Politicians are masters of the “flattery will get you everywhere” strategy. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is no exception. Still, it was nice to hear his take on the good things happening during his visit to the Buckeye State last week.

“What I saw here today is something that I want to bottle up and I want to spread across the country,” Cardona told the Ohio Capital Journal. “When we talk about investing in America, this is what we’re talking about.”

Rehearsed or not, there is some real truth in Cardona’s assessment that Ohio is doing important things by linking education to economic development.

He also was correct to point out the need to spread that message, as students and parents may still need help adjusting their thinking.

“The more we do that proactive outreach … the more they’re going to understand how this is not only good for the economy, but this is good for families, this is good for kids,” he said.

That means it’s good for Ohio. Lawmakers, public officials, educators and employers must take note. The choice to work together and move forward is making a difference.