By Savana Capp

Summit County representatives are speaking out against data centers and pushing for legislation to ensure clean water for their constituents. 

Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) introduced H.R. 9484, the Water Reservoir Transparency Act, with Hillary Scholten (MI-03), which would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess how commercial and industrial users are impacting water reservoirs as data centers expand across the country. 

“With the increased concern about data centers’ water usage, this legislation will help us better understand the impact on our clean water supply,” Sykes said in a press release.

Additionally, Sykes advanced H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which would invest in water infrastructure projects across the country. It would raise the cap on environmental infrastructure projects in Summit County from $25 million to $50 million. 

“Strong water infrastructure is something every community depends on, and I’m proud to have fought for this bipartisan legislation that will help address critical needs in Northeast Ohio,” Sykes said in a press release. “From protecting access to clean water to supporting the infrastructure our communities rely on every day, these investments will help strengthen our region and improve quality of life for the people I represent.”

Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) posted about the toxic wastewater coming out of the ground in Marietta. He said he is fighting against data centers and fracking and is pushing for the H2Ohio clean water program. 

“I believe in YOUR fundamental right to clean air, clean water and affordable clean energy,” he said in a post. “And I will fight for that every single day I’m in office.” 

Sykes reintroduced the Save Our Pedestrians Act, H.R. 9424 with Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15) June 24, to help improve pedestrian safety in rural, urban and suburban areas. 

The act would require 5% of state appropriated funding through the Highway Safety Improvement Program be used for projects to reduce injuries at high-risk pedestrian crossings. 

“As more pedestrians are injured and killed while walking in crosswalks and on streets without sidewalks, the need for commonsense solutions that help people move safely through their communities has never been greater,” Sykes said in a press release. “This legislation will save lives in Ohio’s 13th District and communities across the country.”

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

Gov. Mike DeWine signed Sen. Kristina Roegner’s (R-Hudson) S.B. 276 into law July 7, which enters Ohio into the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists. 

Ohio will be required to offer licenses to school psychologists equivalent to another member state of the compact, as well as submit information regarding school psychologist licensees to the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission. 

“Ohio students deserve timely access to the support and resources necessary for their well-being and academic success," Roegner said. "Senate Bill 276 reduces unnecessary barriers for licensed school psychologists while maintaining professional standards, helping schools recruit and retain qualified professionals who can meet the needs of students and families across our state.”

Rep. Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin), Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron), Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) and Weinstein did not introduce any new bills. 

Sykes voted no on H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2027, which would appropriate funds for federal agencies for the fiscal year 2027 at the same rate as fiscal year 2026 appropriations.

This would continue operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without additional safeguards or accountability measures. 

“After ICE killed two more people earlier this month, Congress should not simply move forward as if nothing happened,” Sykes said in a press release. “Commonsense reforms such as judicial warrants, body cameras, limits on excessive force, and real oversight should not be controversial. They should be the bare minimum. Republicans need to get serious and meet the American people where they actually are.”

The bill passed the House 220-205. 

She also voted no on H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, after the SAVE America Act was added to the bill. 

Sykes has opposed the SAVE act due to the barriers it would add for voters, including married women and older Americans. 

“Republicans refuse to accept that their voter suppression tactics don’t pass the smell test and won’t make their way through Congress,” Sykes said in a press release. “Instead of focusing on the needs of the American people, like supporting our service members and strengthening our national security, they are obsessed with taking away Americans’ rights. I will always stand against those efforts.”

The bill passed the House 216-212. 

Daniels announced July 9 he secured $1.75 million through the state capital budget to construct a boathouse at Portage Lakes State Park. This would provide a place for the marine patrol operations of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

Daniels said the new boathouse addresses recent community concerns over boating and lake safety at Portage Lakes, such as crowding, boater behavior and emergency response times. 

Hall posted about securing $250,000 for Access shelter for women and children with Sims and Weinstein.

He also hosted the 4th annual Birthday Bash Fundraiser July 30 with guests Rep. Allison Russo, Mayor Annette Blackwell and Judge Marilyn Zayas. 

“Come hear how we're 1) going to protect Ohioans' right to vote, 2) going to ensure our tax dollars are spent responsibly and 3) how we're going to protect our rights and the rule of law,” he said in a post. 

Sims attended the From Founding to the Future: Women’s Fight for Freedom in the USA July 7, sponsored and facilitated by Sykes. 

“The pure joy of being in the company of women that aspire to inspire you higher is downright priceless,” she said in a post. 

She also joined in a roundtable discussion with Hall hosted by the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. 

“Incredibly appreciative of all the folks earnestly engaged in providing services and seeking real solutions to this ever growing need,” she said in a post.

Weinstein was recognized as a 2026 State Legislative Champion by Mental Health America, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing to people in the U.S. The award honors state leaders who advance policies strengthening behavioral health systems, reducing barriers to care, expanding prevention and treatment resources and improving the lives of people living with mental health disorders. 

"I’m honored to be recognized by Mental Health America for the work we’re doing in Ohio to expand access to mental healthcare,” Weinstein said. “Mental health is a critical part of overall healthcare, and every Ohioan deserves access to quality treatment when they need it.”

He is also working on new legislation to add safety requirements for underground installation of utilities after an explosion destroyed a Twinsburg Township home in June. Weinstein spoke to Cleveland 19 News about it. 

“Your safety will ALWAYS be my top priority,” he said in a post.