A Portage County politician is helping shape the conversation around data centers at the state level.
Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) announced May 13 that she is serving on the Joint Data Center Committee, a bipartisan legislative panel created to engage with stakeholders, experts and Ohio communities to understand how the expansion of data centers is affecting the state.
“Ohio continues to be a leader in economic development and innovation, and the growth of data centers across our state presents significant opportunities for investment, job creation, and technological advancement,” Workman said in a press release. “At the same time, it is important that we carefully consider the concerns being raised by local communities regarding energy demand, land use, infrastructure, water resources, cybersecurity, and quality of life.
The first committee meeting was held May 27.
Bills brought forth from May- June 15
Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) introduced H.R. 8713 May 7 with Michael Rulli (OH-06), the Railcar Accident Placard Integrity and Durability for Responders (RAPID) Act. The legislation would improve rail safety standards and ensure first responders have information regarding hazardous materials during rail emergencies.
“First responders should never have to guess what they’re walking into during a rail emergency,” Sykes said in a press release. “After the derailment in East Palestine, we saw how quickly critical safety information can be lost when placards fail under extreme conditions. This bill ensures responders have the reliable information they need to protect themselves and their communities.”
She also introduced H.R. 8748 May 12 with Vince Fong (CA-20), the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act. The legislation would improve Department of Transportation programs in research, technology and data and aims to strengthen how transportation data is collected.
The key provisions include: strengthening research and innovation, bolstering transportation data, analyzing emerging technologies, building infrastructure to last and enhancing rail safety.
Sykes introduced H.R. 8832 May 14 with Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04), the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act. This legislation would establish a federal task force to improve recruitment, retention and advancement for women in law enforcement.
“Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job,” Sykes said in a press release. “When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer.”
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Bainbridge Township) introduced bipartisan legislation May 7 with Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to honor National Nurses Week, recognized from May 6-12.
“The nursing community’s tireless work and advocacy for patients keep our healthcare system running,” Joyce said in a press release. “As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how much pride they take in providing top-notch care for patients.”
Joyce also introduced a resolution May 18 with Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10) to designate May 17 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day.
The resolution promotes more research and care for the rare and deadly form of pediatric cancer.
“Every child deserves to live a happy and healthy life, but unfortunately, those diagnosed with DIPG have to deal with an incredibly difficult and uncertain future,” Joyce said in a press release. “The children and families dealing with this terrible disease merit support from all levels, including Congress.”
He also reintroduced the bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act June 10 with Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), which would help reduce young Americans' opioid overdose deaths. The legislation would provide funding to local schools to procure and store naloxone for trained professionals.
“Far too many American students have been or know someone deeply affected by the opioid crisis,” Joyce said in a press release. “Naloxone has proven to be a safe and effective opioid reversal medication, and expanding access to it could save countless lives. While I support prevention first and foremost, we should be making every effort to save our students’ lives.”
The House passed Joyce’s Combating Organized Retail Crime Act May 12. The bill would establish a multi-agency response and create new tools to evolve trends in organized retail theft and combat the criminal operations.
“Organized retail crime is an issue that affects everyone. Whether you are a business owner, truck driver, or the average consumer, these criminal enterprises are hurting your wallet and putting communities in danger,” Joyce said in a press release.
Workman introduced H.B. 942 with Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar) May 19, which would establish a liability framework for participants, sponsors and spectators of motorized off-road activities.
The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
Additionally, Workman is one of many legislators introducing a pair of resolutions in each chamber to enshrine voter ID laws into the state’s constitution.
The resolutions state, “electors shall provide identification in order to vote, in accordance with laws passed by the General Assembly.”
“This resolution is just commonsense and reinforces public trust,” Workman said in a press release. “It’s imperative we codify these requirements through the Ohio Constitution so that future generations can feel secure when taking part in the election process.”
Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) also did not introduce any new legislation, but the Senate passed some of her bills.
The Senate passed her S.B. 218, which would exempt childcare providers certified by the Department of War from state license requirements, including the requirement that certain childcare homes be licensed by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth to operate in Ohio.
"By exempting these providers from duplicative state licensure, this legislation reduces unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards of care for military families,” Roegner said in a press release. “It supports those who serve our country by making quality childcare more accessible, flexible, and responsive to the needs of Ohio’s armed forces community.”
