Ohio voters support research dollars to encourage jobs and economic development
It’s appropriate to say thank you to thousands of Ohioans who voted to support State Issue One in the May primary election. The measure, extending Ohio’s Third Frontier program was approved by 62% of Ohioans voting in the election.
Third Frontier is Ohio's $1.6 billion, 10-year investment project created in 2002 to support technology-based economic development through strategically focused programs. These programs, in turn, support university-based research, encourage collaborative (i.e., public-private) research and commercialization activities, and spur high-tech innovation, company formation and job creation. Issue 1, technically a constitutional amendment, gives the state another $700 million in bonds to extend Third Frontier from its current scheduled expiration date in 2012 until 2016.
State Issue One’s overwhelming victory is a strong signal of support for University based research programs and the undeniable fact that higher education and the state’s economy are inextricably linked.
Thanks also goes to hundreds of people throughout the state who worked hard to ensure that the people of Ohio heard the message. The higher education community was mobilized to support the issue and the results were apparent.
There are many tough issues confronting our state and tight budgets will be with us for years to come, but voters across Ohio seem to recognize the wisdom of supporting innovation, creativity and collaboration between business and our Universities.
Thank you.
Message from IUC President Bruce Johnson...