State Representative Richard Brown

Today ends my 7 1/2 year tenure as State Representative of Ohio’s 20th and (after redistricting) 5th House Districts. It has been my
privilege and honor to serve the good people of my district. I have done my best to represent the divergent views of my constituents, which is difficult as we all have opinions and views that do not always mesh. But, I am proud to have earned the support of both Democrats and many Republicans as I have tried to take a moderate course, looking out for the best interests of the most folks. Thank you to all who have supported me over the years, I have been proud to serve everyone. Starting tomorrow, the 5th House District will be well represented by my successor, Meredith Lawson Rowe. I hope you will support her as you have me!

Yesterday was a big day for me in the House. Prior to session I spoke to outgoing Speaker Jason Stephens about the day’s session (and about the Ironton Tigers’ chances in the state D5 title game, a required topic for two native Lawrence Countians), and later gave my farewell speech on the floor. I was honored by the kind words of colleagues, Minority Leader Allison Russo and Rep. Cindy Abrams, and by the warm sentiments expressed by colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Of course Suzanne was present to share in the moment and I am deeply indebted to her for her unwavering support during my seven and one-half years in the House. I could not have accomplished the things I have without her counsel and love. And, to top off an already memorable day, my bill regarding pharmacies providing drug prescription readers to assist visually impaired people overwhelmingly passed on the floor! Finally, I cannot thank enough the Democratic Caucus staff, my Democratic House colleagues, policy folks, and, most importantly, my Legislative Assistants over the years, Brandon Barcus, Jake Vasilj, Hunter Patterson, Jackie Mulvain, and Josh Meek, whose efforts and assistance were invaluable and made me a better legislator.

More exciting news to share.

This week, House Bill 382 passed unanimously out of the House Insurance Committee. This important legislation will require retail and mail-order pharmacies to provide electronic prescription readers for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Accessible prescription audio readers are a cost-effective solution that improve medication safety, promote independence, and ensure Ohio is meeting its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill was brought to me by a constituent and is one I’ve introduced in the last two General Assemblies. Seeing it move forward is a huge step for Ohio’s blind and visually impaired community.

I’m hopeful the full House will act swiftly to pass this bill so we can get it signed into law before the end of the year and make this long-overdue change a reality.

Big day for us at the Statehouse today. My wife, Suzanne, testified this morning in favor of my HB 538 to declare May as Lupus Awareness Month in Ohio. Suzanne has battled lupus for many years and now advocates for increased awareness of this serious auto-immune disease. She did a great job! We expect swift passage of the bill. Later I testified in the Senate Ways and Means Committee in support of my bipartisan bill with Rep. Lampton, HB 399, to create a tax credit for employers who pay their employees organ donation benefits for time off recovering from giving a living organ donation. The goal is to incentivize more living organ donations to allow more life saving transplants of kidneys and other organs. This bill passed the House in June and will hopefully become law this year.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Jo Ann Davidson of Reynoldsburg, the only woman to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House. In 1999, while Speaker, she was asked to judge the parade floats in the Canal Wi******er Labor Day Parade at the request of Suzanne, who was involved in the CW Labor Day Festival planning. We hosted the Speaker at our house before the parade. This was long before my involvement in politics and I never thought I would one day represent the same areas of Franklin County in the House. She was an extremely kind and dedicated public servant who demonstrated bipartisanship and enjoyed representing all of her constituents. Her brand of principled public service will be missed.

Update: She has been found, thank you.

Please help us reunite this little girl with her family. Anyone who sees her is asked to call Columbus Police at 614-645-4545.

Police searching for 10-year-old girl last seen in southeast Columbus The Columbus Division of Police is searching for a 10-year-old girl who was last seen around 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

This summer we've been meeting with stakeholders and other members to find the best solutions to improve school bus safety. Yesterday, I had the pleasure to meet with representatives of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation to discuss the statewide school bus driver shortage. This is a critical issue facing our schools, leaving our youngest students more vulnerable and leading to inconsistent transportation for countless others. I look forward to holding additional meetings the rest of this year!

A moving memorial ceremony this morning in Groveport at Motts Military Museum honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11, those first responders who continue to leave us every year from cancers caused by work on the debris pile, and those first responders who heroically gave their all that day in service of others. Never forget their sacrifices and the resilience of the survivors of that tragic day. A special thanks to Ed Dildine, Warren Motts, and the Madison Township Fire Department for their hard work making this wonderful event happen every year!

On Friday, I had the privilege to present a House Commendation to Kroger’s store leader and Kroger associates at the Groveport Kroger. After a four month, $2 million update the store had an overall reset and features a new Artisan bread and donut display, Artisan Lite decor, and newly remodeled restrooms. It is a beautiful addition to Groveport and area communities.