SANDUSKY – Gov. John Kasich has called for devoting $20 million — and Ohio’s famous ingenuity — to scientific breakthroughs in opiate addiction and pain relief.
“There are things that can work with the brain if we can research and push. That’s why we’re going to spend $20 million,” he said during Tuesday’s State of the State speech inside a Sandusky theater.
The Republican governor called upon the Third Frontier Commission, which develops the state’s research and technology economy, to spearhead the effort. The commission was created in 2002 by Republican Gov. Bob Taft. It’s guided by an advisory board and would use existing funds.
Kasich says the funds will target existing, proven ideas, including a device that connects to someone’s ear that can relieve pain and block the effects of opiate withdrawal.
Stopping drug use starts at home. Talking to your kids makes a real impact. Learn how: https://t.co/lK0HMfLy1m #OHSotS
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) April 5, 2017
Many of Ohio’s top tier research institutions, including Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State University, already have such research underway.
“Governor Kasich’s proposed funding to combat the problem of opioid addiction is applauded and welcomed by everyone,” said Dr. Sheldon Retchin, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “The governor’s leadership is a vital component in this national effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate the destructive impact of addiction.”
“We commend Governor Kasich’s commitment and action to fight the drug epidemic here in Ohio and applaud his continued support of those struggling with addiction through his support of Medicaid,” said Randy Runyon, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers.
Ohioans have long been known as risk takers, and it's made the world a better place. #OHSOTS pic.twitter.com/noNPFxvHOO
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) April 4, 2017
Invoking the names of Ohio inventors Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers, Kasich told his audience of lawmakers and state officials that Ohio must be ready to embrace change, and provide the needs of business and industry in the 21st Century in order to attract and keep jobs, or be swept under by a changing tide.
“Change is coming whether we like it or not so let’s accept the change but reject the fear and the hesitancy and the unwillingness to prepare,” he said. “We must get ahead of this coming tsunami.”
Kasich called for the establishment of the Ohio Institute of Technology, headed up by a chief innovation officer, to help the state adjust to advances, such as those envisioned through the smart transportation initiative that will use US 33 and the Ohio Turnpike as development tools for such things as autonomous vehicles.
Kasich’s critics have bemoaned the rate of Ohio’s job growth since the recession.
Ohio's 2016 job growth worst since recession. Jobs grew by 0.9% & nation grew by 1.6% @JohnKasich #OHSOTS #RealOhiohttps://t.co/t5Tg8sNooy pic.twitter.com/UauCvCbqxp
— Policy Matters Ohio (@PolicyMattersOH) April 4, 2017
“It is imperative that Ohio provides the skills needed to the workers of today for the jobs of tomorrow. An investment like this today pays dividends in the future for Ohio’s economic growth,” said Roger Geiger, vice president and executive director of the Ohio chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses.
Kasich also renewed his call for cuts in the state income tax and for Ohio’s “convoluted” municipal tax system to be revised to make the state more attractive to employers.