Friday, March 21, 2014

Chamber Issues Endorsements

LICKING COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES SOUTHWEST LICKING LOCAL SCHOOLS AND STATE ISSUE 1



The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the endorsement of two bonds appearing on the May 6th ballot that it believes will serve to promote education and growth in the Licking County Community.

A 6.1 Mill Bond for Southwest Licking Local Schools will appear on the ballot May 6th, for the purpose of raising $66,526,366 to fund much needed improvements for the district. With the passing of the proposed bond, Southwest Licking Local Schools will be able to renovate four existing facilities and construct a new Watkins Memorial High school and elementary school. Funds will also be allocated for smaller projects that will increase energy efficiency and decrease maintenance costs. The project will be directed by a master plan created with the Ohio Classroom Facilities Assistance Program. In addition, the OCFAP will match $42,462,230 in funding to complete the project. Southwest Licking students have been experiencing overcrowding since at least 2007 as a result of state standards and newer educational methods. Gradually increasing enrollment rates are compounding the problem making the need for expansion and renovation imperative.

The Chamber also gladly endorses State Issue 1 to renew the State Capital Improvements Program that has been building and improving infrastructure, and creating jobs in Ohio for 27 years. Voting yes on May 6th will allow Ohio to continue to thrive as a great place to live and operate businesses. To date, the State Capital Improvements Program has completed over 11,500 projects and created 64,000 jobs. This great program has accomplished all of this progress without ever raising citizens’ taxes. Since its inception in 1987, 75.1 million dollars in improvement funds have been spent on roads, bridges, sewers, and water projects across the Licking County Community.

For more information on the Southwest Licking Local Schools Bond or State Issue 1 contact the Licking County Chamber of Commerce at 740-345-9757 or visit www.lickingcountychamber.com

                                   

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