I don't usually listen to State of the State addresses, figuring it's all about posturing and hot air. I'm more interested in the action end of things. However, reading today's newspaper, I see I missed some action. Governor Strickland got a gasp out of the Republican side when he announced a budget recommendation of a moratorium on new charter schools and elimination of almost all school vouchers. I'm sure one of the reasons they gasped was because they were surprised, and, delightfully, one reason they were surprised was because Ted Strickland didn't distribute his speech ahead of time. I like that.
Joe Hallett, a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, noted, "And there was a lot for those who view government as a guardian for children, the aged and the poor."
This focus is crucial, in my opinion.
This from the vision of our new governor, and noted by a reporter of a conservative newspaper. I am pleased, at least in this moment. We'll see how it all plays out.
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I was reading in ohio.com that your state's governor is also making some moves with gasoline taxes to finance the highway patrol:
"COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland's proposed two-year, $7.7 billion transportation budget would give gasoline wholesalers a smaller tax deduction for shrinkage and evaporation. The policy's goal is to ensure funding for the State Highway Patrol, but it could lead to higher prices at the pumps for motorists.
``It should not affect the consumer,'' Strickland said of his proposal, while acknowledging that wholesalers could pass their $38 million in costs on to drivers, and state government would have no way to stop them.
Strickland wants to reduce the current 1.35 percent deduction allowed to wholesalers to 1 percent, and continue to give retailers a 0.65 percent deduction. The deduction was scheduled to rise back to the 3 percent that had been afforded gas retailers, wholesalers and refineries until two years ago.
Ohio, for good or bad, has played a pivotal role in the presidential elections... with the abominable behaviour of America's President and the growing anti-regime sentiment across America I imagine we'll see a lot of politicians arrempting to realign the tableware.
I understand the Governor also wants to close tax loopholes used by oil companies and use that money to help fund public schools.
If we pay more at the pumps, so be it. It's going to happen anyway over time. I'm sure the oil companies will find a way to take as much as they can, but if we can divert funds to the schools, well and good.
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