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.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) invited and presented a proclamation from the Ohio House Representatives to Miss Ohio 2022, Elizabetta Nies, during a recognition ceremony on the House floor. Miller also acknowledged Nies and other young women vying for this year’s Miss Ohio during the legislative session.
“We would like to present a very special proclamation to honor Betta’s year of service and the great work she’s doing across the state in her honors and accomplishments, even being in our top 10 at Miss America, representing Ohio very well,” Miller said. “So we’re so happy to honor you. Congratulations on your tenure as Miss Ohio 2022. An intelligent, motivated and personable woman, you have worked diligently to develop your knowledge and skills.”
Including Nies as Miss Ohio 2022, Miller invited a delegation of young women that will be in the running for Miss Ohio 2023 to the Statehouse to tour the grounds and be recognized during House session for all their achievements and contributions to the state.
“This is really such an honor. And really, I mean, representing Ohio this entire year and being able to travel the state and meet so many people and impact them on so many different levels has really just been a pleasure and truly a gift,” said Nies. “And I want to give a little bit of a message of motivation to all of the young women here that you are absolutely capable of so much more and your potential can lead you on a path that you might find yourself one day here receiving a proclamation.”
The balanced budget commits to grow the economy and workforce, protect Ohio families and most vulnerable, and invest in educating our communities
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) voted to support the Ohio House state operating budget and the bill passed in the chamber on Wednesday. The legislation provides billions in funding over the next two fiscal years to grow the economy and workforce, protect Ohio families and most vulnerable, and invest in educating our communities.
“All in all, through both the wonderful local projects we were able to get added and additional investments happening throughout the state, I do believe this House budget will positively impact all Ohioans,” Miller said. “We have very positive things included here that are going to help Ohio families thrive such as lowering taxes, lots of funding our schools, and providing huge investments into our economy and workforce.”
Some of the highlights of the state budget includes:
Providing tax relief for everyday Ohioans by flattening and reducing the state income tax from the bottom up to 2.75% for those making up to $92,000 a year.
Investing over $8 billion in FY24 and more than $8.2 billion in FY25 to fund the Fair School Funding Plan, demonstrating a commitment to providing all students with the resources they need to succeed.
Investing over $433 billion in FY24 and $465 billion in FY25 for joint vocational school districts (career centers) as part of the Fair School Funding Plan, creating more opportunities for students to gain valuable career skills.
$1 billon in FY24 and $1.1 billion in FY25 for independent STEM schools and charter schools, providing students with innovative educational options to prepare them for the workforce of the future.
$500 million in bonus depreciation tax deduction that allows businesses across the state to deduct a large percentage of the purchase price of eligible assets upfront versus over a six year period and continue to grow their companies.
Allowing all eligible volunteer firefighters, EMTs, first responders, and paramedics to receive a $1000 non-refundable tax credit.
Providing tax credits for affordable workforce housing in Ohio.
Indexing homestead exemption for inflation, ensuring that seniors and veterans are protected from increases in property taxes.
Investing $500 million in the All Ohio Future Fund to benefit all of Ohio with economic development sites.
Connecting workers and employers throughout Ohio by creating the Connect4Ohio Fund, which is a $1 billion investment to make it easier for all Ohio workers to commute to economic centers.
Invests $500 million to site redevelopment programs like brownfield remediation and building demolition that will revitalize unused or underutilized land, creating new opportunities for businesses and job growth.
Providing $200 million in the H2Ohio program that will protect water resources and reduce phosphorous discharge into lakes and rivers, ensuring a healthy environment.
Investing $100 million in new training facilities and workforce development capacity at Ohio’s colleges, universities, and training providers that will prepare workers for the jobs of the future and ensure that businesses have access to a highly skilled workforce.
Investing $200 million in high school career-tech facilities, which will provide new opportunities for Ohio’s students to gain valuable skills and prepare for successful careers in a variety of fields.
$160 million investment in water and sewer projects will improve infrastructure and support economic growth, while also ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for Ohioans.
Investing $150 million towards the development of vibrant downtown areas to improve quality of life for Ohioans and attracting new businesses and visitors to the state.
