Wayne County,
March was an exceptionally busy month at the Statehouse, and it seemed to move at a rapid pace. As the legislative session continues in full swing, my colleagues and I have been deeply engaged in a high volume of committee hearings, bill discussions, and voting sessions, with many pieces of legislation advancing through the process and being passed.
Despite a demanding schedule in Columbus, I remain committed to staying active and accessible here in the district. Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a variety of local meetings and events, connecting with community leaders, businesses, and residents to better understand the issues that matter most to you.
With so much happening both at the Statehouse and throughout our communities, I encourage you to stay engaged. If you have an event request, would like to meet, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office at Rep77@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-1474. My team and I are always here to help.
Sincerely,
State Representative Meredith Craig
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Delivering Tax Relief to Ohioans
I was proud to vote in support of Senate Bill 9, which aligns Ohio’s tax code with recent federal changes and delivers real relief to families, workers, and small businesses across our state.
Because of timing, I also supported the emergency clause to ensure these updates take effect immediately so Ohioans can benefit when filing their taxes this year.
This bill makes several meaningful improvements. It expands the use of 529 education savings accounts to cover K-12 tuition, job training programs, and higher annual withdrawals for eligible expenses. It also makes permanent the ability to roll over 529 funds into ABLE accounts tax-free, providing greater flexibility for families planning for the future.
For working parents, Senate Bill 9 increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and strengthens the Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit, helping families better manage the balance between work and caregiving responsibilities.
The legislation supports economic growth by encouraging investment in small businesses, expanding research and development incentives, and strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing sector through improved depreciation options.
In total, this bill provides approximately $90 million in tax relief over the next two years.
I remain committed to supporting policies that lower taxes, support our families, and grow our economy. Passing this bill with an emergency clause ensures Ohioans can take advantage of these benefits this tax season.
Delivering Sponsor Testimony on House Bill 682
 Representative Gayle Manning and I gave sponsor testimony for House Bill 682, a targeted insurance reform designed to prevent unnecessary treatment delays for patients with chronic, complex, rare, or life-threatening conditions.
Some insurers currently require certain physician-administered drugs to be shipped from plan-mandated pharmacies to doctors’ offices, a practice called “white bagging.” While meant to control costs, this can lead to delays, dosage issues, and added stress for patients. House Bill 682 doesn’t eliminate white bagging but creates a narrow exception when a patient is present for treatment and a delay could jeopardize their health, allowing community providers and independent hospitals to act in the patient’s best interest. The bill protects timely access to critical care, supports local providers, and ensures insurers can still manage costs in most situations.
I am grateful to Wooster Community Hospital for providing proponent testimony.
Delivering Sponsor Testimony on House Bill 712
 I’m proud to share that I gave sponsor testimony for House Bill 712 in the House Children & Human Services Committee. This bill strengthens Ohio’s handicap-accessible parking laws to make our communities more inclusive and ensure these spaces are used properly.
House Bill 712 modernizes the placard process by requiring a standardized certification form completed by a qualified health care provider and clearer expiration and identification information to prevent misuse. It closes loopholes by requiring expired placards to be returned and prohibiting their transfer or use when the individual to whom they were issued is not being transported. The bill also strengthens enforcement by establishing clear violations for parking illegally in accessible spaces, blocking access aisles, curb cuts, or accessible routes. In addition, it increases accountability by requiring property owners and public entities to properly mark, maintain, and keep accessible spaces free from obstruction. Finally, House Bill 712 creates stronger penalties with a tiered fine structure, directing funds toward accessibility improvements across Ohio.
I’m especially grateful to Lisa Followay of Adaptive Sports Ohio here in Wooster, whose advocacy has been instrumental in shaping this legislation. House Bill 712 is an important step toward making Ohio’s accessible parking safer and more reliable for everyone who depends on it.
State of the State
Governor Mike DeWine delivered his final State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse! It was a good opportunity to hear his perspective and reflect on the work being done to serve Ohioans.
Moments like this are a reminder of the responsibility that comes with public service and the importance of staying focused on policies that impact our communities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my district and remain committed to doing the work that matters for families, businesses, and communities across Ohio.
Delivering Sponsor Testimony on Philip Wigal’s Law in the Senate
 Representative Melanie Miller and I were thrilled to give sponsor testimony for House Bill 132 before the Senate Judiciary Committee! House Bill 132, also known as Philip Wigal’s Law, emphasizes the importance of protecting our emergency roadside workers.
Too often, Ohio’s current Move Over Law is violated, and the consequences do not match the offense. House Bill 132 ensures that penalties for failing to follow this law reflect the seriousness of the offense, holding drivers accountable and reinforcing the need for caution whenever emergency workers are present.
The proposed penalties under House Bill 132 are as follows:
- First violation: Fine up to $300 (maintains current law)
- Second or subsequent violation within one year: Fine up to $1,000
- Violation resulting in injury: Fine up to $5,000 and potential driver’s license suspension
- Violation resulting in death: Fine up to $10,000, license suspension, and a charge of vehicular homicide
This sends an unambiguous message: failing to move over is not a minor oversight – it is a potentially fatal act of negligence.
House Bill 52 Signed Into Ohio Law
Big news for rural healthcare in Ohio! House Bill 52 has officially been signed into law, representing a significant step forward in making high-quality care more accessible, especially in our rural communities.
