The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission likes to spend tax dollars on places and institutions that would probably do just fine on their own. The commission has provided funding to the Columbus-based BalletMet ($250,000), the Cincinnati Ballet ($200,000), the NFL Hall of Fame ($1.65 million) and the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center ($300,000).

It has also funded the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, which will receive $2 million from the commission this year.

The Freedom Center is a top-notch museum and historical repository. It ably tells the story of the brave men and women who fought against the terrible injustice of slavery. The center has also become a point of pride in Cincinnati and an important community asset.

In its first year, the center had 280,000 visitors, 20,000 more than expected. In addition, the city’s philanthropic community has embraced the center and rewarded its work with generous contributions. In fact, two extraordinarily generous donors matched every donation to the center’s annual fund up to $450,000.

The center is an excellent example of an institution thriving because it adds value to the community. It does not need government money. The state should leave its funding in the capable hands of the civic leaders and corporate citizens who have made it a success.

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