By Savana Capp

Many Summit County representatives voted in support of Ohio’s capital budget bill, totaling nearly $4 billion. 

Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) voted in support and helped in securing state funding for the following projects: 

“These projects will benefit the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Summit County residents,” Roemer said in a press release. “I am proud to champion this funding for critical infrastructure and economic development.”

Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) helped secure $8.4 million for community projects in Summit County and $5.5 million to be distributed to 14 community projects in District 33. 

“I am so excited to have obtained such meaningful investments that will aid in the strengthening of many important institutions and community spaces that make Summit County a great place to live, work, and play,” Sims said in a press release. “The funding for these community projects will be instrumental in fortifying long-term growth in the district and all around Summit County.” 

Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) also backed the Senate’s passage of the budget. 

“This investment will help organizations across our region expand essential services, improve public facilities, enhance parks and trails, and create new opportunities for families,” Weinstein said in a press release. “From supporting addiction recovery and domestic violence services to funding educational, cultural, and recreational improvements, this budget delivers resources that will have a lasting impact throughout our communities.”

Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron) introduced three new bills this month. 

Hall introduced H.B. 890 May 12, which would enact the Prescription Relief, Inflation Cost Elimination (P.R.I.C.E.) Act. This would require the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council to establish upper payment limits on established prescription drug products and to repeal the law establishing the Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Advisory Council. 

“Affordability is an issue that concerns all Ohioans, regardless of political party, and we as legislators have a responsibility to act in the best interest of our constituents’ health, happiness, and security,” Hall said in a press release. “When Ohio is healthy, we strengthen our economy, reduce costs, improve academic performances, and become a role model for other states.”

The bill is currently in the House Insurance Committee. 

He also introduced H.B. 891 May 12, which would enact the Fair Health Claims Act. This would establish a Medical Claims Consumer Assistance Program to prohibit health insurers from denying health claims improperly and provide services such as “assistance filing complaints, settling health insurance conflicts, tracking inquiries, educating patients about their rights and responsibilities, providing referrals, and more.”

“Ohioans continue to struggle with rising healthcare costs, and they have made clear to us that a sustainable solution should be one of our first priorities. The Fair Claims Accountability Act strengthens our ability to advocate for Ohio consumers and reduce the administrative burden that these wrongful denials create in the first place,” Hall said in a press release.

The bill is currently in the House Insurance Committee. 

Additionally, Hall introduced H.B. 958 June 2, which would alter the requirements for disclosing information regarding chemicals used in oil and gas well operations, also known as The Fracking Accountability and Chemical Transparency (F.A.C.T.) Act. 

The legislation targets the use of PFAS, or forever chemicals, that pollute drinking water, soil, air and foods and would require companies to make their use of chemicals public. 

“The F.A.C.T. Act does not impact Ohio's ability to access these natural resources, nor does it restrict the processes used in oil and gas well operations. It simply requires companies to be truthful about the chemicals and substances they use in the process,” Hall said in a press release. “When safe drinking water and the security of our state is at risk, Ohioans deserve the most transparent processes possible.”

The bill is currently in the House Natural Resources Committee. 

Sims introduced seven new bills. 

Sims introduced H.B. 866 May 12 with Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) to designate April 18 as Devo Day. 

The bill is currently in the House Committee of Arts, Athletics and Tourism. 

She introduced H.B. 867 May 12 with Rep. Ashley Bryant Bailey (D-Cincinnati), which would establish minimum standards for jail and state correctional facilities. 

The bill is currently in the House Government Oversight Committee. 

She introduced H.B. 870 May 12 with Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) which would enact the Ohio Mental Health Systems Coordination and Crisis Prevention Commission Act.

The bill is currently in the House Health Committee. 

Sims also introduced H.B. 875 May 12 with Rep. Sean P. Brennan (D-Parma) which would prohibit for-profit operators of community schools.  

The bill is currently in the House Education Committee. 

She introduced H.B. 903 May 13 with Rep. Bryant Bailey, which would make earned income tax credit partially refundable. 

