Gov. Strickland continues to move forward boldly

You have to give Gov. Ted Strickland credit for being bold.

In his first State of the State address last year, he proposed some major initiatives.

Of particular note was a plan to use $5 billion from Ohio’s tobacco settlement money to finance new schools and to pay the state’s debt for previous school construction. Another was a huge property tax relief program for the elderly and disabled.

The Republican-controlled state Legislature whacked some of Strickland’s initiatives last year; most notably his proposed ban on new charter schools outside of Cleveland.

But the freshman Democratic governor got much of what he wanted.

He’s giving it another shot this year.

Strickland unveiled two significant initiatives during his second State of the State address, delivered Wednesday.

The first is a plan for the state to borrow $1.7 billion to create more than 80,000 “good-paying jobs” in Ohio.

The money would go toward investments in advanced and renewable energy, infrastructure improvements, biomedicine, brownfield remediation and the revitalization of downtowns.

State legislators who represent the Mahoning Valley say the plan has the potential to greatly benefit this area.

So how did Strickland come up with the figure of more than 80,000 jobs?

Economic models

He used two economic models, according to his office.

The first from the Ohio Public Expenditure Council shows that every $15,600 in public funds invested in industries such as advanced energy and biomedicine creates 1 new job.

On the public works and infrastructure end, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials show that every public investment of $23,800 creates 1 new job.

Strickland’s office says 80,000 is a conservative figure.

In his address, Strickland acknowledged the state’s perilous financial situation and something bold must be done.

“It would be irresponsible to remain in neutral when we need to be in high gear,” he said. “These times demand swift and significant action.”

If you’re having trouble getting a firm grip on the job creation program — and don’t feel dumb because it’s not easy to understand and you are definitely not alone — the second initiative will leave your head scratching.

On the surface, it sounds like a great idea.

Qualified high school seniors could spend the last year of high school taking courses at a state college or university for free.

Upon graduation, those students would start college as sophomores. The program is cleverly called Seniors to Sophomores.

It would mean a free year of tuition and a great head start on earning a degree.

As the old saying goes: “The devil’s in the details.”

No details

The problem is there aren’t any details; just a concept that those in the primary and secondary education field can work it out with those in higher education.

Strickland never mentioned a cost or what is needed to qualify for the program. There is no number as to how many students are eligible for the program or how it would be implemented. What about students who attend parochial schools?

Eric Fingerhut, the state’s chancellor of higher education, didn’t offer much in the way of details.

Strickland wants the program to start in the fall.

As for Strickland’s plan to make the way the state funds schools constitutional, the governor is asking us to wait till next year. Strickland said he’ll propose a plan then and put it on the ballot for voters to consider.

“Education is the central issue I face as governor,” he said. “I am determined to bring real change and real results. But I am also determined to find the best answers. We are creating a blueprint for the future of our schools and our state. And we will take the time to get it right.”