Despite impending cuts in state programs, higher education might receive a significant increase in state funding, according to a spokesman for Gov. Ted Strickland.
It is important that the economic realities are put on the table, spokesman Keith Dailey said. All Ohioans should be aware that there are tough decisions ahead, but it will not be until mid-March when the governor decides where there will be cuts and where, if anywhere, there will be increases.
According to the report released by the Ohio Board of Regents Thursday, Ohio’s public universities cost 50 percent more than the national average. Average tuition for a four-year public university in Ohio is $8,553 – 47 percent higher than the national average of $5,836.
Presidents of Ohio universities plan to meet with Strickland to share the report and discuss the high tuition costs caused by a lack of state support.
But the estimate for tax revenue in fiscal year 2007, which began July 1, is a 1.6 percent decrease, making it difficult to put more money into higher education and other state-funded programs.
Strickland’s first budget will suffer the effects of disappointing sales tax revenue, an accelerated personal income tax cut, the disappearance of the corporate franchise tax and the introduction of the commercial activity tax.
While pledging not to increase taxes, Strickland addressed the members of the legislature and said his administration is determined to live within its means and invest only in those things that truly matter.
On March 15 everyone will learn what Gov. Strickland thinks really matters.
