 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.
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Cut Diesel Costs for Americans
President Trump recently signed an executive order to immediately cut diesel costs by authorizing highway use of tax-free dyed diesel and deferring the federal diesel excise tax through the end of the year.
Just last week, Miami and Darke County farmers welcomed and celebrated the news that the Ohio Legislature passed a 90-day suspension of the state fuel tax. Now, President Trump is providing similar relief by removing the federal tax on diesel, providing an even greater break for our farmers and truckers as they enter into harvest season. This is very exciting and could mean up to $100 in savings per fill-up!
Protecting Parents’ Rights – House Bill 1013
Some have questioned whether the Family Sovereignty Act - House Bill 1013 - is necessary. Court News Ohio published an eye-opening report on the Supreme Court of Ohio ruling this week regarding a parental rights case. The Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for the Summit County juvenile court to award custody of a child to the grandparents “without first finding that the mother was an unsuitable parent.”
I introduced House Bill 1013 to address this in Ohio law protecting parental rights. At the same time, this bill keeps in place mandatory reporting of child abuse, ensuring that courts have all the means necessary to remove minors from abusive parents when, in fact, abuse is found.
House Bill 603 - Prohibit Certain Clauses from Conservancy Districts Contracts
 I voted in support 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.
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. I encourage everyone in District 80 to adopt safety steps like escape plans and alarm checks!
In Case You Missed It: 90 Day Gas Tax Holiday For Ohioans
 In case you missed it, just last week the legislature passed a bill to 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.
Proudly Serving You
 As your State Representative, one of my favorite things is being out in the community meeting the people who make Miami and Darke County great. Our office received an email, which resulted in a much longer conversation and a great connection with these constituents. I sat down for a cup of coffee and a long visit with Steve and Patti Springer at the legendary Poor Farmer’s Campground in Fletcher, Ohio. I heard their perspective on how property taxes have had a big impact on farmers. Coupled with rising costs for fuel and equipment and the low prices for crops that remain out of their control, this scenario creates a huge challenge for Ohio’s farmers. They are owed a much higher degree of gratitude than most people realize. Thank you, Ohio farm families!
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