September 19, 2008

NEWS: Strickland orders more budget cuts

COLUMBUS

Governor Ted Strickland has ordered a $540 million budget cut in response to the terrible U.S. economy. During an interview, Strickland seemed genuinely concerned about Ohio's economy as well as the budget.

"While it may be raining now," Strickland said in an interview with Jeff Bell. "I fear a much larger storm is looming ahead of us."

Strickland believes Ohio is one of 29 states that are projected to face continual budget cuts. He wrote to President Bush asking that Washington does something in response for the states that are being damaged by the overall economy drop off.

-What this means for us-

Though massive cuts are being made, Strickland promised that the money toward tax reduction for seniors, children's health care, college tuition freeze and funding for local schools would be untouched. 

I was not aware, and still am not of a college tuition freeze or the continual increase for school funding. When Strickland ran for governor, his cornerstone was education. Admittedly, I have been outraged at Strickland because the cost of college went up thousands of dollars before my freshman year at Ohio University and I saw my high school still making pointless budget cuts due to a shortage of funding. 

I promise to write an update when my second year of college bills begins, and we'll see if he holds to his word. Being smart about the budget is a necessity in this country, especially in these difficult times. Education should be the number one priority, always.

Students should not be forced to scrape their way through college, and parents shouldn't have to stress over $20,000 in-state tuition. Schools should be able to have paper supply rooms with actual paper and pens in them. 

If Strickland can keep to his word, uphold education in Ohio and keep it away from the budget chopping block, than I may have to reconsider my anti-Strickland stance. Thats a big IF. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

When the economy's going up in flames, it's near impossible for anybody to halt price increases anywhere.