Ohio Senate Weighs in on Higher Education Funding

As a parent of a student at an Ohio college, I have been closely watching how the promise of Governor Ted Strickland to put more money into higher education was going to actually develop, hoping that it wouldn't take until my son was through college altogether.

I am here to say today that I am greatly encouraged that this initiative will actually take place, as the Ohio Senate, on the heels of the Governor's vision of more money for higher education in exchange for tuition caps and House Speaker Jon Husted's adding of $100 million for aid initiatives with modest hikes in state support, has contributed the the thought of expanding state funding which allows for a two-year tuition freeze. In addition, they have proposed adding a special scholarship fund for community colleges as well as an initiative to entice top research and development specialists to Ohio universities. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is, Democrats and Republicans in Ohio continue to show signs of the example of bipartisanship that all politicians should aspire to.

This highly focused, huge commitment during one particular financial cycle for the state means real potential for immediate return on investment. Families and students can plan for years down the line for the expenses necessary to continue education in Ohio, more opportunities to obtain funding will be available and don't underestimate the impact of the commitment to community college's either. For some students "on the bubble" of continuing their educations, this could be just the thing that could them over the top and make it a reality as opposed to a dream for some.

Longer term, imagine the impact on the economy of Ohio, which as of today is in the "red zone" on the in danger scale, but continues to creep ever so slowly back to the at least the "yellow", or caution zone on its way hopefully to "green" or in this case prosperity.