Governor John Kasich, who might be considering a bid for president in 2016, will likely reflect on past economic improvements during Tuesday’s speech.
Job growth and higher education will likely factor into Gov. John Kasich’s 2015 State of the State address slated for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Wilmington, Ohio.
The address will be the first in Kasich’s second term of office after his landslide re-election in November.
Some think the governor might nod to a potential presidential bid for the 2016 elections, considering Kasich’s visit to South Carolina earlier this month to promote a federal balanced-budget initiative.
Similarly, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another apparent GOP presidential-hopeful, visited Iowa in February. Many national pundits and news outlets drew parallels between notes struck in Christie’s speech and a desire to run for the highest office of the land.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, also traveled to Iowa, known for its caucuses that typically kick off the primary season and serve as a first-glance for who might win each party’s presidential nomination, earlier this year.
South Carolina voters, however, have typically cemented GOP candidates in their primary.
Kasich’s speech on Tuesday will mostly likely focus on the governor’s policies thus far and his plans for the state looking forward.
“I think the governor will say that while the state is doing pretty well and while we’re recovering ... we’re still lagging behind,” Richard Vedder, professor emeritus of economics at Ohio University, said.
Vedder said the governor could also discuss his creation of a nine-member task force that would investigate methods to reduce tuition at in-state universities.
The task force was created through executive order on Feb. 10, and is set to look at ways universities or community colleges could cut operating costs.
Rob Nichols, the spokesman for Kasich’s office, said Kasich will likely draw attention to the state’s economic developments since Kasich took office in 2011.
Since 2011, Ohio’s unemployment rate has dropped to 4.8 percent, which is below the national average of 5.7 percent, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I think you can expect he will note the progress (the state has) made so far,” Nichols said.
Historically, Kasich has used the State of the State address to discuss his annual budget proposal.
That proposal for 2016-17 was released earlier this month.
“We’ve laid out a clear vision for Ohio … (but) we want everyone to know that we’re not out of the woods yet,” Nichols said.
The proposal that is now pending changes from the state legislature, set an increase in sales tax to 6.25 percent in exchange for a 23 percent reduction in income taxes.
That figure does not factor in local sales tax figures that would result in a combined total of more than 6.25 percent. Athens has a 7 percent sales tax rate.
In a previous Post report, Senator Lou Gentile, D-Steubenville, said he was skeptical of the plan, calling it a “reverse-Robin Hood” approach.
But Nichols said he doesn’t expect Kasich to feel the need to “defend” his proposal.
“We’re confident about our policies and now’s not the time to step down,” he said.
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