Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s a true privilege to serve as your state representative. Since the beginning of this General Assembly, I’ve remained focused on being a strong advocate for our district—standing up for our shared values and working hard every day to make a difference for the people of District 67.
As we reach the halfway point of the year, I wanted to share a quick update on what I’ve been working on in Columbus and how I’m continuing to represent your voice at the Statehouse.
Warm regards,
Representative Melanie Miller
Ohio House District 67
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Sworn in, Appointed as Chair of the Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee for the 136th General Assembly
State Rep. Melanie Miller was appointed by Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman as Chair of the Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee for the 136th General Assembly.
“Ohio has world class theaters, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, one-of-a-kind amusements parks and museums, and other incredible educational and entertainment venues for both our own people and other visitors to experience and enjoy,” said Miller, “and we need to be sure that as a state we are utilizing these unique amenities in the best possible way to grow our state’s and local communities’ economies. After all, Ohio is the ‘Heart of it All,’ and this is our time to shine!”
In addition to chairing the Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee, Miller serves on the following committees:
- Health Committee
- Technology & Innovation Committee
- Children & Human Services Committee
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House Bill 106 - Secure Our Schools (SOS) Act
State Representatives Miller and Angie King introduced House Bill 106 - legislation which works to enhance safety in Ohio school districts and communities by creating a pilot grant program that will allow schools the opportunity to purchase a variety of panic alert systems. These panic alert systems work to help accelerate law enforcement response time when life-threatening emergencies occur on school campuses.
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House Bill 132 - Philip Wigals’ Law
State Representatives Meredith Craig and Melanie Miller introduced Philip Wigal’s Law, legislation to strengthen penalties for drivers who fail to comply with Ohio’s “Move Over Law.”
Town and Country Firefighter Lt. Philip Wigal was tragically struck and killed by a semi-truck while responding to a crash on I-71 near West Salem in 2022. The driver of the semi-truck failed to slow down or move over as required by law.
“Through this legislation, we can make a viable change to help keep Ohio drivers safer all while protecting our first responders and honoring the legacy of Philip Wigal,” said Miller. “I am urging my colleagues to make the safety of first responders a top priority and pass this legislation as soon as possible.”
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House Bill 54 - The State Transportation Budget
State Representative Melanie Miller voted in support of House Bill 54 – the House’s version of the State Transportation Budget – which passed with a bipartisan vote of 97-0.
“This is a historic investment that prioritizes preserving Ohio’s infrastructure, promoting economic development and innovation, and boosting public safety to keep Ohio moving forward.” said Miller.
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Also included in House 54 is a provision to repeal the requirement to construct an interstate interchange on Boston Road. “I am proud to announce the passage of such a robust budget, specifically when it comes to the 1-71 interchange project on Boston Road,” said Miller. “I have been a strong advocate for replacing the project with a traffic study to eliminate the hardship it would have on local residents. I’m thrilled this provision has been included in the Bill.”
Through the transportation budget, the Director of Transportation, along with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency will conduct a study to develop a traffic congestion management plan.
House Bill 54 is the primary mechanism to fund transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for FY 2026-2027.
The photos shown are from the community celebration marking the repeal of the Boston Road interchange project. During the event, Brunswick City Council, the Mayor of Brunswick, and local citizens honored Representatives Melanie Miller and Sharon Ray with a proclamation for their efforts.
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House Bill 204 - 6888th Central Post Battalion
State Representative Miller introduced legislation to recognize the 6888th Central Post Battalion, an all-Black women’s unit that served during World War II.
House Bill 204, co-sponsored with State Representative Erika White, will establish March 9th of each year in Ohio as a day to honor and recognize the service of the 6888th Central Post Battalion to the nation.
“I’m honored to be introducing this legislation that will recognize these women and sacrifices they endured, serving overseas in a conflict to support thousands of troops on the frontlines in Europe during World War II,” said Miller.
The 6888th Central Post Battalion was composed of 855 Black women who completed a time-sensitive mission in the European Theater of WWII to label, sort, and clear millions of pieces of mail, a task that military leaders estimated to take six months. The Battalion completed the task in three months, boosting the morale of service members.
Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 204, bipartisan legislation to recognize 6888th Central Post Battalion, with unanimous support.
House Bill 224 - Expansion of Midwifery Services
State Representatives Riordan McClain and Miller introduced legislation to recognize and promote the great work midwives perform around the state. The bill creates new licensure framework for midwives in Ohio, expanding access to midwifery services and providing additional levels of care for Ohio women. McClain and Miller also championed this policy during the previous General Assembly.
“I believe this legislation will benefit existing midwives, encourage others to become midwives, and reduce the number of maternity health deserts in Ohio,” said Miller. “If a woman wants a midwife for pregnancy, there are many types she can choose from that will give her different levels of care.”
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State Representative Melanie Miller honored a local midwife for her contribution to families and women’s health during Midwives Advocacy Day at the Statehouse.
Miller recognized and presented Mary Cooper with the Ohio Midwives Alliance 2025 “Midwife of the Year” award. Cooper has delivered more than 4,500 babies, including 54 sets of twins, during her 46 years of service as a midwife.
