Hi Friends,

Congress closes out its fourth straight week in session as we look to implement a conservative agenda that moves our country forward. My staff and I took many meetings and phone calls from constituents seeking to provide their input. It is unfortunately that my colleagues couldn’t agree on a path to repealing Obamacare. My hope is that we don’t continue to keep Obamacare intact knowing that tens of millions of Americans will continue to suffer through skyrocketing premiums, appallingly unaffordable deductibles and sham insurance that dupes people into thinking they have care when all they really have is an insurance card. I will continue to remain persistent in rescuing our healthcare system from the disastrous failures of Obamacare. 

Media Mash Up

My column for the week was on the importance of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Maintaining a thriving and healthy Lake Erie is of paramount importance for the communities of northern Ohio. If Ohio is to properly address the effects of pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and algal blooms, then it must have the necessary funds to do so. As the House of Representatives begins drafting a budget for our nation's government, I remain committed to fighting for adequate funding for Lake Erie and GLRI.

Washington Wrap Up

The Congressional Coal Caucus held their first meeting of the year on Wednesday with special guest Hal Quinn, President & CEO of the National Mining Association. We discussed ensuring robust domestic production and encouraging exports of U.S. coal.

This week, I met with IDimages from Brunswick and the Sunnyside Auto Group from Middleburg Heights to make sure small businesses don’t get left behind in tax reform.

I also met with some Ohio members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and discussed current treatment options and how drug pricing trends are affecting this population as well those suffering with other chronic illnesses. I was glad to meet with owners of various Skilled Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities as well as an Intellectual & Developmental Disability Provider who treat our most vulnerable. We appreciate the work and sacrifice provided through these programs that care for our most needy, often for decades on end.

District Doings

This week my staff attended the Parma Area Chamber Luncheon to hear UH Hospitals Parma Medical Center's new President, Peter Bergmann speak on the accomplishments and the future of the hospital. They also attended the Rocky River State of the City Annual Address to hear Mayor Pam Bobst speak about the exciting new things that will be happening in the great City of Rocky River.

My staff was able to tour the Canton-Stark County Crime Lab. They enjoyed learning about the testing procedures for bullets, casings, and firearms. They were also able to learn about point matches on fingerprints, alcohol testing and drug testing. The crime lab does a great job in supporting our community’s investigative efforts.

My office will host a Military Academy Day on Saturday, March 25^th for those interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy. This program will offer information on applying for service academy nominations. The program also offers guidance and tips on the individual parts of the application process including the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB), Super Score process for taking the ACT, and how to become a competitive candidate for the service academy. Registration is preferred but not required. For additional information, please call (330) 334-0040 or see our Facebook event.

On April 26th from 3-5:30 pm, my office is hosting a veterans benefits event at the S.A.L.T. BOX Ministries, 408 Market St. W, Canal Fulton 44614. It will take place from 3:00-5:30 PM. At this event, veterans can learn about and sign up for local, state, and federal benefits. You can read more about the event HERE.