Friends and Neighbors,
It's an honor to serve you in the 77th district. I look forward to working on conservative policy that delivers tax relief to Ohioans, spurs economic growth in our communities, and protects our second amendment rights.
Here's what I've been up to in the month of April!
Sincerely,
Meredith Craig
State Representative
District 77
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Legislation
House Passes H.B. 65: Celebrating Ohio Agriculture
This past month, I was proud to vote for House Bill 65, the Agriculture Appreciation Act. As someone who grew up in 4-H and FFA right here in Wayne County, this legislation means a lot to me personally, and I know it means a lot to the families and communities across our district who live and work in agriculture every day.
H.B. 65 officially recognizes several important weeks and days in the agricultural calendar, helping to shine a light on the people and practices that keep Ohio growing. These include:
- FFA Week – last full week of February
- 4-H Week – week ending in the second Saturday of March
- National Farmers Market Week – first full week of August
- Ohio Soil Health Week – second full week of November
- Stormwater Awareness Week – first full week of October
- Agriculture Day – March 21st
- Farmer’s Day – October 12th
Agriculture remains Ohio’s number one industry, contributing over $100 billion annually and employing one in seven Ohioans. We’re home to more than 75,000 farms, the vast majority of which are still family-owned. These are the people who feed us, steward our land, and support our rural economy.
Whether you’re a farmer, a backyard gardener, a member of 4-H or FFA, or someone who just appreciates fresh produce at your local market, this bill is about recognizing your role in keeping Ohio strong.
I’ll continue to champion policies that support our ag industry, protect our rural communities, and ensure the next generation of Ohioans sees a future in farming.
House Bill 133 - ICHRA Tax Credit
I’m proud to introduce H.B. 133, a bill designed to help small businesses in Ohio provide more affordable healthcare options to their employees. Under this proposed legislation, employers with 50 or fewer employees who contribute at least $400 annually to an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) would be eligible for a state tax credit.
This bill has garnered strong support from organizations like OSCAR Health, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and numerous health insurance brokers who work closely with small businesses to provide health benefits. These groups recognize that HRAs offer a flexible, cost-effective way for employers to assist their employees with healthcare costs, which is more crucial than ever in today’s economy.
What’s especially encouraging is that H.B. 133 has received no opposition so far, reflecting a broad consensus on its potential to help Ohio’s small businesses thrive while providing their employees with better healthcare options. I look forward to advancing this bill out of the Ohio House soon and working towards getting it passed into law, so we can support the small businesses that are the backbone of our state.
Constituents in Columbus
Akron Wayne College
I had the pleasure of visiting with students from Akron Wayne College and was truly inspired by their passion, drive, and diverse career ambitions. It’s clear they are receiving an exceptional, high-quality education that is not only affordable but also designed to support students at every stage of life. Their enthusiasm and dedication are a testament to the college’s commitment to student success.
Boys & Girls Club of Orrville, Youth of the Year Honoree Maddy Hofstetter
I recently had the honor of celebrating Maddy Hofstetter, this year's Youth of the Year honoree with the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club. Maddy was one of six nominees for the Ohio Youth of the Year award, representing the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Clubs.
Maddy exemplifies the values of leadership, resilience, and service that define the Youth of the Year program. She is dedicated to uplifting others and committed to personal growth. It was a privilege to recognize her achievements and to witness the positive impact she has on her peers and community.
Wayne County Public Library and Orrville Public Library
I had the pleasure of spending time with representatives from both the Orrville Public Library and the Wayne County Public Library during their visit to the Statehouse for Library Advocacy Day. Their dedication to literacy, access, and lifelong learning is truly invaluable to our region.
Ohio Council of County Officials
 I was happy to catch up with Wayne County Commissioner Jon Hofstetter and Wayne County Engineer Scott Miller earlier this month at the Ohio County Officials Reception!
Celebrating Our Local History with America 250-Ohio
I'm excited to share that the Wayne County Historical Society has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the America 250-Ohio Commission.
As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, this funding will help Wayne County shine a spotlight on its role in the story of our nation. The Historical Society plans to use the grant to educate both children and adults about our county’s contributions to the Revolutionary War and the formative years that followed.
Wayne County played an important part in the larger narrative of America’s founding. Through this project, we’ll have a chance not only to celebrate our history, but to better understand how our local story fits into the national one.
