Wayne County,
With the Ohio House in recess during the month of April, I was grateful for the opportunity to spend more time here in the district. It was a productive few weeks filled with attending local events and participating in conferences.
As I prepare to return to Columbus this month, I look forward to finishing the spring session strong before transitioning back home for the summer.
If you have a meeting request or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. You can reach us 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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Woo and WayCo Podcast
I had the opportunity to sit down with Luke Martin on his Woo and WayCo Podcast to discuss my first 15 months in office!
Controlling Board Approval of Federal Rural Health Transformation Funds
Early April, the Ohio Controlling Board approved and released more than $202 million in federal funding through the first year of the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund.
Over the last year, Representative Kellie Deeter and I have worked to elevate the conversation around how we fund and sustain rural healthcare. From rising operational costs to declining reimbursement rates, these pressures have made it increasingly difficult for rural providers to continue delivering the care their communities rely on.
While the funding approved by the Ohio Controlling Board does not reflect every reform we have been advocating for, it represents real progress and an important investment in the future of rural healthcare.
The funding will support a range of initiatives aimed at improving access to care across rural Ohio, including investments in hospital infrastructure, workforce development, emergency services, maternal health, and school-based care. And due to the work of Rep. Deeter and I, it also provides direct assistance to rural hospitals, most of which are independent, to address uncompensated care.
For Wayne County, this includes a direct payment of around $1.1 million for Wooster Community Hospital, a critical provider serving families across the region.
This is a meaningful step forward, but it’s not the finish line. While this package doesn’t include everything we pushed for, it moves us in the right direction and keeps that conversation moving. Ensuring long-term access to care in rural communities will require continued collaboration and policy innovation.
Delivering Sponsor Testimony on House Bill 476
 A few weeks ago, Representative David Thomas and I had the opportunity to provide sponsor testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Gaming on House Bill 476.
House Bill 476 is a straightforward, commonsense proposal that would allow nonprofit organizations across Ohio to sell raffle tickets online. Right now, Ohio law only permits in-person raffle ticket sales. Over the past year, that restriction has created real challenges for local organizations, including volunteer fire departments and community nonprofits, that have received cease-and-desist notices from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for conducting online raffles.
Raffles have long been one of the most effective and trusted fundraising tools for nonprofits. Whether it’s helping purchase lifesaving equipment for first responders, funding local scholarships, or keeping community events alive, these efforts depend on the generosity of neighbors who care deeply about their hometowns.
This legislation does not open the door to online gaming. It simply allows Ohio nonprofits to sell raffle tickets online while preserving the integrity of traditional raffles, including the requirement for an in-person component for drawings.
The bill also includes important protections, including compliance with federal and state restrictions on out-of-state ticket sales and a prohibition on selling tickets to anyone under the age of 18.
Throughout the committee process in the House, we worked closely with stakeholders to strengthen and refine the legislation. The bill includes several key safeguards:
- Only governmental and nonprofit entities may sell raffle tickets online.
- Organizations must register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, pay an annual fee, and report expected gross receipts.
- Nonprofits must certify that at least 50% of gross receipts are used for their charitable purpose.
- Penalties for noncompliance align with existing charitable bingo violations.
- Online sales are permitted for raffles with tangible prizes without restriction.
- Cash prize raffles may be sold online only if each online ticket corresponds to a physical ticket drawn at an in-person event.
- Online ticket sales must close at least 24 hours before the drawing.
At its core, House Bill 476 is about modernization and common sense. Ohio’s nonprofit sector provides essential services every day, often stepping in where government cannot. These organizations deserve clarity, not confusion. They deserve a framework that reflects the way people communicate, connect, and contribute in today’s world.
I’m proud to continue working with Representative Thomas and our Senate colleagues to move this legislation forward and ensure Ohio’s nonprofits have the tools they need to continue serving our communities.
Strengthening Our Community, One Home at a Time
I had the opportunity to join community members, local officials, and volunteers for a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Habitat for Humanity home in Wooster.
We celebrated a major milestone for Natalie Ray as she begins the journey toward homeownership. Hearing her share what this opportunity means, having a place to call her own and the stability that comes with it, was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
I am honored to serve on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact this organization continues to have in our community. Habitat does more than build houses. It helps provide individuals and families with a real leg up. Through affordable homeownership, financial education, and a commitment to hard work, families are given the tools to build a stronger future.
It was great to see so many partners come together to make this project possible, including City of Wooster officials, the Wayne County Commissioners, and community partners like Burkey Excavating and Brightspeed, who are helping support the infrastructure and connectivity needs for the home.
