 I am greatly honored to represent Ohio's 80th House District, covering Miami and southern Darke counties. If you are ever in Columbus, please feel free to call and schedule a visit at The People's Office of District 80.
Local Governments Set Zoning Ordinances
 Decisions about zoning for industrial or housing developments are made by the local governments: county, township, and city/villages. This authority of self-governance is secured to them by the Ohio Constitution, Article X, Section 1, and Article XVIII, Section 3. Elected officials in local government entities determine how they want their communities to look. Miami and Darke County officials are working to address these decisions for the good of the community in ways that go unnoticed by most residents. The District 80 Office is in communication with our two county offices, 20 townships, and 21 cities and villages to support them in their local control decisions. Why not consider finding out who your local officials are and offer them your gratitude for their tireless work!
Agriculture Committee Meeting at Ohio State Fair
The Ohio House and Senate joint agriculture committee meeting was held at the Ohio State Fair for its annual meeting to discuss the state’s ag business. Agriculture is Ohio’s largest industry, fueling the state’s economy with $124 billion.
 Ohio’s farmers employ and feed Ohioans; they feed America; and they feed the world. We heard reports of the “Ohio Proud” ag logo being found on shelves in numerous nations around the world. The state fair might be really big, but it cannot showcase the whole picture! Proud to serve as vice chair on this committee.
House Bill 170 - Updating Ohio's Regulatory Framework
I voted in support of House Bill 170, legislation to establish Ohio’s regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage.
This bill places Ohio in the driver’s seat when it comes to regulating carbon dioxide sequestration in Class VI underground injection wells through the Department of Natural Resources. The bill creates a self-sustaining financial structure funded through permit fees and storage charges. It establishes a county-level Carbon Storage Host Community Fund that directs dollars directly to host counties for local infrastructure, public safety, education, and more.
Governor DeWine signed this bill into law in June.
Miami County’s Own Wins State Grand Champion
The Davis family from Miami County is truly proud of their daughter’s accomplishments as a swine exhibitor. Young Miss Gigi Davis won Grand Champion Landrace Breeding Gilt-Westcamp. This is a huge win for such a young competitor, but it comes as no surprise considering how diligently she has worked and how many shows she has competed in, bringing home a number of prizes. This young showman no doubt has many more awards in her future. Congratulations, Gigi!
Brownfield Remediation Application Period Now Open
I'm pleased to share that the Brownfield Remediation Program application period is officially open, with approximately $120 million available through the program.
I applaud local communities making good use of this program to return shuttered industrial sites to active use. Maximizing use of sites already zoned for this use is an important step in preserving Ohio’s valuable farmland.
In House Bill 96, Ohio’s State Operating Budget, the legislature allocated $200 million over the biennium for the Brownfield Remediation Program, which has proven successful in helping local communities repurpose existing sites for future projects that can create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Eligible applicants include “Lead Entities,” which are counties, townships, municipal corporations, port authorities, district parks, county land reutilization corporations, or organizations for profit.
Since 2021, the program has supported over 900 projects in 87 counties, awarding nearly $800 million in funding.
|