House Bill 58 - Creates Recovery Housing Residences Certificate of Need Program
I'm pleased to highlight a bill that I've been working on, House Bill 58, which would empower the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a certificate of need program to assess and set the appropriate level of recovery housing in each Ohio region to ensure a fair distribution of services statewide. It will also allow local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services boards to inspect recovery housing facilities, investigate complaints, and impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards.
I was featured on In Focus with Mike Kallmeyer to discuss the recovery housing crisis sweeping Ohio, and why passing H.B. 58 is critical.
Update on Highway I-73
One of the biggest barriers to economic development in Appalachia is access to good-paying jobs. An interstate from Columbus to southern Ohio would incentivize more businesses to invest in the southern Appalachian region, creating better job opportunities for our community.
Bridgeport Healthcare Center Tour
I’m grateful for the hard work of our nursing homes, and I remain committed to ensuring that Ohio’s seniors receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.
Texas Peach Grill Grand Re-Opening
The food at Texas Peach Grill is always incredible, and it’s inspiring to see how a dream and a vision can bring the American Dream to like right here in West Portsmouth. Congratulations on your grand re-opening!
County Fair Season
I had such a great time at all three Scioto, Adams, and Brown County fairs this summer. County fairs bring the community together and keep local traditions alive - supporting agriculture, local businesses, and more.
300,000 Miles. One Mission.
My old Toyota Yaris crossed 300,000 miles. But this isn’t just about a car; it’s about a journey.
Campus Student Safety Grant Bill Highlight
Representative Jarrells and I recently introduced legislation strengthen protections for students on Ohio’s public university campuses.
Across the country, colleges are seeing a rise in hate-fueled incidents, violent threats, and politically motivated unrest. Students are walking to class with anxiety. Campus leaders are increasing security presence, not as a precaution, but as a necessity. No student should ever have to question their safety while pursuing an education in our state.
Ohio took meaningful action in the 135th General Assembly with the passage of House Bill 606, the bipartisan CAMPUS Act. That legislation established the Campus Student Safety Grant Program, which has already brought targeted security funding to colleges and universities across Ohio. The Department of Higher Education built a strong, effective framework for distributing those resources. That system is in place and ready for expansion.
This new legislation provides an additional $10 million to continue growing that work. The goal is simple: give our institutions the tools they need to keep students safe in the face of escalating threats.
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