Thursday, March 15, 2007

Governor Strickland Begins Laying Out a Plan for Ohio

"The Federal Government’s Workforce Investment Act helps states provide job training. We’re 51st in making use of those funds." (quote from Governor's speech ....it has frustrated me that Ohio seemed to miss out on too much available Federal money which to me has to have been related largely in bad State management)

Governor Strickland gave his State of the State speech the other day. You can read She Writes Like She Talks for some information about it. I'm impressed with one quote from the speech (from Crains Cleveland):
"We will live within our means and invest in what matters," [Strickland told legislators].

Ohio has tobacco company money coming our way and the Governor plans on spending $5 billion of it on our schools as well as revamping some tax loopholes to get us more money for the schools. You can read the entire Crain's article here. And an ONN Ohio article about it as well. Personally, a little fiscal responsibility and a needed budget increase to aid public schools seems like a breath of fresh air to me. How do you feel?

Other quotes from his speech:
"I am seeking permission from the federal government to use Medicaid funds for private health insurance premium assistance. This would help as many as 300,000 Ohioans – those earning up to 150 percent of the poverty level – pay for coverage that is otherwise beyond their means."

"First, I will establish a higher education compact between the state and our public colleges and universities which will result in lower tuition costs for our students. This compact will increase funding for the basic instructional subsidy by 5 percent next year. And by 2 percent more the following year."

Not being a fan of, or seeing the use of, 'talking heads' on television, I'm not going to become one here lol. So my suggestion? Read his entire speech on his official website here.

Going to close with one more quote since it's about energy and alternative fuels and such:
"Next-generation energies – biofuels, fuel cells, clean coal, and renewable sources such as wind – offer us the opportunity to create jobs, support our farmers, reduce our dependence on foreign oil producers, and be responsible stewards of our environment. " Again I ask, what do you think? Peace Out - 3C


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