Welcome

The first step to getting involved is to know who represents you and what it is that they are to be doing for you.

You have the right and the duty to contact your representatives and let them know how you want your state to be governed and how you want your tax dollars spent.

From the Ohio House of Representative website I share the following  description of the role of a representative, 

"In the Ohio General Assembly, each citizen is represented by a state representative and a state senator. 

The state is divided into 99 House districts and 33 Senate districts. 

State representatives listen to the concerns of their constituents and speak for them. They develop solutions to the needs of their districts through legislative action. State representatives work together, balancing the best interests of each state district.

House members attend many meetings of their local, civic, religious and business groups. Through these contacts and suggestions from individual citizens, state representatives gauge public opinion and develop proposals for changes in the state law. These proposals are prepared in the form of a bill and are then formally considered by the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Governor before becoming law.

Each state representative is assigned to several standing committees which meet weekly while the House is in session to closely review each bill. In committee meetings, they hear testimony from individuals interested in specific legislative issues. Often members are assigned to special committees or boards that investigate items of pressing concern, or they regularly review actions of state agencies. When a committee recommends a bill for passage and the Rules and Reference Committee schedules it for consideration, the bill then comes before the House for a vote. During the floor session, representatives debate the merits of the proposal. After the debate is closed, it is the duty of each member to cast a vote in favor of or against the bill.

Of equal importance to their legislative roles, each state representative also acts as a liaison between groups and individuals in their districts and state and federal agencies. This interaction empowers constituents by providing the personal assistance necessary to receive important services or benefits from the state departments and commissions."

Additionally, all members of the House must be U.S. citizens and reside in the districts from which they are elected. A new legislative session is assembled every two years on the first Monday in January of the odd-numbered years. However, since there is no limit on the days the General Assembly may convene, it can respond immediately to emergency situations. While in session, the House generally meets Tuesday through Thursday. Committee meetings may be held any time before or after floor sessions. Both are open to the public.

For more information and the history of the Ohio House of Representatives : https://ohiohouse.gov/about/overview

The Ohio Senate

From the Ohio Senate Website, "The Ohio Senate is the upper chamber of the Ohio State Legislature, which is also composed of the Ohio House of Representatives. The state legislature is the law-making branch of state government.

The members of the Ohio Senate represent all 88 counties in Ohio, divided into 33 districts.

The Senate works in coordination with the House of Representatives and the Governor of Ohio to enact, amend or repeal statutes which make up the body of laws by which we are governed. Members draft, debate and approve bills and resolutions. The legislature also serves as a check upon the executive authority of the Governor and helps ensure that the interests of Ohioans are represented.

Whether in the Statehouse or in their communities, senators work hard to develop sound policies that reflect those things Ohioans value most – creating jobs, providing a quality education for our children, protecting our families and helping the less fortunate.

For more information and the history of the Ohio Senate : https://ohiosenate.gov/about