The State of Ohio is a weekly news program spotlighting the latest happenings at the Statehouse, in the Governor’s office, at the Ohio Supreme Court and throughout the Buckeye State. Award-winning host Karen Kasler presents viewers with unique analysis and thoughtful perspective on important issues of statewide interest through interviews with political leaders, newsmakers, experts and Ohio citizens. The State of Ohio is the only TV show to bring to Ohioans the latest news about taxes, voting, education and other critical matters from where it all happens -- Capitol Square.

Friday, November 21, 2008

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The chief of the state’s job and family services department has been suspended without pay for a month for improperly using state computers to find personal information on "Joe the Plumber”. Ohio has executed a Toledo-area murderer who went to his death saying he'd been framed and was the victim of poor legal help. Gov. Ted Strickland started a new round of forums on education this week – but this time, they’re money talks. And the governor’s budget chief tells lawmakers the state will likely have to make even deeper spending cuts because of economic "storm clouds."

With all the talk of bailouts and stimulus packages and other tools that might get the economy going again, it’s easy to forget that there was a one and a half billion dollar economic stimulus package passed and signed in Ohio almost six months ago. The state is now beginning to parcel out those funds, starting with the $150 million that will be put into alternative energy and clean coal projects. The governor’s energy adviser, Mark Shanahan, and his assistant Kimberly Gibson talk about the process of handing out those grants and loans.

One and a half million people live in the third of the state officially categorized as “Appalachia”. But 22 of those 29 counties have unemployment rates above the state’s average, and in three of those counties, at least 10 percent of the population is out of work, and at least 44 percent makes less than the median household income. Though the region is home to five colleges and universities, just 12.3 percent of the population has a four-year degree, and nearly 22 percent did not graduate from high school. So access to education is a top issue for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, now celebrating 10 years of life as the only philanthropic organization to represent the region. State Senator Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton) and Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, talk about the foundation’s mission and its progress over the past decade.

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