Friends and Neighbors,
I’m honored to represent the 80th district and to be a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
I am committed to the people of Darke and Miami Counties. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
If you need help connecting with a state or local agency or would like to talk about legislation to improve Miami and Darke Counties, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Johnathan Newman
State Representative
House District 80
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The Office of District 80 is Working Hard!
So far this General Assembly, I have had 55 different meetings with constituents and colleagues about various topics including new legislation and different issues I am addressing in my district.
I've also addressed 16 constituent concerns over the last two months, and have taken several hundred calls and responded to several hundred emails. The constituents of my district are a top priority of mine and I look forward to working with them more in the future.
*Pictured above, Rep. Newman meeting with constituents from his district.
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Representatives Newman and Bird Introduce Legislation Updating Community Annexation Provisions
I've been hearing from a number of constituents about how much the annexation issue in Bethel Township is affecting the community and Bethel Schools. My hope has been to do something to support the Miami County Commissioners and Bethel Township Trustees in their efforts. Reform is needed in Ohio's annexation laws. So, I am glad to announce that Representative Adam Bird and I introduced House Bill 113, which we think will bring balance and fairness to communities. This legislation will update the law when a community is considering annexation, providing the opportunity for more input from community leaders in these instances.
House Bill 113 grants county commissioners the authority to veto any annexation they determine to not be in the best interest of the county or community, including expedited annexations. Under current law, expedited annexations may not be vetoed by the county commissioners.
“An unbalanced approach to annexation can bring lasting, negative consequences to a community. House Bill 113 seeks to safeguard against those,” said Representative Newman. “We especially must protect our children’s schools from taking the brunt of those consequences which will continue to happen without better balance in the law.”
This proposed legislation seeks to:
- Prevent overcrowding of schools;
- Prevent overly aggressive annexation; and
- Allow county commissioners to object to annexation.
 Pictured left, Rep. Newman. Pictured right, Rep. Bird.
Representative Newman Supports Senate Bill 1
The legislature is committed to safeguarding diversity of thought in our institutions of higher education. Senate Bill 1 was introduced by my colleague, Senator Jerry Cirino, which works to accomplish this while ensuring that institutions are putting students first.
Property Tax Relief
I've heard from many constituents about the sharp rise in property taxes within our community and across Ohio. With inflation driving up real estate values, we recognize the burden this places on homeowners. That's why we're committed to taking action this year to address the issue. I look forward to working with my colleagues at the statehouse to pass meaningful legislation that provides relief.
If you have any questions or if my office can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Office Decorations
Since officially moving into my new office, I've been working to make it the best decorated office in Columbus. This is the 80th district people's office, so I want it to reflect the people and the locally owned businesses, who make our community so great. Numerous local business names, logos, and photos are filling up my office walls. Please stop by for a visit one day if you are in town and call 614-466-8114 to coordinate with our office.
If you know of a local business that should be included or featured in my office, please send me their name and photo.
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