Update/Newsletter from Representative Richardson

Dear Friends and Neighbors in the 86th District,

The last few months have been filled with extensive debate and deliberation on a wide range of policy issues, including several we are facing as a result of the pandemic. Just as the pandemic is an historic time, with unprecedented challenges, similarly the legislative issues we face as a result are also unique.

Moreover, balancing public health with the rights of individuals requires thoughtful and deliberate consideration. It takes perseverance, patience and understanding to navigate concerns and create solutions that are meaningful for Ohioans. As much as possible, acting with responsibility and charity toward our neighbor is important for all of us.

Listening, caring, collaborating and innovating are the ways in which I approach problem solving. I learned long ago that as policymakers, it’s important to listen to a variety of perspectives, learn the issues and lead. Doing the right thing at the right time, for the right reasons is my mantra.

I am a member of 5 standing committees and was recently assigned to a commission with a goal of funding training for law enforcement throughout the State of Ohio. I’m also newly assigned to a workforce commission with a mission of making recommendations to address our workforce shortages.

In this newsletter, I touch upon a few major policy initiatives I’ve been involved with at the Ohio House of Representatives. These are just a sample of the many bills being considered or have passed.

I encourage you to go to my official website to stay up to date with my activity (https://ohiohouse.gov/members/tracy-m-richardson). 

Additionally, I want to remind you that I am hosting In-District Office Hours in Marysville and Marion on a monthly basis. You are always welcome to schedule an appointment to meet with me by contacting my office. Recently, redistricting of the Ohio General Assembly relocated me to serve all of Union County and most of Dublin with a few Columbus precincts as well. This sadly means that pending litigation in the Ohio Supreme Court, I will no longer represent Marion County. The news is disappointing because I have come to truly know and care about Marion! Having said this, I’m also excited to get to meet and learn more about the needs of my new district.

As I close, I reiterate that my goal is to keep moving Ohio forward and to lead our district as promised with honesty, integrity and good will toward all. From my family to yours, wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones and friends.

-Tracy Richardson

Legislative Priorities

House Concurrent Resolution 22: Securing the Southern Border
The Ohio House of Representatives recently adopted a resolution urging Congress to take action and secure the southern border of the Unites States. I am proud to have co-sponsored this important legislation addressing one of our Country’s most pressing issues.

House Bill 3, Aisha’s Law: Expanding Penalties for Domestic Abuse Perpetrators
It is important to stand with domestic abuse victims. Ensuring their safety is a priority that I hold. I was honored to support and co-sponsor Aisha’s law that expands penalties for those who commit.

House Bills 322 and 327: Protecting Students from Indoctrination
I’ve co-sponsored two bills that protect the integrity of our education system by ensuring divisive belief systems and ideologies, such as critical race theory, are not indoctrinating Ohio students. These bills do not prohibit teaching about the atrocities of racism and slavery. These pieces of legislation simply ensure students are NOT taught that an individual’s moral standing or worth is determined by the individual’s race or sex.

House Bill 477: Ensuring Exemptions for Students & Employees from Vaccine Mandates
The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed HB 218, a vaccine freedom/fairness act. Language from my bill, HB 477 was included in the passage. My bill provides comprehensive personal exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Further, under the bill, students cannot be expelled and employees cannot be terminated based on a claimed exemption.

House Bill 120: Caring for Loved One in Long-Term Care Facilities
I am still working on my bill, HB 120, the Compassionate Caregivers Act to ensure that our loved ones living in long-term care facilities have compassionate care access to their friends and families during a pandemic, epidemic, or state of emergency. My goal is to amend this legislation to make it permanent to ensure that the isolation witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic never happens again. HB 120 has passed the House and is currently awaiting further action from the Senate.

House Bill 227: Promoting Constitutional Carry
The 2nd Amendment states one of our most fundamental Constitutional rights as Americans. Recently, I had the opportunity to protect these rights by supporting HB 227, legislation that would allow for an individual over the age of 21 to conceal carry a firearm without a permit. HB 227, the constitutional carry bill, ensures the right of self-defense is upheld.

House Bill 319: Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking
Current law still labels some survivors of sex trafficking and all survivors of labor trafficking as criminals. I’m working to change that for victims of human trafficking who have been compelled to commit crimes through no fault of their own. The bill allows for expungement of records. With the right safeguards in place, this legislation will truly help victims of human trafficking recover from a traumatic past and reach their full potential in life.

Senate Bill 1: Preparing Students for the Future through Financial Literacy Classes
As the Chairwoman of the Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education, Ohio’s students are a priority for me. This critical legislation requires all high school students to complete a financial literacy course before graduating. SB 1 will equip students with financial literacy skills that will assist them in the future. It has been signed into law.