.7 billion (funded through restricted bonds) to create 80,000 good jobs. This would be done through advanced and renewable energy, distribution infrastructure, bioproducts with renewable sources, biomedicine, downtown revitalization, Clean Ohio Fund, and the Ohio Public Works Commission.

Other issues - Governor Strickland wants to create the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs to consolidate veterans’ programs. He also would like the legislature to keep electricity rates stabilized as part of the Energy Jobs and Progress Plan. He addressed the foreclosure crisis with plans to implement rules and possible legislation that incorporate elements of the compact that Ohio offered to mortgage companies, which they declined.

The Governor seemed to respond to suggestions that he wait until next fiscal year to begin cutting budgets by emphasizing the need to be proactive and plan for the future. Overall, he showed commitment to investing in the things that add promise to Ohio’s future, even during fiscally tight times.


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