Roundtable Conversation with Medical Mutual
 I had the opportunity to sit down with the full leadership team at Medical Mutual, including CEO Tony Helton, for a thoughtful roundtable discussion on the future of healthcare in Ohio.
Medical Mutual is Ohio's oldest and largest health insurance company, and is headquartered in Cleveland. As a mutual company (owned by policyholders, not shareholders), they serve over 1.2 million members with health, dental, and vision insurance for individuals, employers, and Medicare beneficiaries. And they are leading the market in small group health insurance, which serves small businesses.
In my role as House Insurance Vice Chair, and as a member of both the House Health and House Medicaid Committees, these conversations are critical to the work we are doing at the Statehouse. It’s important that I hear directly from those operating within our healthcare and insurance markets as we consider legislation that impacts millions of Ohioans.
We had a productive discussion about the market pressures driving rising healthcare costs, including premiums. Like many across the system, insurers are navigating increasing costs tied to care delivery, workforce challenges, and overall demand. These realities reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong, fair, and predictable regulatory environment, one that protects consumers while allowing the market to function effectively.
We also talked through several pieces of legislation currently before us, including House Bills 133, 682, and 716, and how these proposals can help improve access, affordability, and long-term sustainability within our healthcare system.
I appreciated the opportunity to have an open and candid dialogue about both the challenges and opportunities ahead. These conversations help inform better policy, and ultimately, better outcomes for the people we serve.
Celebrating Success with the Wayne Economic Development Council
 I was glad to attend the Wayne Economic Development Council Annual Meeting, which highlighted continued growth, strong partnerships, and forward momentum across Wayne County.
It was great to recognize this year’s award winners for their outstanding contributions to strengthening our local economy and community. Congratulations to the recipients of the Quality Growth Awards: Centerra Co-op, Deco-Crete, Jarrett Logistics, Luke Engineering & Anodizing Co., Mull Iron, PRC-Saltillo, Seaman Corporation, and The Village Network.
Additional congratulations to the Lyric Theater of Wooster for receiving the Community Investment Award, and to Richard Seaman for being honored with the Chris Schmid Community Impact Award.
Leading Beyond Ohio: A National Policy Achievement
 My colleagues and I spent a few days in Louisville with legislators from across the country at the Spring Meeting for the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL).
And exciting news… I passed my first national model law!
This model law is based on House Bill 133, which I introduced and passed in the Ohio House to incentivize small businesses to offer health coverage through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). The model received unanimous support at NCOIL, and we’re already seeing momentum build in other states, with Mississippi among the latest to adopt it.
 It’s incredibly rewarding to see a policy I am working on here in Ohio become a national model. Especially in my first term, it’s a great example of how thoughtful, market-driven solutions can make a real impact beyond our state. This approach helps expand access to affordable coverage while giving small businesses the flexibility they need to better support their employees.
Now, I’m focused on continuing that momentum and getting this policy fully across the finish line here in Ohio.
I look forward to continuing to lead these conversations at NCOIL and working with my colleagues across the country to advance practical solutions that strengthen our healthcare system and expand access to care.
Wayne County Children's Services Child Abuse Prevention Month Lunch
 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect on the responsibility we all share to protect our most vulnerable. I was honored to attend the Annual Wayne County Children's Services Child Abuse Prevention Event and stand alongside community partners committed to that mission.
The event highlighted the strong, ongoing efforts across Wayne County to prevent child abuse and ensure every child can grow up in a safe, supportive environment.
I’m especially grateful for the dedicated men and women in uniform who work every day to safeguard our children and connect families with critical resources. Congratulations to this year’s nominees, and a special congratulations to Rittman Officer Steve Hunter on being named Wayne County Children Services Law Enforcement Officer of the Year!
Norwayne FFA Banquet
I was honored to be invited to the Norwayne FFA banquet. It was great to see so many students involved in the program and developing real-world skills, responsibility, and a strong work ethic through the Future Farmers of America.
Norwayne FFA continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students to grow as leaders and prepare for future careers. The dedication of these students and advisors is evident, and it is encouraging to see the next generation stepping up with such commitment and purpose.
Having a “Bond-Fire” at the Library!
 I had the opportunity to attend a special “bond-fire” event hosted by the Wayne County Public Library, celebrating the final payment on the 20-year construction bond that made the main library possible.
It was great to see the community come together to mark the completion of such a significant long-term investment, one that has provided outstanding library facilities for residents across Wayne County. Just as importantly, this milestone also brings meaningful property tax relief for local taxpayers now that the bond has been fully retired.
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