Ohio Statehouse Update: Governor Kasich Announces New Initiatives at Ohio State of the State Address

Governor John R. Kasich announced new policy initiatives relating to education, workforce development and tax reform at his Monday night State of the State address in Medina. His proposals will be presented to the legislature as part of the Mid-Biennial Budget Review (MBR). The timetable for introduction of the MBR remains uncertain.

The governor’s policy initiatives include:

• Another income tax cut to reduce the top rate below 5%. He wants to pay for this by increasing the severance tax on oil and gas, a proposal which is currently pending before the Ohio House (HB 375).
• An effort to address the reasons 24,000 students drop out of high school each year by identifying at-risk students earlier and providing them with alternative options for achieving a diploma.
• A 3-1 state matching grant program to fund innovative programs that encourage community and faith-based organizations, parents and members of the business community to mentor students and provide good role models.
• Expansion of vocational education opportunities to students as early as the 7th grade.
• Extending academic credits to veterans for their military training and experience.
• Expanding treatment and assistance options for those dealing with mental illness and drug addiction issues.

Look for future analysis from Vorys and Vorys Advisors on these initiatives once they are introduced.

Click here for a fact sheet summarizing the initiatives proposed by Governor Kasich in last night’s address.

Click here for a full written transcript of Governor Kasich’s 2014 State of the State address.