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Valley lawmakers await details of plan
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Rep. Robert F. Hagan, D-Youngstown. (AP Photo/Larry Phillips)
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State Rep. Ronald Gerberry, D-59
Members of the Mahoning Valley’s state Legislature contingent praised Gov. Ted Strickland’s proposal to make sweeping changes to the state’s education system.
But many of them said the governor, a fellow Democrat, needs to provide more details on his programs and how they’ll be funded before they can fully embrace the proposals.
The “speech was like John F. Kennedy’s speech on going to the moon,” said state Sen. Jason Wilson of Columbiana, D-30th. “The goal is there and some of the tools are there, but let’s see how it can be implemented.”
One of Strickland’s major initiatives announced during his State of the State address Wednesday was to lower what local taxpayers contribute to local schools and increase the state’s share.
“The devil’s in the details on the school funding formula,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd.
State Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, said he likes the concept, but “I’m waiting for the details.”
The governor said that information will be in the two-year budget he’ll present next week to the state Legislature.
With a projected $7.3 billion budget gap for the upcoming two-year state spending plan, Strickland said cuts would be made to balance the budget.
“While it is clear tough budget decisions must be made, the governor reassured us of his commitment to balancing the budget while maintaining the services and programs vital to all Ohioans,” said state Rep. Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th.
Local legislators said they were impressed with Strickland’s address.
“Given the challenging economic situation we’re in, he prioritized the needs of the state,” Cafaro said.
State Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, said the governor “is steering the course for a brighter future through better education in our state.”
Strickland’s speech emphasized “reform, accountability and funding,” Hagan said.
skolnick@vindy.com
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