This legislation modernizes the law governing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), allowing them to practice fully within their education and training. By clarifying their ability to provide anesthesia services, perform procedures like epidurals and spinal anesthesia, and manage patient care in collaboration with physicians, House Bill 52 helps ensure that patients can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home - care that is often critical in areas where access to healthcare can be limited.
I was proud to co-sponsor and support this bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan backing - only one legislator voted against it.
I want to recognize the leadership and hard work of State Representative Kellie Deeter, whose dedication helped bring this legislation across the finish line.
By empowering healthcare professionals to practice at the top of their scope, this law strengthens our workforce and expands access to care, delivering real, tangible benefits to patients and providers alike. It’s exactly the kind of commonsense reform that rural Ohioans need and deserve.
Supporting and Empowering Women
I recently voted in support of House Bill 347, also known as the “SHE WINS” (Share the Health and Empower with Informed Notices) Act — legislation focused on ensuring women have the information they need to make fully informed medical decisions.
I am proud to stand behind and support women. This bill aligns informed consent standards for elective abortions with those already required for other medical procedures. It ensures that women have the information they need to give truly informed consent before making decisions about procedures with life-changing effects.
Under this bill, three key steps must take place before an elective abortion can be performed: a consultation between the physician and patient (which may be in person, by phone, or virtually), the provision of specific medical information, and written informed consent from the patient.
Additionally, the legislation requires that informed consent be obtained at least 24 hours in advance of the procedure, which is consistent with standards commonly applied in other areas of healthcare. It also creates accountability by allowing legal recourse if a physician fails to provide the required information.
The “SHE WINS” Act now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
Defending Our Law Enforcement
I supported and cosponsored House Bill 372, also known as the Larry Henderson Act — legislation honoring Deputy Larry Henderson, who was tragically killed while working security at the University of Cincinnati’s Spring Commencement on May 2, 2025.
Under current law, individuals convicted of aggravated murder can be eligible for parole after 25 or 30 years, which often forces victims’ families, friends, and fellow officers to relive that loss again and again. This bill strengthens penalties by requiring a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty when the victim is a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or member of the military.
I am proud to stand with our law enforcement. This legislation sends a clear message that Ohio will not tolerate those who threaten and kill our officers.
Deputy Henderson served as a U.S. Marine and dedicated more than 30 years to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, beginning in 1991.
House Bill 372 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
Visiting Wayne County Campus of the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank
I was glad to attend the open house for the new Wayne County Campus of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. This new facility will play an important role in providing food and support to families across our community. The Akron-Canton Foodbank has long been a vital resource, and this expanded space will allow it to reach even more people in need, ensuring that neighbors have access to nutritious meals and essential services.
I’m grateful for the Foodbank’s dedication and for Smucker's partnership in helping make this campus possible. Collaborations like this demonstrate the impact that local organizations and businesses can have when they work together to support the community. It is a great reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to serve our neighbors.
Meeting With YMCA of Wayne County
 With nearly 800 bills introduced in the House, it’s impossible to track every detail — especially in committees I don’t serve on. That’s why I rely on constituents and community leaders to raise concerns and keep me informed.
I was glad to meet with Nikki and her team from the Wayne County YMCA to discuss legislation recently introduced that makes regulatory changes to daycares. Because of their outreach, I was able to track down information and guide them through submitting opposition testimony. As the largest childcare provider in our county, the YMCA plays a vital role in serving families, and I appreciated the chance to engage in a thoughtful conversation about supporting sustainable, high-quality childcare in our communities.
Welcoming Wayne County Public Libraries to the Statehouse
I always enjoy connecting with Jennifer and the rest of the team at the Wayne County Public Library! It was great to have them visit the Statehouse to share their perspectives and advocate for the programs and services that make such a difference in our community. Supporting libraries is critical to ensuring access to learning, resources, and opportunities for people of all ages, and I’m grateful for the chance to hear directly from the professionals who make that possible every day.
Meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police
 I had the chance to meet with members of the Fraternal Order of Police to discuss their legislative priorities and ongoing efforts to support law enforcement officers across Ohio.
I was especially glad that Rich Nester, a District 77 constituent, was able to join the conversation and share his perspective.
I remain committed to working alongside law enforcement and community partners to advance policies that promote safety and support those who serve.
Fun on the Ice!
 For the second year in a row, I had the opportunity to participate in the Annual Celebrity Sled Hockey Game hosted by Adaptive Sports Ohio!
Getting out on the ice alongside these athletes was both fun and humbling. Adaptive Sports Ohio does incredible work creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to compete, and it was great to see that impact firsthand.
 I’m also proud to say I scored my first goal - no goalies, but I’m still counting it!
 Events like this are a great reminder of the power of community, inclusion, and staying active. I’m grateful I had the chance to be part of it and support such a meaningful organization.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
I had the opportunity to stop by the Wayne County Board of Developmental Disabilities to help celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
It was great to spend time with staff, advocates, and community members who work every day to support individuals with developmental disabilities and promote inclusion across our community. Their dedication makes a real difference for so many families here in Wayne County.
Happy Easter!
 Wishing everyone across the district a joyful and blessed Easter. This is a special time to reflect and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior, a message of hope, renewal, and grace. He is Risen indeed!
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