COLUMBUS – The Ohio House Republican Caucus has announced the upcoming House priority bills for the 135th General Assembly. Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, was joined by several members of the House Republican Caucus to outline details on the bills during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I am proud to be here today as we layout our plan of action to deliver for the people of Ohio,” said Stephens. “The House Republicans are putting forth an agenda all about growing the economy, protecting Ohio families, and educating our communities.”
Details on the 12 priority bills includes the following:
Growing our Economy
• House Bill 2 – Invest in projects across the state to foster economic growth and community development.
• House Bill 3 – Support affordable housing development to draw additional economic opportunity.
• House Bill 4 – Ensure an open market with diversified investment portfolios.
Protecting our Families
• House Bill 5 – Make adoption more accessible and affordable for loving Ohio families.
• House Bill 6 – Protect the integrity of girls’ sports and make certain that biological males cannot compete in female-only athletics.
• House Bill 7 – Provide a strong foundation for both mothers and babies in their first 1,000 days to address maternal and infant mortality.
• House Bill 8 – Preserve the fundamental role that parents play in the education of their children.
• Educating our Communities
• House Bill 9 – Address the teacher retention crisis.
• House Bill 10 – Secure commitment for the ‘Fair School Funding Plan’ that is based
on the cost of providing a quality education.
• House Bill 11 – Create a child-first model for education, allowing students to have their educational funding follow them to the school that best suits their needs.
• House Bill 12 – Recalibrate the State’s approach to education to serve Ohio’s students better for career readiness.
Statements from members of the House Republican Caucus pertaining to the priority bills were also read.
“Ohioans reserve to live prosperous lives without the weight of overbearing taxes,” Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, said of House Bill 1. “I made this a priority as Vice Mayor, and I am looking forward to continuing to making strides for all of Ohio.”
“Ohio’s economic development is essential, as it’s been a priority of mine here in the Valley,” said Rep. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, of House Bill 2. “The investment will be paramount for groups to thrive in the future and to help our local economy. My hope is this new legislation gives the Valley, and our state, opportunity for growth and expansion beyond our expectations.”
“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill providing a tax credit for certain affordable housing in our communities, which will help attract a more prosperous workforce to fulfill the business-needs, and ultimately boost our economy here in Ohio,” said Rep. Gail Pavliga, R-Portage County, regarding House Bill 3.
“This legislation will provide consumer protection, ensures rate of returns on investments or access to capital isn’t sacrificed for the sole purpose of influencing environmental, social, or governance standards,” said Rep. Angie King, R-Celina, when speaking to House Bill 4.
“It is a priority of mine to make the adoption process more efficient, effective, and timely in a way that allows all involved a better experience,” said Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, speaking to House Bill 5. “With input from Ohio’s Probate Judges, we are confident we will able to improve this process. Every child deserves a loving family to call their own.”
“The Save Women’s Sports Act is a fairness issue for women. Across our country, female athletes are currently losing championships, scholarship opportunities, medals, education and training opportunities, and more to discriminatory policies that allow biological males to compete in girls’ sports,” said Rep. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum.
“The focus is to ensure that parents are empowered to be involved in their child’s education both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, regarding House Bill 8. “In Ohio, we prioritize parents taking an active role in their child’s life.”
“House Bill 10 being priority legislation indicates this General Assembly’s commitment to funding traditional public school districts,” said Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord. “With this continued phase-in, we are able to significantly reduce the local school districts reliance on property taxes.”
“Every child has different gifts, different interests, and different needs,” Rep. Riordan McClain, R-Upper Sandusky, said of House Bill 11. “This bill seeks to find the right educational opportunity for each one of these children throughout Ohio.”
“Ohio’s students will always be our top priority,” Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, said of House Bill 12, which will change the Ohio Department of Education to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. “It is our responsibility to ensure the state is giving these kids the best opportunities for success in every capacity and to continue our current system is to support decline, and that is unacceptable.”
“Now is the time to really put Ohio’s students first,” Rep. Dave Dobos, R-Columbus, added about House Bill 12. “We will define precisely the roles of all the key players.”