The bill is currently in the House Committee of Ways and Means. 

She also introduced H.B. 906 May 13 with Rep. Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar), which would establish the Healthy Aging Task Force. 

The bill is currently in the House Health Committee. 

Additionally, Sims introduced H.B. 964 June 10 with Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), which would require names submitted by the BMV to be included on the annual jury source list. 

Roemer introduced H.B. 945 May 19 with Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering) regarding the regulation of hospice care programs. 

The bill is currently in the House Health Committee. 

Roemer also announced June 11 that the House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments on H.B. 210, which would protect Ohioans from catalytic converter theft. The bill aims to protect consumers from theft, equip law enforcement and create transparent guidelines for business. 

“I have worked on this issue for more than six years because I have seen firsthand the disruption and financial hardship these thefts can cause,” Roemer said in a press release. “My House Bill 210 strengthens accountability and provides additional tools to help deter theft, protect property owners, and keep Ohioans from catalytic converter theft.”

Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) introduced H.R. 8713 May 7 with Michael Rulli (OH-06), the Railcar Accident Placard Integrity and Durability for Responders (RAPID) Act. The legislation would improve rail safety standards and ensure first responders have information regarding hazardous materials during rail emergencies.

“First responders should never have to guess what they’re walking into during a rail emergency,” Sykes said in a press release. “After the derailment in East Palestine, we saw how quickly critical safety information can be lost when placards fail under extreme conditions. This bill ensures responders have the reliable information they need to protect themselves and their communities.” 

She also introduced H.R. 8748 May 12 with Vince Fong (CA-20), the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act. The legislation would improve Department of Transportation programs in research, technology and data and aims to strengthen how transportation data is collected. 

The key provisions include: strengthening research and innovation, bolstering transportation data, analyzing emerging technologies, building infrastructure to last and enhancing rail safety. 

Sykes introduced H.R. 8832 May 14 with Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04), the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act. This legislation would establish a federal task force to improve recruitment, retention and advancement for women in law enforcement. 

“Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job,” Sykes said in a press release. “When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer.”

Rep. Jack Daniels (R- New Franklin) did not introduce any new legislation this month, but the Ohio House recently passed Daniels and Roemer’s SB 52, which would designate memorial roads across the state and specialty license plates to honor Captain Joshua Michael McClimans, a U.S. veteran killed on duty in Afghanistan in 2011 during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

“We have ensured Captain Joshua Michael McClimans’ extraordinary legacy will be permanently recognized by the State of Ohio,” Daniels said in a press release. “We are preserving his story for future generations and creating a lasting reminder of the courage, compassion, and selflessness that defined his life.”

“Captain Joshua McClimans exemplified selfless service throughout his life, caring for others as a nurse and serving his country with honor,” Roemer said in a press release. “This highway designation stands as a lasting tribute to his sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation.”

Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) also did not introduce any new legislation, but the Senate passed some of her bills. 

The Senate passed her S.B. 218, which would exempt childcare providers certified by the Department of War from state license requirements, including the requirement that certain childcare homes be licensed by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to operate in Ohio. 

"By exempting these providers from duplicative state licensure, this legislation reduces unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards of care for military families,” Roegner said in a press release. “It supports those who serve our country by making quality childcare more accessible, flexible, and responsive to the needs of Ohio’s armed forces community.”

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.

The Senate also passed Roegner’s S.B. 281, which would allow a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system, whereas now it can only be awarded by a county transit board. 

“Senate Bill 281 is a commonsense measure that gives county commissioners greater flexibility to expand and improve public transportation services in their communities," Roegner said in a press release. "By allowing boards of county commissioners to directly award transit franchises, this legislation helps streamline operations, strengthen regional mobility, and better connect Ohioans to jobs, healthcare, and everyday opportunities.”

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.

The Senate passed S.B. 354, which would enter Ohio into the Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, allowing Ohio to create additional pathways for qualified professionals to obtain licenses without altering existing standards for podiatric medical licensure. 

