Wayne County,
With the Ohio House in summer recess, I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend more time here in the district. This month has been filled with community events, meeting with constituents, and continuing work on legislation, even while the House is out of session.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to schedule a meeting. My office can be reached at Rep77@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-1474.
Sincerely,
State Representative Meredith Craig
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Celebrating Orrville Utilities and Jeff Brediger
It was a pleasure to stop by the Orrville Utilities Board meeting to present not just one, but two House commendations.
Congratulations to the outstanding team at Orrville Utilities for earning the American Public Power Association's Safety Award of Excellence. Receiving the Diamond Award, the organization's highest safety honor, is a testament to its commitment to safe operating practices and to protecting both its employees and the community it serves.
I also had the privilege of recognizing Director Jeff Brediger on his retirement after many years of dedicated service to Orrville Utilities. Thank you, Jeff, for your leadership, commitment, and the lasting impact you've made on the City of Orrville.
Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Wooster Clinic Tour
 I had the opportunity to tour the Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Clinic in Wooster. During my visit, I met with patients receiving dialysis treatment and learned more about the work of the dedicated health care team that cares for them each day.
As one of the world's largest providers of dialysis services and products, Fresenius Medical Care plays an important role in delivering specialized care. It was great to see the services they provide to patients here in Wayne County.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!
 This month, communities across Ohio and the nation came together to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. I was grateful to take part in several Fourth of July events throughout the district, joining friends, neighbors, and local leaders in recognizing this historic milestone.
One of the highlights of the day was participating in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence alongside fellow elected officials, including Wooster Mayor Bob Reynolds, Rittman Mayor Rudy Arnold, Apple Creek Mayor Rodney Mackey, Orrville Mayor Matt Plybon, and Commissioner Matt Martin. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the principles that have shaped our nation for the past 250 years.
We live in the best country in the world!
Camp Invention at Wooster Schools
I enjoyed visiting Camp Invention at Wooster High School and seeing students engaged in hands-on learning and creative problem-solving. The program provides K–6 students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and innovation in a fun and interactive environment.
It was great to learn more about the program's positive impact on students in our community, including improvements in attendance, reading and math performance, and increased interest in pursuing an entrepreneurial career.
Visiting the Wooster Boys and Girls Club
 I had the opportunity to tour the Boys & Girls Club of Wooster and learn more about the important role the organization plays in supporting local youth and families. During my visit, I met with staff and members to discuss the programs they offer and the needs facing young people in Wayne County.
I appreciate the work the Boys & Girls Club is doing in our community and look forward to continuing to partner with them to support local youth.
Celebrating the Expansion of Seaman Corporation
 I was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration for Seaman Corporation's expansion in Wooster and present a commendation recognizing this exciting milestone.
Since its founding in 1949, Seaman Corporation has continued to grow and invest in our community. This latest expansion adds 10,000 square feet of enhanced workspace, strengthens its local operations, and brings 50 new jobs to Wayne County.
It was a pleasure to celebrate the company's continued commitment to its employees and our region. Congratulations to Richard Seaman, Jeff Swartz, and the entire Seaman Corporation team on this achievement!
Harvesting Hope Farm Tour
 I attended the Harvesting Hope Farm Tour hosted by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks at Greenfield Farms south of Wooster. The tour highlighted the important partnerships between Ohio farmers and food banks to help provide fresh, locally grown food to families across the state.
During the event, I was honored to present Greenfield Farms with the “Food Champion” pin in recognition of its commitment to supporting hunger relief efforts.
Green Field Farms was founded in 2003 and is a cooperative of Amish and conservative Mennonite farmers from around the state. Their cooperative stemmed from a desire to make farming a viable, long-term future for family farms as more and more Amish left farming due to inflation, land costs, and highly mechanized agriculture.
Green Field Farms has been a dedicated partner to the Ohio Foodbanks, always leading with “yes” to bring more healthy, fresh produce to Ohio families in need. They were an integral part in Ohio’s LFPA (Local Food Purchase Assistance Program), by creating a value-added product to reduce waste on the farm and provide sauerkraut to families in need. They also support Ohio’s Agricultural Clearance program by providing otherwise unmarketable produce such as fall squash, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage. In State Fiscal Year 2026 they provided over 90,000 lbs. of fresh produce through Ohio’s Agricultural Clearance Program.
Visiting the Link-Wayne
 I had the opportunity to go back and visit The Link-Wayne, where I toured the facility to look at new updates, met with participants and staff, and learned more about the organization's programs and services. It was great to hear directly about how state policies and funding support the work they do in our community.
The Link-Wayne helps individuals with disabilities stay active and engaged through volunteer opportunities, social activities, and recreational programs. I always appreciate the opportunity to learn more about their mission and look forward to continuing conversations about how we can best support the important work they do.
Legislative Updates
Although the legislature is in summer recess, we continue to work on policy initiatives. Below are three bills I have recently introduced.
