Kasich creates task force to examine Ohio college costs

COLUMBUS (AP) — A new state task force will examine how Ohio’s public colleges and universities can hold down costs and be more efficient.

Republican Gov. John Kasich joined college presidents at a meeting today at the Statehouse, where he signed an executive order creating the nine-member panel.

Kasich will appoint five people to the group, while legislative leaders will pick four members. The task force is expected to complete its work and issue a report by Oct. 1.

The governor’s two-year budget calls for capping tuition increases in 2016 at 2 percent and freezing tuition rates in 2017. It also would create a $120 million fund aimed at reducing accumulated student debt.

Kasich discussed other ideas in his budget and defended proposed changes to taxes and his K-12 school funding formula.