Special Inside Look at Ohio’s Political Landscape: An Interview with State Representative Melanie Miller
Joe Lyons •
September 8, 2024
On Tuesday, a crisp September morning, I ventured to Columbus, Ohio, to experience the grandeur of the Ohio Statehouse and to sit down with State Representative Melanie Miller, who represents the 67th House District encompassing Ashland County and the western part of Medina County. The Ohio Statehouse, located at 1 Capitol Square in downtown Columbus, is an architectural marvel, rich in history. Built in 1800’s, taking nearly 20 years to complete, it stands as a testament to Ohio’s storied past, with its cornerstone laid on July 4, 1839, and its legislative chambers and Governor’s Office occupied in 1857.
Meeting Representative Miller
Walking through the Statehouse with State Representative Melanie Miller and her Legislative Aid, Mark Everhart, getting to go on the House floor, seeing the behind scenes of the inner workings, I was struck by its historical significance. It was humbling to imagine the many influential figures that shaped the state and nation, including Abraham Lincoln, who had walked these halls and then on Saturday, April 29, 1865, Lincoln’s casket was brought to the Ohio Statehouse where he laid in state in the rotunda. The Statehouse was draped in black crepe for the occasion. Thousands of visitors came throughout the day to honor the fallen President
Meeting with Representative Miller, who is in her second year of her first term, I was eager to learn about her journey and experiences. She started by reflecting on her path to politics, which began far from the Statehouse. “Welcome to my office at the Riffe Center in Columbus,” she said warmly. “It’s been an incredible journey. I’m excited to share what the past year has been like.”
Miller’s path to the Ohio Statehouse was unconventional. Before diving into politics, she competed in pageants, a venture that laid the groundwork for her future in public service. “When I was 16, I won the title of Miss Brook Park. It was my first real taste of community service and public speaking,” she shared. Her involvement in pageants helped her develop skills that would later translate into her political career.
She recounted her initial days in office, highlighting a moving moment during her swearing-in ceremony. “We had a private swearing-in ceremony a few days before the official one. My husband, Matt, held the Bible for me, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose administered the oath in the Rotunda. I was incredibly nervous,” she admitted. This ceremony, held in December before the New Year, was a deeply personal moment for Miller and her supporters.
Navigating the Political Arena
When asked about her first experiences as a state representative, Miller reflected on the challenges and surprises she encountered. “The first few days were eye-opening,” she said. “We voted for the new Speaker of the House, and the process revealed a lot about how things operate here. I realized quickly that integrity and honor are crucial in this role.”
As a new legislator, Miller faced the monumental task of tackling Ohio’s transportation and operating budgets. “The first six months were intense. We dealt with significant issues like the transportation budget and the operating budget,” she explained. Her approach to learning involved observing, taking notes, and seeking mentorship from seasoned colleagues.
Building Confidence and Expertise
Now, nearing the end of her second year, Miller feels more confident in her role. “I definitely feel a lot more comfortable,” she said. “The first year was a steep learning curve, but I’ve gained a better understanding of parliamentary procedures, committee processes, and legislative procedures.”
Miller’s role as Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee has been particularly fulfilling. “It’s been exciting to dive into technology and innovation,” she noted. “I’m dedicated to educating the legislature about these areas. It’s the future, and we need to be prepared for it.”
One notable opportunity she had was traveling to Israel on a House trade mission. “Israel is incredibly innovative,” Miller said, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “We saw advancements in various fields, including technology and medicine. One highlight was visiting a company that produces a technology to help people with Parkinson’s. Seeing how this technology is used and then realizing that Ohio is investing in similar innovations was inspiring.”
Legislative Achievements and Challenges
Miller has been actively involved in several committees, including serving as vice chair of Families and Aging, Economic and Workforce Development, and Health Provider Services. Her role as Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee has allowed her to influence key areas of legislative work.
Reflecting on her legislative achievements, Miller highlighted a few key successes. “One of my proudest moments was getting a baby products tax exemption included in the operating budget,” she said. “It was a way to make Ohio more family-friendly by removing taxes on baby diapers and wipes.”
