Strickland: Ohio stronger than 4 years ago

COLUMBUS (AP) — Outgoing Gov. Ted Strickland says Ohio has a stronger foundation now than when he took office four years ago, though he believes the new governor has put some of his accomplishments in jeopardy.

Strickland, a once popular Democrat, lost his office to Republican John Kasich in November after being hurt by job losses and his handling of the state budget.

In a farewell speech today, Strickland highlighted his efforts to reform school funding, invest in energy and clean up an embattled state agency for injured workers.

Strickland says the loss of federal funds for a proposed high-speed rail system rejected by Kasich means the new administration “has decided the train will leave without us.”

He also says a $400 million federal education grant is at risk given Kasich’s plans to change state education policy.