“Midwives provide essential care and support to women and infants throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period,” said Miller. “Their role in maternity health is invaluable, ensuring women receive the personalized, compassionate care they need during some of the most significant moments in their lives. Mary Cooper is no different. She has been providing that special care that only a midwife can provide for more than 45 years and is well deserving of this honor.”
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House Bill 226 - The Age Verification Act
State Representative Miller introduced new legislation that works to enforce an age verification step when downloading an app through the app store. This bill would help enhance safety for children under the age of 16 when using apps on their smartphones.
“Smartphones and the social media world have overexposed our children to risks like inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, and we’ve seen a huge increase in mental health concerns for minors,” said Representative Miller. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation, to protect children from harmful content, reduce mental health risks, enhance data privacy, and encourage responsible technology use.”
Currently, eight other states have introduced or passed similar legislation including Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, New Mexico, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alaska.
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House Bill 231 - Paid Parental Leave Act
State Representatives Josh Williams and Miller reintroduced the Paid Parental Leave Act, legislation to support Ohio families and incentivize employers to offer paid parental leave.
The legislation will create a nonrefundable tax credit for qualified employers that offer paid parental leave benefits.
“Parents should not have to miss out on their infant’s first few months of life and the bonds that are formed during that time,” said Miller. “By offering this commonsense tax credit, we are supporting our businesses and families alike."
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House Bill 255 - Ohio Sports Commission
State Representative Miller introduced legislation to establish the Ohio Sports Commission. Miller is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells.
The Commission will uplift Ohio’s sports industry and steward resources to support local efforts and position Ohio as the premier destination for national and international sporting events.
“As Chairwoman of the House Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee, I believe the creation of this commission is an important step to amplify Ohio’s sports industry, directly spurring economic growth throughout our communities,” said Miller.
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Miller Honors Local Vietnam Veterans at Statehouse
With the war in Vietnam ending 50 years ago on April 30, State Representative Miller took the opportunity to honor a group of Vietnam veterans from her district (67th House District) with a commendation for their service to the nation.
Greg Gorrell, Robert DeSanto, Jack Cadley, Jack Colvin, and Brooks Whitmore were recognized by Miller during a House session and honored by all representatives with a standing ovation. Miller also took the opportunity to present the veterans with a commendation for their sacrifice, courage and service.
“This generation of soldiers suffered terrible loses, not only on the battlefield, but also when they returned home,” said Miller. “They faced a country that didn’t appreciate their sacrifices or service protecting our nation. It is only appropriate that we honor these brave men for what they have endured abroad and here in United States. It was my honor to play a part in recognizing them for their service.”
House Bill 296 - Fees and Fines Grace Period
State Representative Miller held a press conference introducing new legislation that works to provide a 180-day grace period on court-assessed fines and fees for formerly incarcerated Ohioans as they reenter society.
“When someone is released from incarceration, we know that there are many obstacles that can stand in the way of success,” said Miller. “Today, through this important piece of legislation, we can help individuals overcome a huge barrier that has the potential to change the trajectory of their path forward.”
The bill allows Ohioans returning from incarceration to have a 6-month grace period where the individual is not required to pay any outstanding court-assessed fines, fees, financial sanctions, or costs from a criminal proceeding. By giving individuals a 6-month head start to find quality employment and stable housing before being required to pay back their fines and fees, more Ohioans can be set up for success in their efforts to leave crime and addiction behind.
House Bill 304 - P.E. Waiver Expansion
State Representatives Tom Young and Miller introduced legislation that expands Ohio’s physical education waiver to include club sports or other athletic activities, allowing students who participate in these activities to use them to fulfill graduation requirements.
“While this waiver is well intentioned and helpful for students who are active in school sponsored sports and teams, it alienates students who are just as active and playing the same sports but, on a club, or individual level,” said Rep. Miller. “By making this change we are hoping to make meaningful adjustments to this existing policy and allow for students who are committed to club and travel athletic teams and sports to be a part of this waiver process.”
Rep. Melanie Miller Welcomes Miss Ohio to Statehouse, Honors Her in House Chamber
State Representative Miller recently welcomed Miss Ohio 2024, Stephanie Finoti, to the Ohio Statehouse and honored her with a formal commendation in the House Chamber.
The recognition celebrated Finoti’s dedicated year of service and outstanding achievements, including her nonprofit work through That STEM Girl and her impressive placement as 4th runner-up at the Miss America competition.
“The Miss Ohio and Miss America Scholarship programs empower young women like Stephanie to pursue higher education, grow as leaders, and advocate for causes close to their hearts,” said Miller. “Stephanie is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose and inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.”
Rep. Miller Votes In Support of Budget Plan
State Representative Miller voted in support of the conference committee report for Am. Sub. House Bill 96 –the State Operating Budget. The budget plan, which allocates funding for state programs and operations for the next two years, includes provisions that aim to protect freedom, family and fiscal responsibility.
There were several amendments included in the budget that Rep. Miller fought for District 67. More information on those amendments to come!
Rep. Miller highlights how Ohio is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Rep. Miller Votes in Support of Additional Legislation
Guided Statehouse Tours
If you are ever in Columbus and would like a guided tour of our beautiful statehouse, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
Rep67@ohiohouse.gov or call 614-446-0961
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