Click and Pavliga Introduce Legislation Creating the Ohio Family Stability Commission

State Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Gail Pavliga (R-Atwater) recently reintroduced legislation to reestablish the Ohio Family Stability Commission under House Bill 173.  The two legislators spoke to the bill within the House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee earlier today.

“The strength of a society is directly proportional to the strength of our families. Oftentimes, we establish well-intended rules, regulations, and laws that have unintended consequences of incentivizing unstable families,” Click said. “Instead, we should be considering how we can reinforce the family, strengthen the home and provide avenues of success. The end result of this research and advocacy should be strengthened homes, a stronger Ohio, and a better tomorrow.”

The bill creates the Ohio Family Stability Commission in the Department of Job and Family Services. The Commission is responsible for evaluating information that relates to family stability and using that information to recommend legislation to the General Assembly or rules to state agencies that would address family stability. The Commission is also responsible for monitoring legislation and rulemaking processes related to family stability.

“I believe that with the factors that are affecting families today regarding our economy, disparities and the mental health issues, we need to establish this commission,” said Pavliga. “I’m very pleased that there seems to be lots of interest and encouragement generated on this legislation.  I’m optimistic that we can move this bill forward through the legislative process to help our families across our communities on these various barriers.”

This commission was originally established in 2015. Unfortunately, few members were appointed and without a chair, the commission never met or fulfilled its mission. Structural changes have been made to ensure the success of the mission. The commission will include representatives from both chambers of the Legislature as well as appointees by the Governor, the chair, and vice chair of the committee.

This was the first hearing on House Bill 173 and it awaits further consideration.