The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
The Senate also passed Roegner’s S.B. 281, which would allow a board of county commissioners to award a franchise for the operation of a public transit system, whereas now it can only be awarded by a county transit board.
“Senate Bill 281 is a commonsense measure that gives county commissioners greater flexibility to expand and improve public transportation services in their communities," Roegner said in a press release. "By allowing boards of county commissioners to directly award transit franchises, this legislation helps streamline operations, strengthen regional mobility, and better connect Ohioans to jobs, healthcare, and everyday opportunities.”
The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
The Senate passed S.B. 354, which would enter Ohio into the Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, allowing Ohio to create additional pathways for qualified professionals to obtain licenses without altering existing standards for podiatric medical licensure.
"This measure makes it easier for licensed podiatrists to practice across member states, helping address provider shortages, increasing flexibility for healthcare professionals, and ensuring patients can receive care more efficiently without compromising licensing standards,” Roegner said in a press release.
The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
Additionally the Senate passed Roegner’s S.B. 149, which would enter Ohio into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, recognizing respiratory care licenses issued by other compact member states with compact privilege, a classification given to professionals meeting certain requirements.
“Access to quality respiratory care is essential for communities across Ohio," Roegner said in a press release. "Senate Bill 149 promotes workforce mobility while maintaining professional standards, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice across participating states and helping Ohio meet the growing demand for healthcare services.”
Steven Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.) did not introduce any new bills.
How they’ve voted
Sykes once again voted yes, while Joyce voted no, to direct the president to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran on both May 14 and June 3. The resolution passed the House 215-208 June 3.
“I cannot support an open-ended war in the Middle East that lacks both a clear strategy and congressional authorization. Thirteen servicemembers have already been killed, and many more have been wounded,” Sykes said in a press release. “Congress should be working to bring costs down and keep Americans safe, not deepening another endless war.”
Joyce voted yes on the S.2 Secure America Act, which would secure funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through Sept. 30, 2029. Sykes voted no on the act.
Joyce released a statement June 9 regarding the bill.
“With the passage of this second reconciliation bill, the remaining components of DHS – Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection – will finally receive the resources necessary to carry out their public safety responsibilities,” he said. “These men and women play a critical role in protecting our country, and they deserve the certainty that comes with knowing they can continue supporting their families while keeping Americans safe.”
The bill passed the House (214-212).
Sykes also voted yes on H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The resolution would fund veteran’s health care benefits, toxic exposure treatment and opioid prevention programs.
The resolution passed the House (400-15).
“Our veterans should never have to fight for access to healthcare or the benefits they earned serving our country,” Sykes said in a press release. “This funding helps ensure they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”
Sykes voted no on H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act. In 2020, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino were authorized by Congress and had bipartisan support. Lawmakers have worked to advance legislation establishing museum sites, but in March, House Republicans rewrote the bill, adding political restrictions that could undermine the museum's independence.
“Women deserve to tell their own stories,” Sykes said in a press release. “For years, my DWC colleagues and I worked with Republicans on a bipartisan bill to get the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum across the finish line. This fight was rooted in the shared belief that women’s history and women’s stories are integral to who we are as a nation.”
The resolution did not pass the House (204-216).
Social media and community activity
Demetriou voted in support of Ohio’s capital budget bill, totaling nearly $4 billion.
"This capital budget is a direct investment in the people and communities of our district,” Demetriou said in a press release. “These dollars will strengthen the places where we live, gather, and build our lives for generations to come."
He also posted about his win for the GOP nomination for district 27.
Sykes is officially the Democratic nominee for congresswoman of district 13 in the November election.
“It’s going to take every one of us in November to win this election to lower costs, keep communities safe, and expand opportunity, but I know we will do it—together,” she posted.
Sykes also walked in the Kent Pride Fest parade June 13. “As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’m proud to support LGBTQ+ Ohioans in Congress!” she posted.
Joyce posted June 12 about funding secured for ICE and CBP.
“As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I am proud of the work we did to ensure the safety of Americans and that our law enforcement is protected,” he posted. “I will never stop fighting to move past these dangerous political games and put the safety of Ohioans and Americans first.”