Summary of the State of the State Address

Gov. Ted Strickland (D) asked lawmakers to give him more control over the state’s schools and to approve $1.7 billion in borrowing to jump-start Ohio’s flagging economy in his address Feb. 6.

Strickland, who centralized control over the state’s colleges and universities last year, said putting schools under his control, instead of that of the state board of education, would improve accountability. “The most important duty of the state should not be overseen by an unwieldy department with splintered accountability,” he said.

The governor also proposed allowing qualified high school seniors to study at local colleges to earn college credit at no cost.

In a speech that dwelled heavily on the economy, Strickland chided subprime lenders for not cooperating with his administration in drafting rules to soften the mortgage crisis.

His bonding plan would pay for renewable-energy projects, infrastructure improvements, downtown renewals, biomedical research, open-space preservation and aid to local governments to build sewers and streets.

“Watching, wishing and waiting will not create Ohio jobs. But a bold and balanced investment in Ohio will,” he said.

Strickland also proposed to the Republican-controlled Legislature consolidating veterans programs under a new Department of Veteran affairs. He said he has ordered $733 million in cuts to deal with an anticipated budget shortfall.