 The Ohio House is officially back in session! I am greatly honored to represent Ohio's 80th House District, covering Miami and southern Darke counties. If you are ever in Columbus, please feel free to call and schedule a visit at The People's Office of District 80.
A FIRST FOR OHIO
Two 'fish' appeared in Committee to provide testimony for legislation aimed at making Walleye the official fish of the State of Ohio. Their creative approach was definitely memorable and eye catching!
Religious Education Release for Students in Public Schools
Earlier this week, the Ohio House passed House Bill 57 - legislation to maintain and track the usage of an overdose reversal drug, commonly known as NARCAN, in Ohio schools.
An amendment was included in the bill, allowing students up to five hours each week for religious education release. THIS IS OUTSTANDING! We know the development of lifelong character in our students is essential to strengthen our state and nation. The hope is that more state across the U.S. will follow suit.
House Concurrent Resolution 23 - Legislation Honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army and the United States Army Chaplain Corps
On June 14, 1775 the Continental Congress authorized formation of the Continental Army led by General George Washington. One of his first requests of Congress was the formation of the Army Chaplain Corps, which they did 6 weeks after the Army’s birth on July 29, 1775. From that time forward Army Chaplains have served alongside combat personnel in every major military operation from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and The War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.
While General Washington knew that a determined army was required to defeat the greatest military force on earth; he also knew that his men had great needs, spiritual needs. The care of their souls through the chaplains’ prayers, worship services, and preaching of the Bible to nurture them with the eternal truths of Jesus Christ was essential. In orders to his men issued at Valley Forge, May 2, 1778 he said this.
“While we are duly performing the duty of good soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of a Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian.”
This resolution was introduced by Representatives Johnathan Newman and Ty Mathews. It has was passed this week by the House Veterans and Military Development Committee and will hopefully be brought before the House for a vote soon.
Rep. Newman Announces Passage of Bill to Designate NASA Day of Remembrance
The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed legislation to designate the fourth Thursday of January as NASA Day of Remembrance.
House Bill 293 aims to provide Ohioans an annual opportunity to honor the lives lost in pursuit of space exploration and scientific discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
The men and women of NASA are all national heroes but especially those who whose very lives were given in the effort of space exploration, national heroes and heroes of humanity. We should honor them and ensure that our children grow up admiring those whose lives are worthy to be imitated.
Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation and ranks fourth in the nation for producing astronauts, with 26 calling the state home. This legislation now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
Upper Valley Career Center Visit
 Superintendent Jason Haak and his outstanding team at Upper Valley Career Center hosted a number of legislators from across the region to show what they are doing for students to help prepare them for great careers.
 *Pictured above, from left to right, Representatives Newman, Creech, Teska, and T. Mathews.
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