Local Government News

Lucas County: Residents received $1.56 billion per capita from Medicaid transfers in 2022

In 2022, Medicaid transfers made up 6.8% of income in Lucas County, providing an average of $3,648 per capita to residents.

By West Lucas News | Apr 13, 2025

Local Government

Ohio's House passes bill aiming at power generation boost

State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, has cast his vote in favor of House Bill 15.

By West Lucas News | Mar 26, 2025

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Local Government

Ohio House supports Senate Bill 1 for higher education reform

By West Lucas News | Mar 21, 2025

Representative Josh Williams of Sylvania Township has cast his vote in favor of Senate Bill 1, a legislative measure aimed at reforming higher education in Ohio.

Local Government

Ohio House approves bill eliminating replacement property tax levies

By West Lucas News | Mar 21, 2025

State Representative Josh Williams announced that the Ohio House of Representatives has approved House Bill 28.

Local Government

Lucas County ranks 34th highest in Ohio for per capita government transfer income at $13,095 in 2022

By West Lucas News | Mar 10, 2025

In 2022, residents of Lucas County received an average of $13,095 per capita in government transfer payments—ranking it 34th highest in Ohio.

Local Government

Lucas County: Income Maintenance transfers accounted for 3.2% of income in 2022

By West Lucas News | Mar 1, 2025

In 2022, Income Maintenance transfers made up 3.2% of income in Lucas County, providing an average of $1,730 per capita to residents.

Local Government

Ohio lawmakers propose changes to sex offender residency restrictions

By West Lucas News | Feb 13, 2025

State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Josh Williams have introduced a bill aimed at amending Ohio's Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) laws.

Local Government

Williams assigned to multiple House committees for 136th General Assembly

By West Lucas News | Jan 15, 2025

State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, has announced his committee assignments for the 136th General Assembly.

Local Government

Josh Williams takes oath for second term as Ohio State Representative

By West Lucas News | Jan 7, 2025

State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, has been sworn in for his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Local Government

Ohio bill revises sentencing rules for Alford Pleas

By West Lucas News | Dec 10, 2024

Legislation crafted by State Representative Josh Williams, aiming to modify the sentencing process for defendants entering an Alford Plea, is now on its way to the Ohio Governor's desk.

Local Government

Capital budget passes with significant investment in Greater Toledo Area

By West Lucas News | Jun 26, 2024

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.

Local Government

New legislation proposed to increase penalties for violent gun crimes

By West Lucas News | May 7, 2024

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.

Local Government

Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Lucas County rise or fall in 2021?

By West Lucas News | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Lucas County received $2.3 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

Local Government

How much did farmers in Lucas County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By West Lucas News | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Lucas County received $2,576,788 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Local Government

Williams Brings Millions to Greater Toledo Area with Passing of Strategic Community Investment Fund

By West Lucas News | Feb 7, 2024

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...

Local Government

Williams Introduce Legislation Increasing Penalties Against Human Trafficking

By West Lucas News | Jan 17, 2024

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...

Local Government

Williams Pushes Back Against California Emissions Standards Coming to Ohio

By West Lucas News | Dec 8, 2023

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...