Good Intentions

In a world where good intentions seem to be the root for all bad policy decision this may take the cake. Right here in NW Ohio we have State Sen. Stephen Buehrer (R. from Delta) who has proposed a $2,500, $5000 and $10,000 grant for a select 300 individuals who have recently received a college degree. Based on the degree will be the base for the amount of the  grant. 

The purpose for the grant is to encourage college graduates to stay in Ohio. Ohio is facing a huge problem called the "brain drain". Our young minds learning everything they need here and moving far away to find jobs. 

To it's credit this plan does not cost the tax payer any more than what they have already paid. However, is this the best use for the money? Let's think about this. How much more money could I make over my life time by choosing to live and work somewhere else? Ohio's high paying jobs are declining yearly. Is it possible that I could make far more than $10,000 a year let alone my life some place else? The chances are, yes I could. 

If the purpose is to keep our bright young minds here then this is a bad idea no matter how good the intention maybe. So instead of offering grants to buy a home, let's offer jobs. Good jobs. Jobs that make people want to buy homes and raise their kids here. Jobs that make people from all over the country want to buy here. That would give us all a reason to live here.