Staff and wire reports

TAFT'S SCORECARD

What happened to last year's State of the State proposals by Gov. Bob Taft: Proposal: Taft proposes raising taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Result: Lawmakers refuse, forcing Taft to cut about $100 million from schools. Proposal: Taft proposes revamping the state's tax code, a plan that would increase taxes by more than $2 billion over two years. Result: Lawmakers largely ignore the plan. Proposal: Taft calls for "new transportation revenue." Result: Lawmakers go along with a 6-cent increase in the state gasoline tax over three years.

WATCH THE SPEECH

Gov. Bob Taft delivers the State of the State speech at noon today. TV: WCET (Channel 48); Ohio News Network. Web: Go to Cincinnati.Com for previous State of the State speeches. Keyword: State of the state Live Web cast

STATE OF THE STATE

Frontier awards: • Third Frontier Project Awards 2002-2004 Tuesday's story: • Taft's address will set agenda Monday's story: • Blackwell tax drive sets stage for race Sunday's stories: • Taft sticks with high-tech goal • Third Frontier's three-legged plan two-thirds funded • Third Frontier Project Awards Editorial: • The real State of Ohio Borgman cartoon: • No Girly State

COLUMBUS - Jobs and programs to help jump-start the economy are expected to dominate Gov. Bob Taft's sixth State of the State speech today.

The state's unemployment rate was 6 percent in December, up from 5.7 percent in November. Ohio unemployment has risen from 4 percent four years ago.

Of particular concern are manufacturing jobs, which provide employment to about 850,000 people.

The state has lost more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs in the last three years.

"Ohio manufacturing continues to face enormous pressures," Taft said last month.

Taft blamed often-unfair overseas competition and rising costs of health benefits, energy, regulation, litigation and pensions.

To help reverse job losses, the governor wants lawmakers to pass bills limiting lawsuits against companies and reducing workers comp costs, Taft said in the speech.

There's more at stake for Taft, a Republican in his second and final term, than just reducing unemployment.

President Bush will rely on Taft to deliver Ohio in November. No Republican has gained the White House without winning Ohio.