The America 250-Ohio Commission is made up of 29 members who are working hard to ensure that Ohio is well represented in this historic celebration. I’m grateful for their support and for their investment in local projects like ours.
District Meetings
Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties
I joined Commissioner Dave McMillen for a visit to Goodwill Industries of Wayne & Holmes Counties. We learned about their efforts in workforce development, how they support individuals dealing with benefit cliffs, and their strong partnerships with The Wooster Brush Company and Schaeffler to provide job opportunities.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Orrville Public Library
The Link/Society
I was grateful for the opportunity to visit The Link/Society and spend time with individuals they serve who are living with developmental disabilities. Hearing their stories and seeing the support they receive reaffirmed the importance of inclusive, person-centered care that empowers every individual to thrive.
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Ohio Chamber of Commerce Future of Manufacturing Summit in Partnership w/ the Wooster Chamber of Commerce
I had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Future of Manufacturing Summit, hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. Held at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, the summit brought together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to discuss the future of manufacturing in Ohio.
A key focus of the summit was on embracing artificial intelligence and smart automation to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. Discussions also highlighted significant barriers, including workforce development challenges and housing shortages, which can impede growth and innovation. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that Ohio's manufacturing base remains robust and adaptable in the face of evolving technological demands.
The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the state, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that support workforce training, infrastructure development, and the integration of advanced technologies. By tackling these challenges head-on, Ohio can position itself as a leader in the next generation of manufacturing.
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
 As Vice Chair of the House Insurance Committee, it was important for me to visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to deepen my understanding of how we can better protect Ohioans from the growing risks of catastrophic weather events. I joined fellow state leaders and industry stakeholders at their world-class research facility to see how science-driven solutions, such as stronger building standards and proactive mitigation strategies, can reduce damage, lower costs, and lead to a more stable, predictable insurance market.
This firsthand experience reinforced the need for state-level action, from updating building codes to investing in community education and infrastructure improvements. As we face increasing challenges from climate-related disasters, collaborative efforts between government, industry, and research institutions like IBHS are essential to safeguarding our communities and economies.
And as a bonus, I got to fire a 2x4 into a test house wall to see exactly how impactful high winds can be. It's one thing to hear about wind damage; it's another to watch it happen in real time.
NCOIL Spring Meeting in Charleston, SC
 I attended my first National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, where I joined House Insurance Chairman Brian Lampton and fellow legislators from across the country. We had the opportunity to hear from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the announcement of an initiative to expand access to cutting-edge treatments for sickle cell disease.
It was an insightful and productive gathering focused on model legislation and emerging trends that impact both the insurance industry and policyholders. From addressing affordability and access, to examining innovations in insurance technology and disaster resilience, the conversations we had at NCOIL are directly relevant to the work we’re doing in Ohio. Engaging with national experts and policymakers helps ensure that we’re staying ahead of the curve and crafting thoughtful, balanced legislation that protects consumers while supporting a stable insurance market. I'm looking forward to continuing this important work through my role on the House Insurance Committee.
Veterans Committee Goes on the Road to Wright-Patt
 The House Military and Veterans Development Committee recently held a traveling hearing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to gain deeper insights into the economic impact of the base and explore the growing role of public-private partnerships. As Ohio continues to lead the nation in military development, this visit highlighted how these partnerships are driving innovation and creating job opportunities while strengthening our state's defense capabilities.
As a proud member of the Committee and the wife of an Air Force veteran, I am especially excited about the momentum we are building. The work we’re doing to support our military and veterans is crucial not only to the wellbeing of our service members and their families but also to the economic prosperity of Ohio. The visit to Wright-Patterson showcased just how vital the base is to our state's economy and the important role Ohio plays in the nation’s defense strategy.
We will continue working to build on these successes, strengthening Ohio’s leadership in military development while supporting our troops and their families. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this important work!
 On the floor of the Ohio House, I had the privilege of honoring Lt. Paul Charles Mickolick of the Town and Country Fire District, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on April 19th. Lt. Mickolick was struck while responding to a vehicle accident in Congress Township, and his death marks a devastating loss for his family, colleagues, and our community.
With over 20 years of service, including his time as a flight paramedic at the Cleveland Clinic and a firefighter paramedic, Lt. Mickolick was known for his courage, selflessness, and dedication to others. He leaves behind his wife, Rachel, and children, Connor and Elise.
Please join me in remembering Lt. Mickolick’s sacrifice and keeping his family and all first responders in our prayers.
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