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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 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

EPA Edgewater Press Conference

The U.S. EPA proposal designated the Northeast Ohio area to “attainment” status for ozone, as the region now meets national air quality standards. Key pollutants dropped more than 40% in five years, resulting in significantly cleaner air for our region. 

“Today’s proposal reflects our commitment to clean air for every community while making it easier for responsible projects to move forward,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “Working with Ohio EPA, local leaders, and employers, we cut ozone emissions. That means healthier summers for families across Northeast Ohio and greater certainty for businesses investing and creating jobs.”

“This is a big win for public health, our environment, and for Ohio’s future,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The progress to reduce ground-level ozone in this region sends a clear signal that Ohio is a place where businesses can grow and create jobs while also meeting important environmental standards.”

This was a momentous day in Northeast Ohio for hardworking families and individuals across the seven impacted counties. Having worked diligently on this issue over the past eight years, I’d like to express my gratitude to the U.S. and Ohio EPA for their hard work in recognizing air quality improvements in Northeast Ohio.

House Bill 814 - E-Check Legislation

I have introduced a new piece of legislation that would require the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within 90 days, to formally request the elimination of E-Check in the seven Northeast Ohio counties (Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Geauga, Medina, Lake, and Portage) if the U.S. EPA determines the region has moved from non-attainment to attainment status.  

For too long, Northeast Ohio has been unfairly penalized by the E-Check program. We’ve seen significant air quality improvement over the past 30 years. It’s time to end E-Check, and my legislation will do exactly that if the U.S. EPA determines we’ve reached air quality attainment.

I've also championed several bills and initiatives over the last eight years that have worked to address concerns with the E-Check Program. These items include the following:

• Sponsored the E-Check Ease Act, included in the State of Ohio Transportation Budget – April 2025
• Encouraged constituents to participate in the public comment period on proposed changes, subsequent U.S. EPA rejection, and continued ongoing discussions with Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA leadership – December 2025
• Authored a letter to the Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel, urging the elimination of E-Check in Northeast Ohio - recognizing air quality improvements - July 2023 
• H.R. 56 – Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal Government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act to eliminate the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted June 2021
• H.R. 247 – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act by eliminating the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted February 2020 
• Called for a comprehensive examination of E-Check: assessing its effectiveness, costs, and impact on Northeast Ohio residents – June 2019

I'm eager to see this bill across the finish line. House Bill 814 awaits a committee assignment. 

St. Hilary School

I had the opportunity to speak with fourth-grade students at St. Hilary School as a follow-up to their Statehouse visit on Revolutionary War Day. I wrote each student a personalized letter and gave them a state coloring book! They all have very bright futures ahead of them.

Cuyahoga Falls Business Commons Ribbon-Cutting

I was pleased to attend the recent Greater Akron Chamber and Cuyahoga Falls Chamber ribbon-cutting for their new remodeled office, which has been rebranded as the Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls. This building will serve as a hub for small business activity, meetings, and coworking. I presented them with a commendation to honor the occasion.

Ribbon-Cutting for the Boy Scouts Skilled Trades Center

I also participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Boy Scouts Middle School Trades Educational Center at Camp Manatoc. 

This facility will help expose middle school students to a range of skilled trades, including welding, carpentry, and HVAC. 

“Our skilled trades are the backbone of the Greater Akron economy. We must provide opportunities like this for students at a young age so that they can experience potential careers and see what interests them,” said Roemer. “These are the careers of the future, and it’s important these kids know they have great jobs waiting for them here in Ohio, even in their backyard.” 

Under the 135th General Assembly, House Bill 2 – the State Capital Budget – allotted $750,000 for this project.  The Boy Scouts Middle School Trades Educational Center was identified as a transformational project - Northeast Ohio will benefit for years to come. 

Superintendents Roundtable

I had the opportunity to present at and participate in a legislative roundtable with local superintendents. The discussion focused on challenges facing public education, including: funding, workforce readiness issues, student opportunity, pending legislation, and more.

Summit County Fire Chiefs Roundtable

I was honored to take part in a roundtable discussion with Summit County Fire Chiefs to hear directly about public safety priorities, resource needs, and operational challenges facing local departments.

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.