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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Summer is here, and it is the perfect time to reflect on how busy things have been serving our 86th House District since the start of the 136th General Assembly. In January, I assumed my role as Chairwoman of the House Veterans and Military Development Committee. Leading this committee has been a great experience so far! We have traveled to several military and federal installations across the state to learn more about their different missions, priorities, and challenges so that the General Assembly can help make Ohio an even stronger state for military and veteran support. In addition to my position as Chairwoman, I also actively work on the Children and Human Services Committee, Ways and Means Committee, and the Workforce and Higher Education Committee. My staff had a big change too, as we welcomed my new legislative aide Gillian Ginley and farewelled Catie Cleveland.
In February, the House of Representatives began reviewing and revising the Governor’s proposal for the State Operating Budget. This lengthy, intense process is shaped by the input from state agencies, local organizations, and people like you! I truly appreciate hearing from residents about how policy and funding decisions directly impact our local communities, so that I can make the best decisions for my district. As always, I do my best with a focus on being responsible and accountable for how we spend hard-earned taxpayer dollars. In June, the Governor signed the State Operating Budget into law. I voted to override an item in July with the hope of reducing our skyrocketing property taxes. Please see below for additional details about the budget.
As we start back to school, I want to remind you all about our state Sales Tax Holiday through August 14th, exempting personal property less than $500. I remember all too well how expensive it was shopping for three boys, including the cost of jeans, school supplies, books, and sports equipment! Every little bit of savings helps.
Wishing you more summertime days surrounded by family, picnics, and sunshine into the evening.
State Operating Budget Highlights
This budget implements a variety of transparency measures around Ohio’s healthcare system to protect taxpayer dollars and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse. While school funding is very complex, the bill addresses the education and well-being of Ohio students by ensuring that school districts receive a record amount of funding, $692 million more statewide for public education over the next biennium than they received in FY ’25.
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Over 74% of school districts received more funding or the same amount of funding in FY 26 than in FY 25.
- Over 76% of school districts received more funding or the same amount of funding in FY 27 than in FY 26.
This budget increases career learning and workforce development opportunities for students as well. It also takes a strong stance on reinforcing conservative values – protecting freedom, families, and fiscal responsibility. This budget enacts a flat income tax of 2.75%, making Ohio one of the lowest income tax states in the United States. The flat tax is the final step before eliminating state income taxes, which has been the goal of the Legislature for at least the last seven years.
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Property Taxes in Ohio
The burden of increasing property taxes is one of my biggest concerns, and I served on a property tax commission for over a year to make recommendations for change. Some of the reported recommendations are reflected in over 39 different bills being considered in the Ohio House, including the Budget Bill and two bills I introduced. My approach is to address the most compelling needs first with property tax relief, including lower-income working families, and also seniors who have worked their whole lives and are being forced by the government out of their homes. All this struggle is due to skyrocketing increases in the market value of their homes, where residents are unfairly asked to pay taxes on unrealized income. We do need property tax reform, and my honest hope is that the General Assembly will agree soon regarding the best way to do this.
House Bill 309: Regards Budget Commissions, Property Tax, and Certain Funds
- H.B. 309: Regarding Budget Commissions, Property Tax, and Certain Funds, is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.
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My Introduced Legislation
House Bill 261: Increase the Amount of the Standard Homestead Exemption
- H.B. 261 is a property tax relief bill for Ohio’s seniors, individuals with disabilities, and eligible surviving spouses. H.B. 261 proposes to double the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,0000 for eligible homeowners and is currently being reviewed in the House Ways and Means Committee.
House Bill 40: Increase Disabled Veteran Enhanced Homestead Exemption
- H.B. 40 is a property tax relief bill for disabled veterans. It increases the Enhanced Homestead Exemption for totally and permanently disabled veterans from $56,000 to $100,000 for those with a joint income below $125,000. The goal is to provide veterans who courageously served our country and became disabled with more property tax assistance. H.B. 40 is currently being reviewed in the House Ways and Means Committee.
House Bill 117: Enact The Pledge of Allegiance Act
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H.B. 117 is currently in the House Education Committee. My legislation will require public schools to adopt a policy that establishes a time and manner for the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.The goal of this bill is to foster patriotism in schools and to honor the sacrifices of those defending our values and freedoms.
Important Legislation
House Bill 99/Senate Bill 100: Exclude Certain Agricultural Entities from Insurance Regulations
- S.B. 100, which was signed into law on July 1, offers Ohio farmers lower-cost health coverage, allows nonprofit agricultural membership organizations to provide health benefits directly to their members and to reinsure the risks associated with that coverage, and helps protect farmers and their families against catastrophic medical claims.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 5: Urge Presidential Support for Medicaid Work Requirements
- S.C.R 5, which has been enrolled, urges the U.S. President to require Medicaid beneficiaries to work and participate in job training, education, or community service for continued access to Medicaid coverage. President Trump included these provisions in The One Big Beautiful Bill Act in Sec. 71119.
House Bill 47: Enact the Human Trafficking Prevention Act
- H.B. 47 was passed through the House on June 4, 2025, and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation increases the criminal penalties for human trafficking offenses. H.B. 47 provides hope and reassurance to vulnerable victims and survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
House Bill 143: Authorize Property Tax Exemption for Certain Long-Term Homeowners
- H.B. 143 is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee for consideration. This bill provides an additional homestead exemption of $56,000 for qualified long-term homeowners who have owned or occupied their home for at least 20 consecutive years and meet the income eligibility requirements. This bill will help older residents and residents living on a fixed income maintain homeownership and encourage long-term residency and housing stability.
House Bill 320: Require Registration as a Member of a Political Party for Primary
- H.B. 320 requires registration as a Member of a Political Party for the Primary Election is currently in the House Government Oversight Committee. This bill will prevent independents from voting in primaries, unless they declare party affiliation. H.B. 320 will promote transparency and ensure that only true party members influence candidate selection.
In March, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the National Women’s History Month Event at the White House.
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In the spring, I met with representatives from The Ohio State Marion Campus to learn about how they support their students through academics and research opportunities.
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Members of the Veterans and Military Development Committee recently toured the NASA Glenn Research Center, where they learned about advanced technology in the aerospace industry. I'm proud to chair this committee and travel across the state to places like this, which support our military and national defense systems.
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I had the honor of presenting the Marysville FFA Program with a commendation to recognize their achievement of a gold-star chapter rating at their competition this year. We are so proud of these students’ accomplishments!
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Every month, I host office hours in the district to meet with constituents and discuss any questions or concerns they may have. Should you be interested in setting up an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
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Over the summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Turning Point Marion. These women serve their community by providing shelter and support for domestic violence survivors.
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As I continue my work in the state legislature, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance with a state issue or would like to share your thoughts with me. I also encourage you to follow my social media for updates on what’s happening in Columbus and our community.
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