A Legislative Update, November 14, 2019
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week including designating Women Veterans’ Day and regulating mobile dental facilities. State officials also announced last month the creation of a new effort to connect students with disabilities to the job market.
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.
Designating Women Veterans’ Day: Senate Bill 77 designates June 12th as “Women Veterans’ Day.” In 2015, 15% of all active-duty personnel were women. I co-sponsored this bill, which passed unanimously, because I believe it’s important to recognize the many accomplishments of women veterans across the state.
Mobile Dental Facilities: House Bill 203 makes the services provided by Mobile Dental Facilities more effective in order to allow greater access to proper oral health care. This legislation, which I co-sponsored, allows for a more streamlined process for sharing medical records between mobile dental facilities and dental offices, and establishes a greater framework for a statewide mobile dental facility database.
Establishing the Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program: House Bill 285 permanently extends a program which has decreased the number of Ohioans with suspended driver’s licenses. The Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program helps Ohioans who are unable to afford the reinstatement fee or fines on their license suspension, with exceptions for certain types of violations.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services for Relatives of Active Duty Military: House Bill 287 allows reciprocity for Medicaid home and community-based service waivers for the family members of active-duty military when families move to Ohio for military assignment. These Medicaid waivers are often necessary to provide custodial and nursing care for individuals with significant developmental disabilities. I co-sponsored House Bill 287 which passed out of the House unanimously.
Unveiling the Ohio College2Careers Program: Last month state and higher education officials unveiled a new program under Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities known as the Ohio College2Careers program. The program will fund counselors at 15 public colleges and universities to help connect students with disabilities to the job market. The counselors will ensure students have the required support to complete their degrees or credentials, earn higher wages and meet labor market demands. The program will also help students with career exploration, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation and more.
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.