Fellow Ohioans,
It continues to be an honor to serve as your State Representative for Summit County. This month, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with several community partners, visit with students and educators, meet with local businesses, and participate in efforts to strengthen both civic education and public infrastructure. These experiences reinforce why it’s so important we continue working together to move Ohio forward.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Bill Roemer
State Representative
District 31
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House Bill 79 - Legislation to Increase Penalty for Assault if the Victim is a Sports Official
 As part of my continued commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of individuals who contribute to the fabric of our communities, House Bill 79 is currently working through the committee process. This legislation seeks to increase penalties for assault when the victim is a sports official, similar to what's currently in place for teachers and drivers.
Under current law, assault against a sports official is treated as a misdemeanor; however, my proposed legislation would elevate the penalty to a fifth-degree felony. Additionally, offenders would face mandatory fines and community service. Sports officials play a crucial role in the integrity of our games, and we must ensure their protection against violence.
If passed, this bill could also help address the ongoing shortage of referees and umpires across the state by reinforcing that their safety is taken seriously.
WorkOhio Meeting with Lt. Governor Tressel
 I had the opportunity to meet with Lt. Governor Tressel at a WorkOhio event in Cleveland. WorkOhio is a new initiative to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs in their area through personalized support from teams of regional job experts.
We discusssed workforce development, job placement, and how we can help align skills with careers in the area.
I also enjoyed meeting with the robotics team from Cleveland East Tech High School, my father's alma mater!
LayerZero Visit
 Representative Heidi Workman and I were invited to take a tour of LayerZero, one of Northeast Ohio's fastest growing businesses! We discussed AI, software innovation, emerging technology, economic development and the role tech companies will have in Ohio's future workforce.
Copley Township Trustee Meeting & Celebrating Janice Marshall's Retirement
I'm pleased to congratulate Janice Marshall on her retirement as Township Administrator for Copley Township. Janice was initially appointed as Copley Fiscal Officer in October 2004 and became Copley Township Administrator in April 2016.
I attended the January 26th Copley Township trustee meeting and presented a commendation honoring Janice’s 22 years of public service in Copley. It’s been an honor to work alongside Janice over the last 17 years and witness all of the hard work that she poured into this community. I wish her nothing but the best in her well-deserved retirement.
*Picture details: Copley Township Administrator Janice Marshall and I (front) and Roy Speer, Fiscal Officer and Trustees Jim Schulte, Bruce Koellner and Scott Dressler (rear).
Capital Budget Meetings
 The Legislature is gearing up for the next Capital Budget, which directs state investment toward infrastructure, community projects, and public facilities across Ohio. I recently met with IBH Addiction Recovery, CHC Addiction Services, the Rainey Institution, G.A.R Hall, and will meet with many more this month to discuss potential projects that could be supported through this budget.
Norton Swearing-In Ceremony
 I was honored to swear in newly elected City of Norton officials, including councilman Jamie Lukens pictured above. Congratulations!
ACEC Meeting
I recently met with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) to have a discussion about engineering firms in Northeast Ohio, infrastructure, legislation and various workforce issues. We also talked about what an important role the engineering industry plays in economic growth and public projects.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to strengthen our communities, support our students, and honor the values that have shaped our state and nation. If you ever need assistance with a state issue or have feedback on legislative matters, please reach out to my office.
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