An Update from State Representative Bird: October 5-9

Ohio House Republicans sent this bulletin at 10/09/2026 12:30 PM EDT

Dear Neighbor,

It's an honor to serve as your State Representative for the 63rd Ohio House District.

I invite everybody to read more about what I'm working on at the Statehouse by visiting my webpage here, or checking out my previous newsletters here.

God Bless,

Adam Bird
State Representative
Ohio's 63rd House District

ICYMI: 90 Day Gas Tax Holiday for Ohioans Takes Effect

Representative Bird voted in support of a legislative effort that will temporarily suspend Ohio’s State Gas Tax for 90 days, providing real relief to Ohioans as fuel costs continue to rise.

This tax holiday provides Ohioans with $725 million in relief leading into the holiday season. Importantly, these savings will come without interrupting access to funds for state and local road maintenance and construction.

This initiative is part of Ohio House Republicans’ broader efforts to lower the cost of living for Ohioans. House Republicans have championed several pieces of legislation aimed at providing savings you can see since the beginning of the General Assembly, including cutting state income taxes with a new flat rate, passing a slate of bills to provide more than $4 billion in property tax relief over the next three years, expanding access to publicly funded child care and preschool, and renewing the expanded summer sales tax holiday.

WATCH: Rep. Bird Supports 90 Day Gas Tax Holiday

It's National Fire Safety and Prevention Week!

This week is National Fire Safety and Prevention Week. Fire safety and prevention begin before there is ever an emergency. Rep. Bird encourages everyone to adopt safety steps like escape plans and alarm checks!

House Bill 603 - Prohibit Certain Clauses from Conservancy Districts Contracts

Rep. Bird is a co-sponsor of House Bill 603 - legislation to strengthen conservancy districts’ ability to enter into contracts confidently and responsibly.

This bill will help conservancy districts operate more effectively by giving them clearer authority and contract protection in order to better help serve their communities. This bill will give conservancy districts greater flexibility to work with modern vendors.

House Bill 603 awaits its first hearing in the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Ohio Retirement Study Council Review Finds Significant Flaws in Allegations Against STRS Ohio

Representative Bird recently announced that a review by the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC) and its independent consultants identified significant flaws and unsupported conclusions in a recent article questioning the investment practices of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS).

The article, “Retirement at Risk: The Political Economy of Public Pension Governance,” published in the Journal of New Finance, raised concerns among STRS members regarding allegations of fraud and fiduciary mismanagement.

At its August 13, 2026, meeting, the ORSC directed staff to contact the article's authors, Dr. Allen Mendenhall and Dr. Dan Sutter, to seek clarification regarding their data sources and methodology. Following an initial response, the authors declined further communication, leaving critical questions unanswered. The ORSC's subsequent review, supported by independent analyses, determined that the article relied on flawed methodology and inconsistent data practices that undermine its conclusions.

“Allegations of fraud and fiduciary mismanagement are incredibly serious and must be supported by credible evidence,” said Rep. Bird. “As an STRS member myself, I am outraged that such sweeping accusations would be made without adequate proof, only for the authors to refuse to answer legitimate questions about their findings. Our review makes clear that these claims are not supported by the data.”

The findings come amid years of allegations against STRS investment staff, which have contributed to growing distrust among members and diverted attention from pressing retirement issues, including retirees' declining purchasing power and efforts to reduce the system's amortization period.

“Ohio's educators and retirees deserve facts, transparency, and accountability, not a continued barrage of unsubstantiated accusations,” added Rep. Bird. “Our focus should remain on protecting the long-term stability of the retirement system and addressing the issues that directly impact its members.”

The ORSC review and independent consultant analyses support the accuracy of STRS Ohio's reported investment performance and actuarial data. Members are encouraged to consult audited financial statements, annual reports, and independent analyses for reliable information regarding the system's financial health and performance.

OhioHouse.gov/Adam-C-Bird

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