"This measure makes it easier for licensed podiatrists to practice across member states, helping address provider shortages, increasing flexibility for healthcare professionals, and ensuring patients can receive care more efficiently without compromising licensing standards,” Roegner said in a press release.

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.

Additionally, the Senate passed Roegner’s S.B. 149, which would enter Ohio into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, recognizing respiratory care licenses issued by other compact member states with compact privilege, a classification given to professionals meeting certain requirements. 

“Access to quality respiratory care is essential for communities across Ohio," Roegner said in a press release. "Senate Bill 149 promotes workforce mobility while maintaining professional standards, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice across participating states and helping Ohio meet the growing demand for healthcare services.”

Sykes once again voted yes to direct the president to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran on both May 14 and June 3. The resolution passed the House 215-208 June 3. 

“I cannot support an open-ended war in the Middle East that lacks both a clear strategy and congressional authorization. Thirteen servicemembers have already been killed, and many more have been wounded,” Sykes said in a press release. “Congress should be working to bring costs down and keep Americans safe, not deepening another endless war.”

Sykes also voted yes on H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The resolution would fund veteran’s health care benefits, toxic exposure treatment and opioid prevention programs. 

The resolution passed the House (400-15). 

“Our veterans should never have to fight for access to healthcare or the benefits they earned serving our country,” Sykes said in a press release. “This funding helps ensure they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.” 

Sykes voted no on H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act. In 2020, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino were authorized by Congress and had bipartisan support. Lawmakers have worked to advance legislation establishing museum sites, but in March, House Republicans rewrote the bill, adding political restrictions that could undermine the museum's independence. 

“Women deserve to tell their own stories,” Sykes said in a press release. “For years, my DWC colleagues and I worked with Republicans on a bipartisan bill to get the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum across the finish line. This fight was rooted in the shared belief that women’s history and women’s stories are integral to who we are as a nation.” 

The resolution did not pass the House (204-216). 

Many representatives posted for Pride Month. 

“This month, we celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community,” Hall posted June 2. He shared resources for the community in Summit County. 

Weinstein also shared a post saying, “Now more than ever - Happy Pride! Love is Love.” 

Sykes walked in the Kent Pride Fest parade June 13. “As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’m proud to support LGBTQ+ Ohioans in Congress!” she posted. 

Sims and Hall introduced House Resolution 428 May 12 to honor the University of Akron’s women’s swimming and diving team as the 2026 Mid-American Conference Champion. The team won its fifth consecutive Mid-American Conference championship and Hall posted May 14 to congratulate. 

Sims attended the Summit County Democratic Party’s 26th annual Franklin D Roosevelt Awards Dinner May 29 and received the Dorothy O. Jackson Community Impact Award. 

“Very honored to receive the Dorothy O. Jackson Community Impact Award,” Sims posted. “An award in her name means a lot to me for so many reasons. The biggest is because she was a real force for good and  I really loved her. “

Sims also provided sponsor testimony for H.B. 526, which would require an orange International Symbol of Access windshield placards. 

“HB 526 is a step toward a more inclusive Ohio and an opportunity to raise awareness about the many invisible disabilities that affect Ohioans across our state,” she posted. 

Weinstein posted about the expansion of data centers in Ohio. 

He shared May 24 the Ohio data center tax break cost $1.4 billion more than expected, and that repealing it is one of his top priorities. 

“That lost revenue could fully fund our public schools, libraries, clean water programs, give teachers a raise, fund better healthcare for our first responders, and give YOU all relief on your property taxes,” he posted.

He also spoke with WKYC Channel 3 about his data center bills.

“Here's my bottom line: Before ANY are approved, I'm going to fight to ensure that we (at a minimum) permanently eliminate our ridiculous tax giveaway, that we strictly limit water consumption and force recirculation, and that these behemoths don't increase energy bills for my constituents,” he posted.

Sykes is officially the Democratic nominee for congresswoman of district 13 in the November election.

“It’s going to take every one of us in November to win this election to lower costs, keep communities safe, and expand opportunity, but I know we will do it—together,” she posted.