An Open Letter to the 86th House District, September 28th, 2020
Dear Residents of Marion and Union County,
Approximately 20 months ago, I swore an oath to serve as your newly elected State Representative. These have been extremely busy months of learning and doing my best to be effective as your leader of the 86th District. Representing you, your ideas and your concerns at the Ohio Statehouse is my priority.
I wanted to provide you with an update on some of the issues I have been working on in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Balancing the Budget, Protecting Your Tax Dollars and Investing in Ohio’s Future
Early last year, I was named to serve on the House Finance Committee, whose number one priority is helping craft a two-year state budget.
I spent many hours a week listening to testimony, studying and then voting on a bill that details the budget for Ohio. I considered the seven month process extremely important and did my very best to understand where your taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether those costs are necessary.
Working in a bipartisan manner with colleagues from around the state, we were able to develop a balanced, responsible budget. Among the highlights of the state budget were record funding for schools, a 4 percent income tax rate cut, a major investment to support children in foster care and dollars to support mental health challenges via schools.
Jobs and the Economy
I was honored to sponsor one of the Ohio House’s priority bills, House Bill 4, which will help improve workforce training for Ohioans. The new law requires the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to act as a liaison between the business community and the Department of Education or the Chancellor of Higher Education regarding industry-recognized credentials and certificate programs.
COVID-19
COVID-19 has dramatically changed day-to-day life. Helping Ohio families and businesses through this pandemic has been my major focus since March. Among the measures recently passed was House Bill 614, which a colleague and I introduced to help improve Ohio’s unemployment compensation system. Since the shutdown began, over 1.3M people have applied for help and the tedious process has led to extreme frustration for applicants. The goal of our new law is to improve the claims processing system so it never fails Ohioans again.
Maintaining the balance between safety and freedom has also been a high priority during COVID-19. While I do understand that a serious virus exists within our communities, my position is that we need to allow Ohioans to make their own choices about protecting their health. We are informed now and should respectfully take precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbor. The directives of the government should be limited. I encourage the vulnerable to remain extra vigilant while we safely resume our lives, open schools and support businesses. I have voted on key bills that would help give the citizens of Ohio their freedoms back. Including Senate Bill 1, Senate Bill 55, House Bill 272, House Bill 606, and House Bill 624. Most recently I have supported a bill to end our state of emergency and have been working on legislation allowing patients in nursing homes to safely receive visits from family members. We need cooperation and common sense to prevail, not extreme measures as we open Ohio.
Honoring Our Veterans
As one of several veterans in the state legislature, I have been closely involved in honoring and supporting those whose service and sacrifice have kept America strong and free.
One of the measures I passed designates a part of State Route 4 in Marion to honor Sergeant David S. Harris. It was an honor to work with many constituents in the Marion area to ensure Sergeant Harris’ legacy will always be remembered.
I sponsored HB 262 with the goal of creating the Folds of Honor license plate. The new law allows proceeds from purchasing this license plate for scholarships to a spouse or child either of disabled veterans or of members of any branch of the armed forces who died during their service.
Serving You
Introducing legislation is a large part of my job, but I also sit on four House committees that help move legislation. Through these numerous assignments I have been able to interact with citizens, and help create policies that will benefit the state of Ohio.
I am also involved with several other groups at the state level. These organizations include the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, the State Victims Advisory Council, and the War Orphans Scholarship Board, the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the State Report Card Study Committee, the Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus and the Human Trafficking Initiative. Being a part of these groups allows me to take an active role in serving the public in so many different areas.
In addition, my time as a State Representative has allowed me to meet many amazing people and take part in a variety of community events. Recently, I celebrated the anniversary of women’s suffrage at a yellow rose planting ceremony in Marysville. I have also visited local schools, soup kitchens, senior centers, domestic violence shelters, farms, fairs, businesses and much more throughout Marion and Union County.
One of the joys of my work is when I am able to meet with my constituents while at the Statehouse. I have spoken with countless school groups, had engaging conversations in my office and greeted visitors before and after House sessions (where we vote). Unfortunately, many of these visitor opportunities I cherish have been temporarily stopped due to COVID-19 but I hope they will resume soon.
Make Your Voice Heard
As I close, I want you to know that making sure your voice is heard at the Statehouse is my number one priority. If you have questions, need assistance with state government issues or have ideas on how to make Ohio an even better place to call home, I hope you’ll take a moment to contact my office at Rep86@ohiohouse.gov. You can also go to my website http://www.ohiohouse.gov/tracy-m-richardson to learn more or call my office at 614-466-8147. My legislative aide is Levi Gross and together we will do our very best to respond to and serve your needs. I look forward to staying connected with you!
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Tracy Richardson
State Representative, Ohio’s 86th House District
77 S. High Street | Columbus, Ohio 43215