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Additionally, she worked on ensuring coverage for breast milk fortifiers for premature babies, a cause close to her heart due to her work with pregnancy care centers. “We managed to include this in the budget, which will help families who face the challenge of having a premature baby,” she said.
Miller also pointed out significant reforms in the operating budget, including simplifying the tax code, reducing local business taxes, and increasing funding for education and career tech facilities. “We’ve made strides in many areas, including support for small businesses and expanding educational opportunities,” she stated.
The Never Alone Act: A Milestone in Patient Advocacy
One of Miller’s standout achievements this year is the introduction and progression of House Bill 236, known as the “Never Alone Act.” This bill addresses an near to the heart issue that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict visitor restrictions in hospitals and nursing homes left many patients isolated from their loved ones during critical moments.
Miller, who was deeply moved by personal experiences with these restrictions, explained, “During the pandemic, many people faced the heart-wrenching reality of being separated from their loved ones in their final moments. The Never Alone Act ensures that patients can have an advocate by their side, which is crucial for both emotional support and effective communication with healthcare providers.”
The bill has successfully passed through the Health Provider Services Committee and the Ohio House, and is now under consideration by the Senate Health Committee. Miller expressed optimism about its prospects, stating, “I am hopeful that we can pass this bill before the end of the General Assembly. It represents a crucial step toward ensuring that no one has to face illness alone.”
Modernizing Cosmetology and Barber Licensing
In addition to the Never Alone Act, Miller has also championed the Cosmetology and Barber Modernization Act, a significant reform aimed at updating Ohio’s outdated licensing regulations. This bipartisan effort, led by Miller and Representative Roemer, seeks to streamline the process for entering and practicing in the cosmetology and barbering industries.
Miller noted the excessive and sometimes redundant requirements that have burdened professionals in these fields. “Many individuals have faced obstacles due to outdated regulations that don’t recognize their prior training or experience,” she said. “This bill modernizes those regulations, reduces red tape, and makes it easier for aspiring professionals to enter the industry.”
The bill has passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor DeWine. Set to take effect in October, it includes provisions allowing individuals to start their training at age 16, a significant change that aims to foster early career development in these growing fields.
Local Investments and Community Impact
Miller’s commitment to Ashland County is evident in her success in securing funding for local projects. In the recent operating budget, she brought back $1.9 million for various initiatives, including a new sidewalk on Route 250 for safer pedestrian access, enhancements to the Ashland Theater, and support for Ashland University’s unique programs.
The capital budget also saw a historic allocation of $4.4 million for Ashland County, including $1.1 million for the renovation of Mozelle Hall at the county fairgrounds. This project will transform the space into the Ashland Civic Center, a venue for community events and fairs.
Other notable investments include $200,000 for the Ashland Fire Training Center, $100,000 for the Foundations Community Childcare Center, and support for various smaller community projects. “These investments are about more than just infrastructure; they’re about improving the quality of life for our residents and supporting our local economy,” Miller emphasized.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As she wraps up her first term, Miller reflects on her accomplishments and looks forward to the future. Running unopposed for her second term, she plans to continue her hands-on approach to governance. “My goal is to remain accessible and responsive to the needs of our community,” she said. “We will be hosting a series of coffee and conversation sessions to engage with residents and hear their concerns directly.” “It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m honored to serve,” she said. “There’s still a lot to learn and achieve, but I’m committed to making a positive impact.”
In her role, Miller exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to navigate the complexities of state politics. Her journey from a young pageant contestant to a state representative is a testament to her commitment to public service and the people of Ohio. As she continues to shape policy and contribute to Ohio’s legislative landscape, her story serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to make a difference through public service.
Miller also invites residents to visit the Ohio Statehouse for a tour or to attend legislative sessions. “The Statehouse is the People’s House, and I encourage everyone to come and see their government in action,” she added.
For those interested in visiting, guided tours are available daily, except on state holidays, with further information available at 614-728-3726. Miller’s office is also reachable by email at rep67@ohiohouse.gov for any inquiries or to subscribe to her e-newsletter for updates on legislation and community news.
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