House Bill 845 works to address dental benefit plans, specifically how dentists receive payment. The bill would update Ohio law to allow dentists to regulate virtual credit card payments and give dentists more control over how they receive payments from dental insurance companies. This bill would help modernize Ohio law to protect dental practices and keep up with modern technologies. You can read more here: House Bill 845 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of Representatives.
House Bill 941, legislation I joint-sponsored with Rep. Tex Fischer, would help right-size Ohio’s bureaucracy. If enacted, this legislation will eliminate any full-time position within our state government agencies if it remains vacant for more than 90 days. If agencies are functioning for long periods without filling positions that we as a state are still allocating funds for, then the positions themselves may be unnecessary. This bill is a common-sense way to cut down on the wasteful spending within our bureaucratic state agencies without placing a target on any one agency or position. Taxpayers should not be funding bloated budgets that include phantom jobs for agencies that don't serve the public interest. You can read more here: House Bill 941 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of Representatives.
House Bill 963, legislation I joint-sponsored with Rep. Kellie Deeter, would modernize Ohio physician assistant (PA) practice laws and remove outdated barriers that limit PAs from practicing to a greater extent of their education and training. It is an important step toward ensuring patients have greater access to high-quality, team-based care while allowing PAs to contribute fully to Ohio’s healthcare workforce. You can read more here: House Bill 963 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of Representatives.
Voter ID on the November Ballot
 In June, the Ohio House passed a joint resolution to strengthen Ohio’s election process, which would put a constitutional amendment before the voters this fall to enshrine Ohio's Voter ID laws in the state's Constitution. Senate Joint Resolution 10 would require voters to provide photo identification in order to vote in Ohio’s elections. The resolution specifies what constitutes a valid identification—specifically requiring individuals voting in person to provide a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification. With the adoption of the resolution, the question will appear on the November ballot as State Issue 3.
House Bill 105 Officially Signed into Law
 I am excited to announce that Governor DeWine signed House Bill 105 into law! This brings long-overdue transparency to third-party litigation funding and ensures that no foreign entity can invest in or influence our courts. Effective October 6, 2026, third-party funders will have to create a clear transparency framework for consumers and register with the Ohio Attorney General, which ensures outside financial interests cannot secretly influence Ohio’s legal system. Most importantly, House Bill 105 includes a first-in-the-nation ban on all foreign governments, foreign corporations, and foreign investors participating in third-party litigation funding. This is a huge win for Ohioans, Ohio businesses, and the entire state of Ohio!
Property Tax Reminder
I would like to address the recent notices Wayne County residents received in the mail showing that their property values have once again increased.
First, it is important to understand what that postcard is and what it is not. The notice you received is only informing you that your property's appraised value has increased. It is NOT a notice that your property taxes have increased.
For years, Ohio homeowners have watched property taxes climb simply because property values rose. My colleagues and I recognized that this system needed reform, which is why we worked to pass a series of property tax relief bills, including House Bills 124, 129, and 309.
Taken together, these reforms change the way Ohio's property tax system operates. Property tax rates will no longer automatically increase at the same pace as rising property values. In other words, an increase in your property's value does not automatically mean your tax bill will increase by the same percentage. If you make no improvements or additions to your home, the only way your property taxes can now increase by more than the rate of inflation is if voters approve a new or additional tax levy.
House Bill 124, also known as “Flip the Script,” empowers county auditors to have greater oversight over determining property tax sales information used for determining property valuations.
House Bill 129 implements a meaningful check on property tax increases by counting emergency, substitute, incremental growth, conversion levies, and the property tax portion of combined levies toward the 20-mill floor. This closes longstanding loopholes that contributed to tax spikes and is expected to lift 237 school districts off the 20-mill floor over the next four years.
The bill also provides a new alternative levy option. School districts with an existing emergency or substitute levy may renew these levies indefinitely as a “fixed sum levy.” The bill also allows schools in fiscal distress, as designated by the Auditor of State, or under a disaster declaration, to levy a new one-time 5-year “fixed sum levy” to cover current expenses. These options provide additional flexibility for school districts.
House Bill 309 slashes unnecessary collections by expanding the county budget commission’s authority to modify levies and trim unnecessarily high millage rates, shielding Ohioans from overly excessive tax bills.
While rising property values can certainly be concerning, I want to reassure homeowners that we have taken significant steps to break the automatic connection between higher valuations and higher tax bills. These reforms are designed to make property taxes more predictable, more transparent, and more accountable to voters.
If you have any questions about your property valuation or how these new laws affect your tax bill, please don't hesitate to contact my office. We are always happy to help.
Please Continue to Pray for the Rittman Community
 Finally, our hearts remain with the Rittman community as we mourn the loss of Sgt. Ries, Christine, and McKinley.
In the midst of this heartbreaking tragedy, we are deeply grateful to the first responders who answered the call with courage, professionalism, and compassion. Their heroic efforts under incredibly difficult circumstances reflect the very best of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities.
Please continue to keep the Ries family, the McWilliams family, and the entire Rittman community in your prayers.
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