My Fellow Ohioans,

      Ohio's commitment to sound fiscal management, conservative estimates and restrained spending has served our state well over the past six years. Fiscal stability is — and will continue to be — the most important signal Ohio can send job creators. As a result, new and existing Ohio businesses have generated nearly 450,000 new private-sector jobs in our state since 2011, while Ohioans' wages have grown faster than the national average.

      My Executive Budget for the next two fiscal years will again begin with conservative, responsible priorities that make government leaner, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of Ohioans.

      Once again we build on the ideas we have shown are working: spending restraint, tax cuts and reform, and helping Ohioans prepare for in-demand jobs. It also takes on challenges such as keeping Ohio abreast of emerging technologies and waging the fight against drug abuse and addiction.

      This formula will keep our state economically competitive and a step ahead.

      At the same time, we are moving forward with ideas that position Ohio to remain a leader in advancing cutting-edge research in transportation and the self-driving future, as well as drone technology, data analytics and cyber security. By doing so, we will give Ohio a major advantage as new industries and develop in ways we cannot yet imagine.

      Making Ohio more competitive also means we must make our tax code friendlier to job creators and entrepreneurs. That is why the budget proposes shrinking the number of state income tax brackets and reforming Ohio's tax code in ways that bring more common sense to our tax system.

      As we work to secure Ohio's future, we must continue to transform our education and workforce training systems to help Ohioans be more competitive in the global marketplace. That is why the budget pursues innovative new ideas to create stronger ties between businesses and education in order to better prepare Ohioans of all ages for success.

      At the end of the day it is Ohioans — not government — that make Ohio strong and vibrant. Empowering Ohioans and tearing down barriers to their success should be government's mission. Together we can continue to make this state the best place to work, live and raise our families.

God bless Ohio!

John R. Kasich
Governor