Strickland triples $ for African-American commission

Among the biggest winners in Gov. Ted Strickland's proposed 2008-09 state budget is the Commission on African-American Males.

The commission's annual budget would go up from $292,000 this fiscal year to $792,000 next year and to nearly $1.3 million in fiscal year 2009.

Steve Reece of Monfort Heights, a recent gubernatorial appointee to the commission, sees it as a sign Strickland means action.

Reece, a one-time congressional candidate and longtime activist in Cincinnati Democratic politics, said, "Strickland knows that I've been active, and I figure this guy would not have appointed me if he wanted to take a passive role."

Reece's appointment pays expenses only.

The commission works toward the improvement of the quality of life for African-American males in Ohio by identifying problems and solutions in the areas of education, health, economics and criminal justice.

Reece said he hopes the commission will focus on employment: "We have to look at the jobs segment and the entrepreneur segment, creating jobs,'' he said today.

Reece founded "Operation Step-up," a group that engages nearly 1,000 young people and challenges them to become productive citizens by developing their musical talents.