A Legislative Update, June 3, 2019
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week to better the lives of hardworking Ohioans.
My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the legislature.
Creating the Ohio Clean Air Program: Substitute House Bill 6 creates the Ohio Clean Air Program to facilitate and encourage electricity production and use clean energy sources. This legislation will save the average residential customer approximately $3.68 per month. Substitute House Bill 6 both saves Ohioans money and strengthens Ohio’s zero carbon energy portfolio. Substitute House Bill 6 will now be heard in the Ohio Senate.
Creating the FY 2020-2021 Industrial Commission Budget: House Bill 79 makes appropriations for the Industrial Commission beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2021. I sponsored this legislation and worked to secure its 89-1 passage in the Ohio House. The Industrial Commission serves injured workers and Ohio employers through the resolution of issues arising from workers’ compensation claims and through the establishment of adjudication policy.
Providing Earnings and Deductions Statements to Employees: House Bill 137 requires an employer to provide earnings and deductions statements to each of the employer’s employees. Currently, Ohio is one of nine states that does not require employers to provide a statement detailing an employee’s pay information. House Bill 137 remedies this issue and ensures that employees have the legal right to view their pay statements.
Establishing Affirmative Defense for Certain Hazardous Substance Release: House Bill 168 encourages economic development in Ohio by establishing a bona fide prospective purchase pathway for those interested in purchasing lightly contaminated properties, such as the site of a former gas station or dry cleaning business. This legislation will establish state level immunity for potential purchasers of property through the Ohio EPA if federal protocol is followed. House Bill 168 passed out of the House unanimously.
In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.