Gov launches college funding effort

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Gov. John Kasich wants Ohio's public colleges and universities to work together to identify how best to divide higher education dollars in the next state budget.

Kasich joined higher education officials Tuesday at a news conference to kick off the process. His two-year budget comes out early in 2013.

The Republican says he wants to start funding higher education based on how many students graduate instead of how many are enrolled.

Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee will head the group considering the issue. Gee says the goal is to have recommendations for Kasich by Thanksgiving.

Kasich previously enlisted Gee to lead an effort for schools to work together on their construction budgets. His spokesman says Kasich would like to see similar coordination on operating expenses.