|
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Welcome spring! It was a cold, long winter, and I hope this letter finds you enjoying the milder temperatures, the fresh smell of blossoms, and the fun of spring sports. As we welcome the warmer weather, I can’t think of a better time to share some updates on the work being done at the Statehouse. Throughout the beginning of 2026, my top priority continues to be property tax relief and reform. As the State Representative for one of the fastest-growing districts in Ohio, I see the financial impact that rising property values have had on my residents, especially the seniors in my community. In March, I introduced a substitute bill to my own legislation, House Bill 261, to incentivize local governments to partner with the state and implement additional tax relief via an increased local homestead option. For more information, please see below under My Introduced Legislation.
I have also spent the last few months meeting with numerous organizations throughout the district in order to finalize and submit numerous capital projects for consideration. The State Capital Appropriations Bill is traditionally done in the second year of the General Assembly. The purpose of the bill is to direct resources to state infrastructure projects and support targeted community projects. The process requires dedicated coordination with local organizations, an intensive application process, and advocacy on my part. My goal is to bring as many state dollars as possible to our communities. The Ohio House should be voting on the Capital Bill in the near future and then sending it to the Senate for consideration. In the past, this process has helped to fund local trails, pickleball courts, playground equipment, county fairground infrastructure, and much more.
At the Statehouse, I remain very busy on all of my committees. As the Chairwoman of the House Veterans and Military Development Committee, I continue to lead with a vision of making Ohio the most veteran and military-friendly state in the country. This takes education and time. In mid-April, members of the committee traveled to Lima to tour the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center to learn about the manufacturing and refurbishment of tanks used by the United States Military. It was a unique opportunity to learn about how this important military facility and its employees help to defend our country and contribute to the security of freedom. I share this because many do not know the plant is located right here in our backyard of Ohio!
The General Assembly resumes committee hearings and legislative session the week of May 11th. I look forward to continuing work on my legislation, as well as advancing other policy initiatives within the committees on which I serve. Please continue reading the newsletter to learn more details about some of the bills I am working on and certain bills moving through the General Assembly.
I remain firmly committed to keeping Ohio moving forward and to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Don’t forget that I host monthly in-district meetings, should you like to meet with me. Maintaining strong connections with all of you is a top priority, so please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
My Introduced Legislation
House Bill 261: Increase the Amount of the Standard Homestead Exemption
- The House Ways and Means Committee recently adopted a sub-bill for H.B. 261. This sub-bill incentivizes local governments to enact a local homestead exemption and offers a state reimbursement of 50% to those that implement a local homestead exemption. The sub-bill also increases the income eligibility for the standard homestead exemption to $55k in income per owner-occupied property. Our seniors deserve property tax relief!
House Resolution 330: Urge Congress to Enact the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
- H.R. 330 urges the United States Congress to enact the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to strengthen election integrity nationwide. The resolution calls for enhanced verification measures to ensure that only eligible United States citizens participate in federal elections. By encouraging federal action, H.R. 330 reinforces Ohio’s commitment to secure, transparent, and trustworthy elections.
House Bill 462: Regarding Student Use of a Nasal Epinephrine Delivery Device
- H.B. 462 permits students to possess and use a nasal epinephrine device in schools, in addition to an epinephrine autoinjector as already permitted under current law. This legislation empowers parents, students, and healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate emergency treatment option in the case of a severe allergic reaction. H.B. 462 was unanimously voted out of the Senate and is awaiting a concurrence vote from the House.
House Bill 464: Exempt Military-Certified Child Care Providers from Licensure
- H.B. 464 provides an exemption to state licensure requirements for family childcare providers certified by the U.S. Armed Forces. This legislation reduces duplicative regulations while maintaining safety standards for military families. H.B. 464 was favorably passed out of the House on March 18th and will continue the legislative process in the Senate.
House Bill 117: Enact the Pledge of Allegiance Act
- H.B. 117 is currently in the House Education Committee. This legislation will require public schools to adopt a policy that establishes a time and manner for the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The goal of this bill is to foster love of country, patriotism, and national identity in schools.
Legislation to Watch
 House Bill 646: Create the Data Center Study Commission
- H.B. 646 creates a study commission to evaluate the impact of data centers on Ohio’s economy, infrastructure, and communities. The bill focuses on gathering information and providing recommendations to guide future policy decisions regarding new and existing data centers in the state. H.B. 646 has been voted out of the Senate and is awaiting concurrence from the House.
House Bill 84: Enact The Innocence Act
- H.B. 84 prohibits an organization from failing to verify the age of a person attempting to access material that is obscene or harmful to juveniles and prohibits a person from using another person's likeness to create sexual images of the other person. The bill also establishes action that can be taken against an organization that engages in this prohibited activity. H.B. 84 is currently under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 292: Establish the Ohio Defense Commission
- H.B. 292 creates a commission that will review grants for the Ohio Defense Fund, promoting the growth of the defense and aerospace industries across the state. The bill encourages investment in the state’s defense industrial base and boosts Ohio’s competitiveness in securing military and federal contracting opportunities. H.B. 292 is currently under consideration in the Senate Workforce Development Committee.
