COLUMBUS- The Ohio House of Representatives today unanimously passed House Bill 236, the Never Alone Act, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena). The bill ensures every patient has access to an advocate to be with them in a hospital, nursing home, or other congregate care setting – especially during a health emergency.
“Over the last three years, we have gained heightened awareness of the need to protect the rights of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility,” said Miller. “The Never Alone Act ensures that everyone has someone who can speak for them, when they do not have a voice.”
Specifically, the Never Alone Act:
Requires a congregate care setting to inform a patient or resident that the patient or resident may designate an individual to serve as an advocate and to provide the patient or resident the opportunity to make a designation.
Prohibits a congregate care setting from 1: denying a patient or resident access to an advocate and 2: prohibiting an advocate from being physically present with a patient or resident.
Prohibits a political subdivision, public official, or state agency from issuing an order or rule, or enforcing on behalf of the federal government a federal order or rule, that would require a care setting to violate the bill’s provisions.
Requires the Department of Health to create a Never Alone information sheet and each congregate care setting to provide each patient or resident with a copy at the time of admission.
“The Never Alone Act is a patient and resident-centered bill. Our goal was to protect Ohioans when they are most vulnerable and ensure they have access to a loved one to hold their hand or provide comfort,” said Lear. “The isolation that caused our citizens to suffer and die alone during COVID should never be allowed to happen again.”
The Never Alone Act now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) invited and presented a commendation from the Ohio House Representatives to Ashland Police Officer Soren Osicka, during a recognition ceremony on the House floor. Miller also acknowledged Ashland Police Chief David Lay (30+ years), Captain Craig Kiley (24 years), and Lieutenant Aaron Klein (17 years) for their distinguished service in law enforcement to the Ashland community during the legislative session.
“Today, as we remember Police Week, just being this last week, we have a very special young man that we want to honor today, Officer Soren Osicka for his heroic actions and acting swiftly when there was an emergency,” Miller said.
Officer Soren Osicka is 23 years old and became a police officer less than a year ago. After about five months on the job, he saved a 3-year-old girl’s life by administering CPR after she hit her head and stopped breathing.
“On behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives, myself, and our Speaker of the House, Mr. Jason Stephens, we would like to honor you with a commendation from the House of Representatives to recognize you and your heroic efforts.”
Including Osicka, Miller invited members of the Ashland Police Department to the Statehouse to tour the grounds and be recognized during the House session to be recognized for police week and their service to their community.
To view the commendation presentation, please watch here.
To view the point of personal privilege during House Session, please watch here.
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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will invest the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund into projects throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).
This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, with almost $1.3 million which will directly serve Ashland and Medina Counties.
“I am delighted to see these projects coming to the 67th District,” said Miller. “These investments in our community will have an impact for years to come.”
Miller championed several provisions that will positively impact Ashland and Medina Counties:
$1,000,000 to modernize the Ashland County Fairgrounds and build a new Mozelle Hall; and
$200,000 to build The Davy McClure Outdoor Education Shelter in the Ashland County Park District, creating an educational resource for the community;
$36,834 to install tornado sirens at the Homer Township Community Center;
$30,000 to renovate the Rowsburg Community Center, for residents to gather together;
$25,000 to expand sidewalks in Hayesville, connecting the southern portion of the village.
In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 also included additional statewide capital investments of:
$600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;
$400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program;
$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward.
This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.
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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will invest the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund into projects throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).
This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, with almost $1.3 million which will directly serve Ashland and Medina Counties.
“I am delighted to see these projects coming to the 67th District,” said Miller. “These investments in our community will have an impact for years to come.”
Miller championed several provisions that will positively impact Ashland and Medina Counties:
$1,000,000 to modernize the Ashland County Fairgrounds and build a new Mozelle Hall; and
$200,000 to build The Davy McClure Outdoor Education Shelter in the Ashland County Park District, creating an educational resource for the community;
$36,834 to install tornado sirens at the Homer Township Community Center;
$30,000 to renovate the Rowsburg Community Center, for residents to gather together;
$25,000 to expand sidewalks in Hayesville, connecting the southern portion of the village.
