State Representative Jennifer Gross
March 2025 Newsletter
Legislative Updates
Microenterprise Home Kitchens and Cottage Food Reform Introduced
Representative Jennifer Gross and Representative Latyna Humphrey recently introduced the Microenterprise Home Kitchens and Cottage Food Reform, or MEHKO. This bill works to reduce unnecessary barriers for food entrepreneurs by modernizing the cottage food industry.
The bill creates a registration tool that allows entrepreneurs to sell perishable and shelf-stable foods directly to consumers, with the requirement to undergo home kitchen inspections and comply with existing public health guidelines. The bill also removes the limits on where cottage food can be sold. The goal of this legislation is to create economic competition in which small businesses can operate on the same playing field as large-scale operations.
“This legislation aligns with the growing demand for locally sourced food that connects people to their neighbors and small farms and bolsters local economies,” said Representative Gross. “By enabling consumers to buy a greater variety of fresh, homemade products, we are not just opening economic doors but also contributing to a healthier Ohio.”
State of the State
Governor DeWine addressed a joint session of the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 12, delivering his annual State of the State address.
In his remarks, Governor DeWine highlighted the business projects and achievements from the past twelve months. Representative Gross looks forward to what the General Assembly can accomplish for Ohio’s taxpayers and businesses in the next year.
District 45 Happenings
Butler County Auditor Property Tax Briefing
On March 31, Butler County Auditor Nancy Nix is hosting a property tax briefing. This event, held in part through the County Auditor Association, serves to educate legislators and members of the public on complicated issues surrounding local government. The meeting also provides recommendations to lawmakers on how to address these problems at the state level. Representative Gross hopes you’ll attend.
Representative Report
The Governor’s budget recommendations were released on February 3rd. Since then, my colleagues and I have been hearing from the public and various interested parties to identify priorities for the Operating Budget. Budget legislation will be drafted in the Ohio House to allocate state funds and enact policies, which will be voted on before being sent to the Ohio Senate in early April.
As the House Finance Committee reviews the budget legislation, multiple committees conducted hearings on specific sections of the budget. The Medicaid Committee listened to input from the public and the Ohio Department of Medicaid regarding their priorities and recommendations for the Medicaid segment of the budget.
Suggestions from each legislator will be submitted to the House Finance Committee, which will evaluate and consolidate budget amendments proposed by each member. This budget draft will then be put to a full vote on the House floor. Once approved, the budget is forwarded to the Senate for further hearings.
The Senate will then hold hearings to receive public input and draft changes to the budget to reflect their priorities. Once the Senate approves their version of the budget, the two chambers negotiate to pass a final budget.
As the Operating Budget is developed, I will continue to advocate for wise use of the resources of Ohioans and smart spending of taxpayer dollars.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Gross - District 45
Rep45@ohiohouse.gov
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