House Bills 647 & 649: Regarding Publicly Funded Child Care and Child Care Fraud Prevention
- H.B. 647 and H.B. 649 strengthen the guardrails around publicly funded child care (PFCC) to prevent the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
- H.B. 647 requires the Inspector General’s office to investigate any criminal or civil violation of childcare law and expands the authority for the Department of Children and Youth to take action, should there be evidence of a PFCC provider demonstrating fraudulent behavior.
- H.B. 649 updates the process for recording children’s attendance to reduce fraudulent attendance data used to calculate PFCC payments.
- These bills are currently being reviewed in the House Children and Human Services Committee.
House Bill 47: Enact the Human Trafficking Prevention Act
- H.B. 47 aims to deter human trafficking practices by increasing the penalties for kidnapping and abduction for human trafficking to a first-degree felony. This bill provides hope and reassurance to vulnerable victims and survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse. H.B. 47 is currently under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 249: Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act
- H.B. 249 proposes updates to Ohio’s indecent exposure laws by modernizing existing statutes and providing clearer standards for enforcement. The bill focuses on protecting minors from obscene performances in public, family-friendly spaces, and ensures adult performances are held in adult spaces. H.B. 249 is currently under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 372: Enact the Larry Henderson Act
- H.B. 372 expands protections under Ohio law for certain public servants by including peace officers, corrections officers, prosecutors, first responders, and military members as protected victims in aggravated murder cases. The bill also enhances penalties in these cases, requiring life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty for individuals charged with this crime. H.B. 372 is currently under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Veterans and Military Development Committee Updates
 In April, members of the Veterans and Military Development Committee participated in a tour of the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, also known as the Lima Tank Plant, in Lima. There, the Committee learned about the long-standing history of the tank plant and not only its important contribution to the State of Ohio, but to the United States Military. These tanks are made from American-made steel and have over 270 product suppliers across the state.
Following the tour, the Lima community hosted the Committee for a public meeting where we heard presentations from Task Force Lima, the Ohio National Guard, Regional Growth Partnership Northwest, Lima Chamber of Commerce, and Allen County OhioMeansJobs, along with updates from several federal offices. The discussion focused on furthering our knowledge of the role that the Lima Tank Plant plays in the defense industry and its impact on maintaining the region’s economic stability. I am looking forward to continuing to travel to different military and defense institutions across the state!
 As Chair of this Committee, I had the pleasure of dropping the ceremonial puck at the Ohio Warriors Hockey Game. As an affiliate of the USA Warriors Disabled Hockey Program, the program’s mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience for individuals who have disabilities incurred during their service to the United States. This program also assists in helping participants to return to mainstream lifestyles they were accustomed to before their disability and encourages the development of team building and self-confidence. It was wonderful to meet this team of esteemed veterans!
At the Statehouse
 |
|
In February, Representative Young and I introduced House Resolution 330 to encourage the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to update voter eligibility requirements and prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting in federal elections.
|
The Ohio Advisory Council for Aging guides the Director of the Ohio Department of Aging on issues and opportunities affecting older Ohioans. As a legislative member of this council, I meet with this wonderful team quarterly to gather information and ideas on how to best serve our aging populations.
|
|
 |
 |
|
In my first year as State Representative, I worked on legislation that created the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission. This commission raised funds to create the very first Ohio Women’s Monument in the Statehouse. In March of this year, I attended the groundbreaking event for this statue. I can’t wait to see the finished structure!
|
In the District
|
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of commending the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for its work on the Marion Memorial Garden. This garden offers a space for quiet reflection and healing, remembering victims and their families.
|
|
 |
During my in-district day, I toured the World of Wonders child care center in Marysville to learn about how state funds are actually tracked and documented, and how programs like these keep up with compliance. This opportunity was so helpful as the House reviews important child care fraud legislation.
|
In March, I attended the annual Celebrity Dance Gala hosted by the Marion Women’s Club. This is one of my favorite events to attend each year, and I enjoy supporting this meaningful organization. I’m pictured here with two of my local favorites, Ted Graham and Lowell Thurston.
|
 |
|
In March, I attended a Dublin Chamber of Commerce reception to award and honor the Businessperson of the Year. This year’s winner [not pictured] was Jim Sauter, Vice President of Restaurants for the Rusty Bucket, and I enjoyed celebrating him and the newly renovated Sarnova headquarters!
|
 |
|
As I continue my work in the state legislature, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance with a state issue or would like to share your thoughts with me. I also encourage you to follow my social media for updates on what’s happening in Columbus and our community.
|
 
|