In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 also included additional statewide capital investments of:
$600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;
$400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program;
$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward.
This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.
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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
ASHLAND, OH – State Representative Melanie Miller has officially filed to run for re-election for her second term in Ohio House District 67. Her office represents both Ashland County and western portion of Medina County. Miller was first elected in 2022, where she first won by 32 points in a three-way primary. She went on to win the general election by over 40 points.
“I want to ensure that Ashland and Medina Counties have a strong, influential voice in Columbus. That is why today, I filed petitions to continue working for our local communities and families in the state legislature,” said Representative Miller. “It’s an honor and privilege to serve my constituents of the 67th District, and I look forward to being their voice as we work to lower taxes, protect our children, and make Ohio a safer and better place to live.”
Representative Miller has a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University. A recipient of the Ashland County Women of Achievement Award and a graduate of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Ashland program, Melanie is also a Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance member. Melanie serves on the Economic and Workforce Development Committee along with three other committee assignments. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 16 years, and he currently serves as the Mayor of the City of Ashland.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) has released the following statement condemning the Hamas bombing into Israel:
“The unprovoked attack by Hamas on the people of Israel is truly horrific. This senseless terrorist attack underscores the need for a unified response against such violence and cowardice. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I stand firmly with our Israeli friends and Prime Minister Netanyahu as they defend themselves. May we all pray for Israel.”
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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
Governor DeWine Issues Statement on the Hamas Bombing into Israel
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement condemning the Hamas bombing into Israel:
“Fran and I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families of the unprovoked attack on Israel today. We offer our support to the people of Israel and condemn this unjustified act by Hamas.”
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Economic and Workforce Development Committee yesterday began hearings on House Bill 276, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).
This legislation will repeal a portion of the State Transportation Budget, which would require the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct an I-71 interchange on Boston Road in the City of Brunswick.
Several issues have been raised regarding the construction, including Boston Rd. being a two-lane, hilly, and residential area that would need to be widened to four lanes. The lane extension would impact the area severely with the demolition of homes. Additionally, the relocation of a jet fuel pipeline would also be required for the project.
“Let us stand together in solidarity, ensuring that the ‘Homes not Highways’ movement is heard, and let us work tirelessly to protect our homes, our environment, and the principles of fairness by supporting this critical legislation for the Brunswick community,” said Miller.
Miller and Ray cited displacement, financial burden, and safety concerns as the driving factors behind the bill.
“This proposed interchange was the result of one community – Strongsville – trying to legislate a neighboring community – Brunswick – to fix a problem they created,” said Ray during sponsor testimony. “Representative Miller and I are committed to protecting our communities and doing what’s best for our constituents. This interchange is not what’s best for the people and City of Brunswick and surrounding areas of Medina County.”
This bill will continue to receive hearings in the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) spoke at the first hearing for legislation they have introduced, House Bill 236, “The Never Alone Act.” The bill ensures every patient has access to an advocate to be with them in a hospital, nursing home or other congregate care setting – especially during a health emergency.
“We want to ensure that no patient is ever left alone when they are facing a vulnerable health situation,” said Miller. “Over the last three years, we have gained heightened awareness of the need for legislation that protects the right of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility.”
In learning from the COVID emergency when Ohioans were isolated from loved ones, the bill:
Creates a right for patients and long-term care residents to have access to an advocate of their choosing so that they can be accompanied by a loved one who can advocate for their health needs if needed and be a familiar face of support.
Requires care facilities to provide patients and residents with information about their right to select an advocate and have the advocate with them in the care setting; and
Balances protecting the rights and interests of patients with the health and safety concerns of the care facilities by ensuring patients are not totally isolated from loved ones while simultaneously protecting the care facilities from specific risks and liabilities.
Lear outlined these details of the bill during the committee hearing and noted the importance of protecting these patients.
