COLUMBUS Taft seeks other funds

The governor hopes the state Legislature jump-starts his proposal to provide prescription drug benefits to the elderly and disabled.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BEXLEY, Ohio -- Trying to rectify what he called a major disappointment of the year, Gov. Bob Taft would like to resurrect a plan to combine the resources of business and higher education to help attract high-technology businesses to the state.
"We proposed the Ohio Plan in the budget. We were disappointed that couldn't be funded in the budget," Taft said in a recent interview.
"We're re-examining that issue as to how we can build a sustained commitment to research and technology transfer and venture capital and converting research into new jobs and new companies," Taft said from the governor's residence in this Columbus suburb.
Taft said his administration is exploring folding the so-called Ohio Plan into the capital bill expected to be introduced next year. The capital bill earmarks money for state public building projects.
State officials haven't ruled out a separate bond issue to go before the voters to fund the plan.
"We're not sure that's the way to go next year, but we haven't ruled it out," Taft said.
The Ohio Plan would allow the state's public and private colleges to work with businesses and industry to develop new businesses and train workers, especially those in the high-technology fields.
Future at stake: Taft, a Republican who's expected to seek re-election next year, said the plan is important.
"It's important that we . . . attract the knowledge-economy jobs of the future," Taft said, adding that those are high-paying jobs.
The Board of Regents wanted $300 million for the program in the current, two-year $45 billion state budget. Taft had shaved the request to $40 million. The budget proposal approved in June didn't contain funding for the proposal.
Taft said state officials haven't decided on a possible dollar amount for the Ohio Plan or a date to go to Ohio voters if a separate bond issue is pursued.
Taft has spoken to House Speaker Larry Householder about alternative ways to fund the Ohio Plan and the speaker supports it, said Jennifer Detwiler, Householder's spokeswoman.
House Republicans had been ready to introduce a bill connected to the idea of placing a bond issue before the state's voters in November, but Householder deferred to the governor after the two spoke, Detwiler said.
"He's certainly a big supporter," Detwiler said of Householder, a Perry County Republican.
Elderly benefits: Another disappointment this year, according to Taft, was the stalling of legislation he proposed to provide prescription drug benefits to the elderly and disabled through the Golden Buckeye Card program.
A bill, sponsored by state Rep. John P. Hagan, a Stark County Republican, passed the House in June, but has languished in the Senate.
Hagan said he has assurances from Senate leaders that the measure will receive more hearings early next year.
"We're going to work hard," Taft said. "It's going to be a legislative priority for us."
Among the accomplishments of the past year, Taft cited the development of a new formula to fund public schools and the inclusion in the state budget of the Job Retention Tax Credit that creates incentives for companies that employ 1,000 workers and make investments in buildings and equipment.
Upcoming election: Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor's decision to run for the Ohio Supreme Court means Taft will have to seek a new running mate. O'Connor, a former Summit County judge and prosecutor, received the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party for one of two high court seats up for grabs next year.
Taft said his campaign has just started the process of choosing a running mate, but he wouldn't identify any potential candidates.
"We're looking for someone who is prepared to serve as governor, if necessary," Taft said.
"Someone that adds value to the campaign and to the administration. A team player, [someone who] complements us, me in terms of my experience and background and also provides geographic balance to the ticket," Taft said.
Ohio Democrats say Taft's first three years as governor have been a "dismal failure." Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Leland cites as reasons state budget cuts to higher education and other services.
"Nobody is investing in the state of Ohio," Leland said.
Timothy Hagan, former Cuyahoga County commissioner, is the only Democrat who's announced plans to run for governor next year.