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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republicans who control the Ohio Legislature announced a slew of legislative priorities on Wednesday that include setting up a drug prison for addicted inmates and creating a $100 million grant program for college students seeking in-demand jobs in the state.
The GOP majority's agenda for the session comes as Republican Gov. John Kasich prepares to unveil his two-year budget on Monday.
The House and Senate GOP caucuses announced their plans to reporters in separate Statehouse news conferences on Wednesday, offering some details on specific bills, along with broad areas on which they want to focus.
One measure pitched by House Republicans would provide grants of up to $5,000 to eligible college students seeking careers in nursing, manufacturing and other occupations identified by the state as in-demand jobs. Successful applicants to the $100 million workforce grant program also could get an income tax credit of 25 percent of their annual student loan payments.
"We want to make sure our students are taking the coursework and securing a certificate or degree that will meet the demands of our employers," said State Rep. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican and bill sponsor. He said he wasn't sure yet how many students could get the grants or how much the tax credit could cost the state.
Majority House Republicans said the proposal was part of a six-year plan focused on competiveness, energy, education and health care.
Senate President Keith Faber said Republicans will urge Ohio's corrections agency to set up a drug prison where addicted inmates can get treatment and lead better lives.
"The courts are looking for opportunities to make sure they can help stop this revolving door, particularly in drug areas," Faber said.
He said he didn't know how much it would cost Ohio to operate such a facility.
Other Senate GOP plans include pushing universities to cut students' costs by 5 percent, increasing the 20-year statute of limitations for prosecuting rape cases and cracking down on powered caffeine.
Kasich and legislative Republicans overlap in some priorities, such as putting tougher rules on charter schools and tackling water quality issues like the algae fouling the water in Lake Erie. Democrats have also called for action on both fronts.
Charter schools have come under increased scrutiny in the state.
A recent study by Stanford University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes found that Ohio charter schools' performance results are mediocre.
Students attending charter schools fall behind their counterparts in traditional public schools by 14 days on average in reading and 43 days in math over the course of a school year, according to the report.
House Republicans planned to introduce a measure on Wednesday aimed at improving accountability and transparency around charter schools.
Rep. Kristina Roegner, a Hudson Republican and the bill's co-sponsor, said it would require school sponsors to annually report what they spend to monitor or provide technical assistance to charter schools. The Department of Education also would be required to annually report the performance records of the charter school operators.
Senate Republicans said they were also working on the issue.
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