State Rep. Josh Williams
Recent News About State Rep. Josh Williams
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Capital budget passes with significant investment in Greater Toledo Area
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects, including the Strategic Community Investment Fund. State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) announced that this budget will make historic investments in local community projects.
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New legislation proposed to increase penalties for violent gun crimes
State Representatives Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) have proposed new legislation aimed at curbing violent crime. The bill seeks to increase the penalty for using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, targeting the most dangerous offenders without altering existing gun laws that could impact law-abiding gun owners.
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Williams Brings Millions to Greater Toledo Area with Passing of Strategic Community Investment Fund
The Ohio House of Representatives has approved the Strategic Community Investment Fund, a historic initiative that will bring millions of dollars to the Greater Toledo area. State Representative Josh Williams, who represents the 41st House District, announced the news and highlighted the positive impact it will have on the region.The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a part of Substitute House Bill 2 and includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects. Of this amount, over $13.3 million will be directed towards Lucas County and the surrounding...
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Williams Introduce Legislation Increasing Penalties Against Human Trafficking
State Representatives Josh Williams and Nick Santucci have introduced the Human Trafficking Prevention Act in an effort to combat the rising cases of human trafficking in Ohio. The legislation aims to increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping, and abduction.Ohio currently ranks fourth in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking, with over 97% of these cases involving sex trafficking. Under current Ohio law, individuals convicted of human trafficking face a prison term of only 10 to 15 years.Representative Santucci emphasized the urgency of...
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Williams Pushes Back Against California Emissions Standards Coming to Ohio
State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) is taking a stand against the implementation of California emission standards in Ohio. The decision comes as the Stellantis Jeep manufacturing facility in Toledo plans to lay off over 1,000 workers in February. Stellantis attributes the layoffs to a decrease in demand for the Jeep brand, citing California's emissions regulations as a major factor.In addition to California's regulations, the company is concerned about the Biden Administration's push for increased electric vehicle production and reduced carbon emissions. The...
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Rep. Derek Merrin Holding District Office Hours in Waterville
State Representative Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) has announced his upcoming office hours for January of the following year. He will be available to meet with constituents on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Waterville Public Library, situated at 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville, Ohio 43566.In a statement, Merrin expressed his accessibility to all residents of the 47th House District, inviting them to engage in discussions about any questions or concerns they might have. He stated, "My door is open to all residents of the 47th House District...
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House Passes Representative Merrin's Legislation Supporting Ohioans in Property Tax Disputes
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed legislation introduced by State Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova) aimed at supporting Ohioans in property tax disputes. The legislation focuses on ensuring that local governments provide notice to residents before filing a challenge to change their property value, which could result in a tax increase. Additionally, the bill requires a legislative body to officially vote to approve a resolution authorizing the complaint.“This legislation ensures local governments use due diligence and are transparent before filing property...
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Ohio House of Representatives Passes the "Tax Code Streamlining and Correction Act"
COLUMBUS— State Representatives Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) and Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) today announced the Ohio House passage of House Bill 197, the "Tax Code Streamlining and Correction Act." HB 197 makes over 100 changes updating laws governing taxation. The legislation makes our tax code accurate and clear by fixing errors.HB 197 updates the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) sections by addressing typographical errors, incorrect cross-references, removing obsolete sections, and rearranging organizational defects.“The Tax Code Streamlining and Correction Act is not a...
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Representative Merrin's "Ballot Uniformity and Transparency Act" Passes Ohio House
State Representative Derek Merrin's legislation aimed at simplifying and clarifying local property tax ballot issues has been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives. The measure, known as House Bill 76, seeks to make ballot language describing local levy proposals clearer and more understandable."When Ohioans vote, they shouldn’t need a calculator to figure out what they’re voting on. The language describing a proposed levy should be clear, concise and easy to understand. That’s common sense – and that’s what this plan does," stated Representative Merrin.Merrin...
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Representative Merrin Named Chairman of Ohio House Ways and Means Committee
State Representative Derek Merrin (R- Monclova Township) has been named Chairman of the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax policy committee in the Ohio House. The appointment was made today by Speaker Larry Householder.“This is a tremendous honor and I appreciate Speaker Householder’s confidence in asking me to lead this important committee,” said Merrin.Merrin expressed his philosophy regarding tax policy, stating, “It’s not the government’s money, it’s the taxpayers’ money.” He emphasized his commitment to protecting tax dollars and simplifying the tax...
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Representative Merrin's Repeal of Prescription Eyewear Tax Goes into Effect July 1, 2019
COLUMBUS – State Representative Derek Merrin (R- Monclova Township) has successfully spearheaded the effort to eliminate sales tax on prescription eyewear in Ohio, with the new policy taking effect on July 1, 2019. The initiative, originally outlined in House Bill 116 from the previous General Assembly, aims to make prescription eyewear more accessible and affordable for Ohioans.Merrin expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "It was a tough fight, but we finally won. Ohioan’s can finally purchase prescription lenses, frames, and contacts tax free." The move...
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Representative Merrin Announces Passage of Bill Recovering Losses for Theft Victims
State Representative Derek Merrin expressed his satisfaction as he announced the passage of House Bill 66 by the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill broadens the definition of “economic loss” in criminal theft cases and allows judges to include accounting and auditing costs incurred by the victim when determining restitution.“We must ensure theft victims are made financially whole. Criminals should bear the total cost of their crimes,” Representative Merrin emphasized.The current law only allows crime victims to receive restitution for economic loss directly caused...
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Representative Merrin Appointed to the Ohio Retirement Study Council
COLUMBUS – Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) has appointed Representative Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) to the Ohio Retirement Study Council. The council's primary objective is to provide guidance and information to the state legislature concerning all aspects of the five statewide retirement systems in Ohio.The Ohio Retirement Study Council consists of nine voting members, comprising three state senators, three state representatives, and three appointees by the Governor. Additionally, the executive directors of the state systems serve as nonvoting members....
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Rep. Merrin's "Epinephrine Accessibility Act" Signed Into Law
Rep. Derek Merrin's House Bill 101, known as the Epinephrine Accessibility Act, has been signed into law by Governor Kasich in Ohio. The bill aims to increase the affordability and accessibility of epinephrine auto-injectors for individuals in need. Merrin expressed that by allowing pharmacists to substitute brand-name epinephrine auto-injectors for equivalent ones, patients can benefit from lower costs. He stated, "The legislation makes it easier for Epi Pen competitors to compete, which will ultimately lead to lower costs."Additionally, the bill permits pharmacists to...
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Ohio House Passes Bill Clarifying Tax Levy Ballot Language
The Ohio House recently approved State Representative Derek Merrin's legislation aimed at enhancing the clarity of ballot language concerning tax levies and bond issues. The bill, known as House Bill 342, seeks to provide voters with a better understanding of the actual cost implications of tax levies.Representative Merrin emphasized the importance of transparency in ballot language, stating, “Ballot language must be transparent, clear, and relevant.” He further explained that the legislation ensures that "tax millage is expressed based on $100,000 market value not on...