“While the need for an advocate became obvious during COVID, it remains clear that patients and residents need access to loved ones whenever they are in a vulnerable healthcare situation,” Lear said. “We simply want to ensure no one is forced to suffer or die alone ever again. We must protect our most vulnerable citizens during a healthcare crisis.”
COLUMBUS, OH – State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) have introduced “The Never Alone Act” (HB 236) in the Ohio House. The legislation ensures every patient can access someone to advocate for their health, who can be present with the patient during their stay at a facility.
“Over the last three years we have gained a heightened awareness of the need for legislation that protects the right of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility,” Miller said. “Staffing shortages and severe inpatient facility visitation protocols left thousands of Ohioans without the attention they desperately needed and even worse, many saw the end of their life in a cold empty room without a familiar voice or hand to hold.”
In learning from the COVID emergency when Ohioans were isolated from loved ones due to an overabundance of caution, the bill:
Creates a right for patients and long-term care residents to have access to an advocate of their choosing so that they can be accompanied by a loved one who can advocate for their health needs;
Requires care facilities to provide patients and residents with information on their right to select an advocate and to have the advocate with them in the care setting;
Balances protecting the rights and interests of patients with the health and safety concerns of the care facilities by ensuring both that patients are not totally isolated from loved ones, and relieving the care facilities from specific risk and liabilities associated with exposure.
“What happened to people during COVID must never be allowed to happen again,” said Lear. “Our grandparents, spouses, loved ones and children should never be left alone to suffer. We cannot give up our compassion and humanity in the name of fear. I’m so grateful to share sponsorship of this important bill with Rep. Melanie Miller and look forward to helping navigate it through the committee process to the Governor’s desk.”
Miller further emphasized the importance of a patient having access to a loved one during such dire times.
“We believe that no Ohioan should have to face hospitalization or death alone,” Miller added. “‘The Never Alone Act’ will finally ensure that every inpatient Ohioan will be allowed access to someone who can advocate for their health and also be the hand they hold when they take their final breath. Every one of us deserves the comfort of a loved one during times of need and at the end of life.”
COLUMBUS – The House Ways and Means Committee has passed State Representatives Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) Baby Products Tax Exemption Bill.
The bill will create a sales and use tax exemption for certain baby products, including children’s diapers, car seats, cribs, strollers, baby carriers and baby monitors. The exemption will ease the financial burden on Ohio families raising children.
“Rising costs have been hammering working families for the last few years,” said Santucci. “This legislation will help ease the financial burden of baby care on new parents and help families thrive in our state. I’m pleased this legislation passed through committee and look forward to the next steps.”
Additionally, the elimination of sales tax on these products will help ensure that Ohio families have access to the essential items necessary for the health and well-being of their children.
“This is a positive step towards supporting Ohio families and improving the lives of young children with this financial relief,” said Miller. “The bill helps address financial challenges Ohioans face by investing in our families.”
The legislation will now head to the House floor for a complete vote.
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State Representative Nick Santucci is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 64th Ohio House District, which encompasses the southeastern portion of Trumbull County.
State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
Joe Lyons •
June 13, 2024
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will invest the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund into projects throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Economic and Workforce Development Committee yesterday began hearings on House Bill 276, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).
COLUMBUS, OH – State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) spoke at the first hearing for legislation they have introduced, House Bill 236, “The Never Alone Act.” The bill ensures every patient has access to an advocate to be with them in a hospital, nursing home or other congregate care setting – especially during a health emergency.
“While the need for an advocate became obvious during COVID, it remains clear that patients and residents need access to loved ones whenever they are in a vulnerable healthcare situation,” Lear said. “We simply want to ensure no one is forced to suffer or die alone ever again. We must protect our most vulnerable citizens during a healthcare crisis.”
COLUMBUS, OH – State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) have introduced “The Never Alone Act” (HB 236) in the Ohio House. The legislation ensures every patient can access someone to advocate for their health, who can be present with the patient during their stay at a facility.
COLUMBUS – The House Ways and Means Committee has passed State Representatives Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) Baby Products Tax Exemption Bill.