In his annual State of the State address today, Governor Ted Strickland declared “The state of our state is unyielding.  Unyielding in the face of the global economic turmoil. Unyielding in the face of budget cuts and job loss. Unyielding in the knowledge that we are more than our challenges. And unyielding in the belief that Ohio will always be not just our home but our hope.”  The theme of Mr. Strickland’s speech was “I believe in Ohio,” a theme he’s likely to use on the campaign trail as he seeks a second term this fall.  The Governor also outlined several new proposals and urged the joint session to give immediate consideration to some of the measures currently pending in the General Assembly.

A great focus was placed on alternative energy technology, which the Governor believes can create the jobs needed to drive Ohio out of the economic downturn.  The Governor called upon the joint session to adopt legislation eliminating the Tangible Personal Property Tax for wind and solar facilities that begin construction in 2010, produce energy by 2012, and create Ohio jobs.  He also called on the legislature to establish the “Energy Gateway Fund” using $30 million in federal stimulus money and $10 million in state funds to provide grants for alternative energy storage and distribution. 

Mr. Strickland also announced two executive agency priorities which he believes will help spur growth in the state.  State Treasurer Kevin Boyce and the Department of Development will work with banks to provide working capital for Ohio’s small businesses.  In addition, Attorney General Rich Cordray is brokering a contract between the University System of Ohio and Proctor & Gamble which will create a partnership between the Cincinnati-based company and state university faculty for research and development.  The Governor also called on the Auto Industry Support Council to develop a similar program with Ohio’s auto manufacturers.

Finally, Governor Strickland outlined a number of the cost-savings measures his Administration has undertaken including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which he said has saved 796 million dollars by billing third parties who should have been responsible for payment.  The Governor also expressed his pride in the fact that the number of state employees is at its lowest level since the 1980s. 

For a full transcript of Governor Strickland’s 2010 State of the State address, click here.