Fellow Ohioans,
It is an honor to serve as your State Representative for Summit County. Over the past several months, we’ve hit the ground running with committee sessions, budget hearings, and legislative action. These early months of the General Assembly are critical in setting the direction for Ohio’s future, and I want to keep you informed on the progress we are making.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are always here to assist you.
Sincerely,
Bill Roemer
State Representative
District 31
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Legislation
House Bill 288 - Prompt Pay for Contractors
Representative Bride Rose Sweeney and I recently provided sponsor testimony on our bill that seeks to address an issue in the construction industry that unfortunately falls on those small businesses who can least afford it. House Bill 288 would require private sector owners of construction projects to provide payment to the prime contractors no more than 30 days after the prime contractors provide final invoices to the owners.
According to the 2022 Construction Payments Report issued by Rabbet, there is a $208 billion impact on the industry for carrying forward the fees and costs of slow payments.
This bill aims to get money flowing from, oftentimes, very large companies to Ohio contractors.
House Bill 29 - Increased Penalties for Assault of Sports Officials
Representative Joe Miller and I introduced legislation this General Assembly that adds a mandatory $1,500 fine and 40 hours of community service for committing misdemeanor assault against sports officials who are targeted in retaliation for their work while engaged as an athletic official. In addition, subsequent offenses would be elevated to a fifth degree felony.
Sports are a competitive pastime that frequently involve frustration and even outright hostility. In knowing how tense this environment can often be, I believe it is important our state takes steps to ensure the protection of sports officials. More often than not, these individuals bear the majority of abuse during our sporting events, and, in current Ohio statute, are afforded minimal protections
News 5 Cleveland had a great story about my efforts on this issue.
Signing of House Bill 14
I'm glad to report that Governor DeWine signed House Bill 14, legislation I sponsored with Representative Heidi Workman that ensures consistency between Ohio tax law and federal tax law by incorporating recent changes to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) created by the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 into state law.
Constituency
Liniform
It was an honor to recognize Liniform, a pillar of our community, for 100 years of excellent service.
Founded in 1924, Liniform Service is a laundry and cleaning business in Barberton, Ohio. Liniform is a certified Women Owned Business and is certified by the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) for upholding the highest cleanliness standards.
 Revere Teachers Retirement Ceremony
I had the great opportunity to commend Mrs. Gillette, Mrs. Sanders, and Ms. Batizy, all outstanding teachers with whom I taught, on 97 years of teaching for Revere Schools. I made sure to wish them luck on their well-deserved retirements.
Ohio State Buckeyes Resolution
I had the chance to meet Carson Hinzman, Ohio State’s probable starting center, and hold the National Championship trophy when The Ohio State University football team, including Head Coach Ryan Day and four players, were honored on the House Floor with a resolution, commending them for their National Championship victory in January.
 Interview with Telemundo
I had an opportunity to be interviewed by Telemundo Cleveland on my bill to reduce catalytic converter theft. This was my first interview on a Spanish language station.
This legislation works to control and prevent issues pertaining to stolen catalytic converters by enhancing penalties for theft when the stolen property is a catalytic converter, enhancing penalties for receiving stolen property when the property is a catalytic converter, and requiring scrap metal dealers to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements, amongst other changes.
Ohio Municipal League Townhall
I joined a great conversation at the Ohio Municipal League Townhall where we discussed key issues impacting Ohio's cities and villages -- which included items from the State Operating Budget and municipal income taxes.
 CHC Ribbon Cutting
I participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new CHC Administrative Building in Akron. I worked for 6 years to ensure that this important community resource is properly funded. I look forward to seeing how this facility continues to serve our communities and support those going through the recovery process.
 Akron Soap Box Derby
I recently served as the Grand Marshal for the Akron Soap Box Derby, a STEM-based educational program for students in grades 3-12.
Students from local schools in the greater Akron region and beyond built and raced gravity-powered racers to qualify for the annual Soap Box Derby World Championship.
The Soap Box Derby is a fun tradition that teaches students STEM and leadership skills.
 Archbishop Hoban High School’s Mock Trial Team
I was pleased to welcome the Archbishop Hoban High School’s Mock Trial Team -- the 2025 Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) State Champions -- to the Ohio Statehouse to celebrate their state championship win.
The OCLRE’s high school mock trial competition provides Ohio high school students the opportunity to learn about the legal system. Each school year, the mock trial program concludes with a state championship in Columbus.
This is a huge accomplishment, and I am confident each of them has a bright future ahead! I am grateful for programs like mock trial, which teach students valuable skills to set them up for success in the workforce.
 Temple Israel Akron
I had the privilege of recognizing the 160th Anniversary of Temple Israel Akron, commemorating the occasion with a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.
The Temple Israel holds rich history and remains a pillar of the great Akron community. It was an honor to celebrate this monumental anniversary!
 Grand Opening of Local Girl Scouts STEM Center of Excellence
I was glad to help celebrate the grand opening of the Girl Scouts Vivian von Gruenigen, MD STEM Center of Excellence. I have worked on this project for over 5 years, and I am very proud that the State of Ohio could help turn this vision into reality. I’m confident it will allow our local girl scouts to develop skills and gain experiences to set them up for a bright future!
 Welcoming New Business to the 31st House District
It was an honor to participate in the ribbon cutting of the new Wendy’s located in the Village of Boston Heights with Mayor Antal and Council President Dave Maccarone. I will continue to work to make the 31st House District the best place to open a business.
 Memorial Day
I was honored to join a moving Memorial Day ceremony at Fairview Cemetery. I appreciated being asked to deliver the keynote speech following Mayor Wheeler’s heartfelt remarks. May those who gave their lives for our freedom always be remembered.
 Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to make Ohio a better place for all. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
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