$50 million expansion of broadband throughout the state will support remote work and online learning, while also attracting new businesses and industries to Ohio.
$50 million in funding for construction and upgrades for township facilities that will improve public services and support local communities, driving economic growth in rural areas.
Providing $25 million in support to Ohio’s county and independent fairs to provide them with a boost to their economic impact through facility upgrades, construction, and create new job opportunities related to tourism.
Utilizing $25 million to upgrade cultural centers, such as museums and historical sites.
Investing in facilities hosting sporting events that will attract visitors to Ohio and provide a boost to the hospitality and entertainment industries.
Invests in publicly funded child care for families earning 160% of the federal poverty level or less will provide critical support to working families in Ohio. This increase from the current limit of 142% means that more families can access affordable and high-quality child care services.
Over $61 million in additional funding for early childhood education each year that will ensure that more children have access to preschool programs that put them on the path to success in school and beyond.
$250 million each year to provide vital support for multi-system youth, public children’s service agencies, and kinship care programs.
Establishing the Department of Children and Youth is a significant step in prioritizing early childhood education and health issues in Ohio.
Funding to support increased wages for many critical workers in the Medicaid-funded healthcare space.
Investing more than $50 million in upgrades at healthcare facilities around Ohio to increase access to health care in underserved areas, ensuring that all Ohioans have access to the care they need.
Increasing state support for nursing facilities to provide higher quality care for more Ohioans, ensuring that elderly and disabled citizens receive the care they deserve.
Miller submitted several amendments that were added into the budget package, including:
· Coverage for donor breast milk and milk fortifiers that requires health insurance plans and the Medicaid program to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and human milk fortifiers for inpatient and home use for the recovery of an infant.
· Requiring the public defender to prioritize with counties to contract with the PD so that those counties get 100% reimbursement.
· Providing $600,000 for the Ashland University Military and Veterans Resource Center Project.
· Providing $500,000 for the Ashland University Center for Addictions Project.
· $700,000 for the Ashland University Correctional Education Expansion program.
· Including $175k for a sidewalk along US 250 in Ashland.
· $25,000 for the Ashland Community Theater to purchase equipment for the hearing impaired.
The budget bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Miller Appointed Vice Chair of House Families and Aging Committee, Receives More Committee Assignments
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) has been appointed by Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) as Vice Chair of the House Families and Aging Committee and as a member of several other committees.
“I’m honored to serve in a leadership role on such an important committee that will impact people of all ages, and all of our families across the 67th district,” said Miller. “Economic development and workforce development are some of my top priorities, and the key to making sure Ashland and Medina County have a bright future.”
Miller’s full list of the Ohio House committee assignments includes:
·Vice Chair, Families and Aging
·Economic and Workforce Development
·Health Provider Services
·Technology and Innovation
“Ohio families are going to benefit with Representative Miller being placed on these committees, and I look forward to seeing their progress as we pass important bills from this body during the 135th General Assembly,” said Speaker Stephens.
Miller currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, an organization that provides compassionate care and life-affirming options to women in the greater-Ashland County area who are facing unexpected pregnancies.Prior to joining the APCC, she served as the Youth Ministries Director at The Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland.
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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.
Joe Lyons •
October 4, 2023
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.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) invited and presented a proclamation from the Ohio House Representatives to Miss Ohio 2022, Elizabetta Nies, during a recognition ceremony on the House floor. Miller also acknowledged Nies and other young women vying for this year’s Miss Ohio during the legislative session.
“We would like to present a very special proclamation to honor Betta’s year of service and the great work she’s doing across the state in her honors and accomplishments, even being in our top 10 at Miss America, representing Ohio very well,” Miller said. “So we’re so happy to honor you. Congratulations on your tenure as Miss Ohio 2022. An intelligent, motivated and personable woman, you have worked diligently to develop your knowledge and skills.”
Including Nies as Miss Ohio 2022, Miller invited a delegation of young women that will be in the running for Miss Ohio 2023 to the Statehouse to tour the grounds and be recognized during House session for all their achievements and contributions to the state.
Miller Appointed Vice Chair of House Families and Aging Committee, Receives More Committee Assignments