STATE OF THE STATE Highlights

Here are some highlights from Gov. Ted Strickland’s State of the State address.

Fiscal responsibility: Though forecasts indicate general revenue taxes available to the state will be lower in the 2011 fiscal year than they were seven years earlier, the governor’s budget is balanced through cuts of 10 percent to 20 percent to programs; increases in state agency fees, fines and penalties; modifications to Medicaid policies; and receiving $3.4 billion in federal stimulus funds. The governor calls for no increases in taxes.

Education: Strickland’s plan to create a new education system is designed to ensure every child learns the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century — as productive citizens, in work and in life. The plan demands a higher level of accountability and transparency from school districts to ensure taxpayers know how their dollars are being spent.

Higher education: Strickland’s budget extends the current two-year tuition freeze at all public universities for a third year in fiscal year 2010 (the 2009-2010 school year), and for a fourth straight year at all community college and university branch campuses in fiscal year 2011 (the 2010-11 school year). The governor has also asked all universities to voluntarily limit tuition increases at university main campuses to no more than 3.5 percent for the 2010-11 school year.

Tax relief: The proposal broadens the Job Retention Tax Credit and Job Creation Tax Credit to encourage more business opportunity in Ohio and creates several new job-creating tax credits, including a Film Tax Credit to spur growth of the film industry and a New Markets Tax Credit to give communities a tool to spur investment and improve downtown centers.

Source: Gov. Ted Strickland