During the two years of a state representative’s term, the calendar generally follows the same path. The first half of the first year is focused very heavily on the biennial state budget. Summers are usually a good time to spend more time throughout the district, keeping in touch with the constituents you represent. And while you can accomplish many various pieces of legislation during the second year, campaign season starts before you know it.
Regardless, I have tried to carefully balance my roles of making laws at the Statehouse and staying active in the community so that I can best represent the interests of those who live here. Even though we are now in what’s called “lame duck” session, the work of the Ohio General Assembly continues.
We have a lot to get done before the holiday season slows us down. There are many important pieces of legislation that we have been working on throughout the summer and early fall. One example of a bill that will likely be voted on very soon is one that regulates high-volume dog breeding. I expect that this will receive a lot of attention, so we are continuing to make the bill the best that it can be.
In the meantime, we are doing all that we can before the end of the year to prepare for the next state operating budget. Each session of the General Assembly is required to pass a budget for the next two fiscal years. I was very proud to take part in getting Ohio out of its $8 billion structural deficit without raising taxes during this term.
In addition to our legislative duties, the Ohio General Assembly honors our state’s fallen military service members every year by presenting their families and other loved ones with the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction. This is one more way of honoring their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful state.
Although Ashtabula County and Trumbull County do not have a fallen service member receiving the medal this year, our neighbors in Lake, Geauga, and Portage counties have all received the terrible news that one of their own would not be coming home from the battlefield. I’m honored and humbled to take part in the ceremony for the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction, and I hope that it provides more comfort to the families who have lost someone in action.
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