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Universities, community colleges and independents back budget but press for steady SSI and careful implementation
Summary
Representatives of Ohio’s public universities, community colleges and independent colleges told the House committee they support elements of the governor’s budget—merit scholarships, direct admissions and workforce initiatives—while urging sustained state share of instruction (SSI) funding, caution on wage‑outcome implementation, and additional investments for TalentReady and student success.
Leaders from Ohio’s broad higher‑education sector testified in support of many proposals in Governor DeWine’s executive budget but urged steady foundational funding and careful implementation of new metrics.
Laura Linnice, president and CEO of the Inter University Council of Ohio (IUC), told the committee the IUC supports student access initiatives such as the Governor’s Merit Scholarship but urged a predictable increase in foundational SSI funding—specifically a 2 percent annual increase (testimony estimated roughly $43 million annually)—to preserve research capacity, workforce training and long‑term competitiveness. Linnice highlighted research partnerships and co‑op placement data and argued state investment fuels economic development.
Avi Zafini, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, said community colleges serve roughly 250,000 Ohioans annually and play a primary workforce role. Zafini praised direct admissions pilots and the Tech Talent Initiative, supported adding wage outcomes to SSI funding, and asked for data‑driven implementation to avoid penalizing rural or lower‑wage regions. He also supported the $10 million technician bonuses and requested an additional $20 million over the biennium to expand TalentReady scholarships and program development.
Todd Jones of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio emphasized that independent nonprofit colleges receive no state operating dollars and urged options to opt‑in to programs like guaranteed admission. Jones noted the executive budget’s OCOG funding adjustments (first year ~ $220 million; second year ~ $207 million) and urged targeting scarce need‑based funds toward tuition and fees.
Across testimony, institutions agreed on priorities—workforce alignment, student success and maintaining access—while committee members sought more granular data on retention, FAFSA outcomes, and how wage data will be sourced and applied. Witnesses also described operational reforms they are pursuing, such as collaborative purchasing and shared cybersecurity services, to reduce costs.
The committee will consider these inputs as staff draft budget language and amendments; witnesses said they are available to provide follow‑up data and technical assistance.
