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Wayne County, It's an honor to serve you in the 77th House District. I am committed to working on conservative policy that delivers tax relief to Ohioans, spurs economic growth in our communities, and protects our second amendment rights. This month has been an exciting one and I have several updates to share with you. Sincerely, State Representative Meredith Craig

September Newsletter

Let’s Make Online Raffles Legal!

I’ve partnered with Rep. David Thomas to introduce House Bill 476 - legislation that would legalize online raffles for nonprofits here in Ohio. This might seem like a small issue, but for many of our local fire departments, police, and community groups, online raffles are a keyway to raise funds.

Recently, some of these groups were sent cease and desist letters from the Attorney General and told to stop selling raffle tickets online due to legal concerns. That’s why we’re stepping in, to remove the red tape and give communities the freedom to support local causes in a way that works.

This bill is about making it easier for nonprofits to connect with supporters, raise money, and continue serving our towns without putting more strain on local taxpayers. Please reach out to our office if you or your organization want to submit proponent testimony.

I’ll keep you posted as the bill moves forward.

Proponent Testimony for the Patient Protection Act

The House Health Committee heard proponent testimony on House Bill 324, the Patient Protection Act.

I’m grateful to the Catholic Conference of Ohio and the Center for Christian Virtue for joining us in person to testify, and to the many other organizations that submitted letters of support. Their advocacy underscores the importance of advancing stronger safeguards for Ohio patients.

H.B. 324 will provide additional protections for patients who are prescribed drugs with a 5% or higher risk of serious adverse effects, including hemorrhaging, sepsis, or hospitalization. One of these drugs is mifepristone.

Data analysis from an all-payer insurance claims database that includes 865,727 prescribed mifepristone abortions from 2017 to 2023 shows that 10.93 percent of women experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days following a mifepristone abortion.

H.B. 324 is a practical step forward in ensuring patient safety remains a top priority in our health care system. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation out of committee and onto the House floor for a full chamber vote.

The General Assembly Returns

After a great summer traveling around the district, the Ohio House of Representatives is officially back in session. If you are ever in town, I would love to host you and hear about all the great things you are advocating for.

Here are the bills I've introduced so far this general assembly:

• House Bill 105 – Provide transparency of third-party litigation funding
• House Bill 126 – Prohibit certain public nuisance actions
• House Bill 132 – Enact Philips Wigal’s Law
• House Bill 133 – Authorize tax credit for small employers who offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements
• House Bill 277 – Regards employment status of health care workers
• House Bill 324 – Enact the Patient Protection Act
• House Bill 424 – Regards transfers, purchase of certain retirement service credit
• House Bill 476 – Authorize online raffles under the Charitable Gaming Law

If you are interested in reading more about any of these bills, the text and analyses are available on my website: Meredith Craig Legislation | Ohio House of Representatives

In District 

Celebrating Community at the Wayne County Fair It was so great to be at this year’s Wayne County Fair. From the great food and ice cream to visiting booths and seeing familiar faces, it’s a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so strong.

One of my favorite parts of the fair is getting to support our local youth during the livestock sales. These kids have put in so much hard work throughout the year on their 4-H projects, and they truly deserve our encouragement. When we show up for them, we’re also investing in the future of agriculture in Wayne County. The fair is more than just a fun week. To me, it represents tradition, community, and the values that bring us together. I’m grateful to be part of it.

Flying with the 121^st Air Refueling Wing

I recently had the unique opportunity to take part in a Boss Flight with the Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, flying with the 121st Air Refueling Wing out of Rickenbacker. Watching a live mid-air refueling mission was an unforgettable experience, and it was a proud moment to see one of our own, Senior Airman Josh Moore from Wayne County, on the air crew.

We’re fortunate to have opportunities like this so close to home. It’s a great reminder of the incredible work being done by the men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve, many of whom also balance civilian careers.

Thank you to the employers who support these service members. Your commitment makes a real difference in helping them succeed in both roles.

Visit to Viola Startzman Clinic 

I had the pleasure of visiting the Viola Startzman Clinic to learn more about the incredible work they’re doing to provide medical and mental health care here in our community.

We had some great conversations about the clinic’s goals for the future and how we can work together to meet the growing needs of Wayne County. I’m so grateful for the team’s dedication to building a healthier, stronger community for all.

Thank you to Mark Yoder and everyone at the clinic for the warm welcome, and for everything you do to care for our neighbors.

Visit to the Wayne County Board of DD

I had the absolute joy of visiting the Wayne County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Ida Sue School. It was such a meaningful experience to meet the students, staff, and leadership who are making a difference every single day.

I loved getting to see their programs in action and hearing about the ways they’re promoting inclusion, growth, and opportunity for every individual. The passion and care within those walls is something truly special.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed me so warmly. I look forward to continuing our work together to support and celebrate all abilities in our community.

Receiving the Friend of Independent Education Award from the AICUO

I was truly honored and humbled to receive the Friend of Independent Education Award from the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio. A special thank you to Anne McCall, President of the College of Wooster, for presenting the award.

As a proud graduate of Malone University, I know the impact that independent colleges can have. My time there deepened my faith and taught me the importance of leading with civility, especially in a political climate that can often feel divided. Ohio must stay committed to keeping our best and brightest students here at home. That means supporting every pathway in higher education, including our independent institutions.

West View Healthy Living

I had the opportunity to visit West View Healthy Living in Wooster and see firsthand the wide range of services they provide in long-term care. From skilled nursing to assisted living, these facilities play an essential role in supporting seniors and families in our community. Our conversations touched on many of the challenges they face, including insurance and Medicaid reimbursement rates, as well as ongoing workforce shortages that continue to impact care providers across Ohio. These are complex issues, and I remain committed to working toward solutions that strengthen long-term care and ensure quality services for those who need them most.

Kidron Fire Station

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Kidron Volunteer Fire Department and seeing how this community truly embodies the spirit of service. The men and women of Kidron dedicate their time and talents to protecting their neighbors, and the community in turn comes together to support them through generous contributions. This partnership between volunteers and residents is a powerful example of what makes our local communities strong. I deeply appreciate the service and sacrifice of the Kidron Volunteer Fire Department and thank them for their commitment to keeping families safe.

Supporting the Mental Health Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties

I was honored to attend the 2025 Annual Dinner for the Wayne/Holmes Mental Health Recovery Board. It was a wonderful evening to come together with community leaders, partners, and supporters to reflect on the past year and celebrate those who make such a difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations to the award recipients:

• Beacon Award: Jessica Franklin
• Guardian Award: Josh Timko
• Phoenix Award: Molly Daugherty
• Bridge Builder Award: Desiree Bell and Chris Mazzola
• Special Appreciation Award: Mike Brumfield

These honorees are shining examples of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to join in recognizing their impact and to continue supporting the important work of the Wayne/Holmes Mental Health Recovery Board