Ohio loses over $3.5 billion a year in revenue after a decade of tax cuts. In return, Ohio students have seen budget cuts and tuition hikes. Since 2000, Ohio has cut state investment per student by more than 43%. While other states have seen a decline, the national decline of investment is only 23%.
During recent budget debates, we heard some state policymakers acknowledge that we need to reduce tuition for students. To an extent, we have started to do that – since 2013, tuition in Ohio has been reduced by 1.8% – a good start, but we are still $500 million below 2008 funding levels. 
More than 10 years of income tax cuts haven’t helped Ohio’s economy, but an investment in college affordability might do the trick. Affordable college will keep students here in Ohio, and attract the best and the brightest from neighboring states. Students graduating with less debt will be more likely to buy a car, house, or start a business because they don’t have a giant debt burden weighing them down.
Instead of a race to the bottom of the states, let’s race to the top!