Governor Kasich's Inaugural Speech

THE PROMISE OF THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

In the inaugural address for his second term of office, Gov. John Kasich recounted the progress Ohio has made since 2011, turning an $8 billion state budget deficit into what is now a structurally balanced budget with a $1.5 billion surplus. He took pride in two other first-term accomplishments: expanding Medicaid to Ohioans whom he characterized as having been left behind, and transforming Ohio's broken-down economic development system into one that is more innovative and job-friendly. He also noted the reforms his administration has made to our education system that previously was too fixated on adults and buildings and equipment but which now is geared to serving children.

However, he lamented with equal fervor that the erosion of the basic values that made America and Ohio great - such as personal responsibility, resilience, empathy, teamwork, family and faith - has become the most serious problem the state faces today. He emphasized the need to work together going forward, saying "We are Ohioans. We are Americans. We can't be partisans and we cannot be extreme ideologues if we're going to deal with the problems in America."

The governor's speech did not advance any new policies he might pursue during the next four years, much less any details about tax reform or other ideas he may propose in the 2016-17 executive budget to be unveiled next month. Consequently, we wait until early February to hear how he plans to continue the growth of Ohio's economy we have seen during the previous four years. Read the Governor's Speech.