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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > February > 06 > Entry
Cates holds sway on education reform
Ohio Senator Gary Cates has been named chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Committee assignments were announced today by Ohio Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican of Ashland. Cates’ position will include leading a group to dissect Governor Strickland’s education plan and move forward with debate and discussion on the state budget bill.
“I think it’s great that we have the connectivity with Sen. Cates in this important leadership area,” said Lakota School Board President Jamie Green. “We look forward to working with him on the important issue of the Governor’s education reform and funding package.”
Cates recently expressed his interest in the committee during a Lakota District Parent Council meeting. He said much of the state misunderstands Lakota, and his role as chair will give a local voice to it and other fast-growing districts like Monroe and Mason.
“I’m committed this term to commit myself to education issues,” he said. “Personally, I like the idea of keeping your tax dollars here so you can control them,” he said. “Once you send it up to Columbus, it’s gone.”
He also said he wants to see the money follow the student, ending the funding formula guarantee.
“Sen. Cates has always been extremely supportive of the Monroe Local Schools,” said Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli. “The funding formula — if he can actually work through those types of issues — I think Monroe could benefit.”
The state budget must be approved by June 30.
School quality and accessibility from preschool to graduate school is critical to bettering the lives of students and their families, Cates said.
“It also builds a lasting foundation to encourage business development in our communities, create and retain jobs and grow Ohio’s economy,” Cates said in a release. “I am honored to have been chosen to lead such an important committee, and I look forward to continuing my work to better educational opportunities for the residents of Butler County and Ohioans across the state.”
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