But John Kasich’s haste to start governing before he even takes office is placing programs that could help Ohio’s economy at risk.
One gets the impression that if Gov. Ted Strickland was for it, Kasich is against it.
The 3C rail line would have had a stop in downtown Springfield and certainly would have been a boost to our economy and the state’s.
Kasich’s point is that the rail line will require a subsidy. That’s no secret. Every passenger service requires government help. So too do the roads that passenger cars run on.
A closer look at Kasich’s plan to get Ohio’s economy moving based on his campaign statements is worrisome.
At its core is a vow to lower the cost of government and thereby lower taxes. If all it took was low taxes, Wyoming, Mississippi and Alaska would be up to their necks in businesses.
The tax rate is certainly important, but businesses also need an educated workforce, a good place to raise families and, yes, a good transportation system.
Ohio’s taxes are not at the root of what hit its economy. Blame the decline in manufacturing capped by the national economic meltdown. A lowering tide strands all ships.
The Ohio budget by law has to be balanced, but that fact doesn’t give Kasich license to cut without thinking about the consequences. The $400 million in federal funds he is turning down would have meant Ohio jobs. That money will still provide jobs, but in another state.
He also may be gambling with the $400 million Ohio won for its Race to the Top education grant. While his office says it won’t endanger the grant, Kasich says he will ditch part of Strickland’s education plan. If that is interpreted as a significant change to the plan that was submitted, goodbye $400 million.
Kasich is now promising to allow a 4.2 percent state income tax cut to take effect while trying to plug an $8 billion budget shortfall.
Magical thinking meets campaign promises.
With Republicans in control of all branches of state government, it’s quite possible the new governor can radically change the landscape of the state.
Cuts are likely to target big ticket items like education, mental health and Medicaid.
That landscape will be littered with victims who can’t do much to fight back.
But they will be visible and the people who might bring jobs here aren’t going to like what they see when they look at Ohio.