As we approach 2023, we are also approaching the end of this General Assembly. Throughout my first term as State Representative of Ohio’s 66th House District, I have had the incredible honor of representing the people of Brown County and Southeastern Clermont County. Before we begin the New Year, I wanted to take this time to give you insight into the bills I have passed and the effects they will have on Ohio.

Improving and assisting Ohio’s teachers and students will always be one of my priorities. I sponsored House Bill 67, which waived state-only testing requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, I sponsored House Bill 170, which provided $857 million in federal funding to Ohio’s public, private, and vocational schools for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses. I also sponsored both House Bills 554 and 583. H.B. 554 allows Ohio’s State Board of Education to issue temporary educator licenses to applicants with expired professional teacher’s certificates and professional educator licenses as long as the educator left the profession in good standing. H.B. 583 expands the pool of licensed substitutes that schools would have available, and would reduce the number of remote learning days caused by lack of available substitute teachers.

I am also extremely passionate about honoring Ohio’s history. To honor those in Ohio who helped in the abolitionist movement through the Underground Railroad, I introduced House Bill 340, which designated September as Underground Railroad Month.

President Ulysses S. Grant, raised in Brown County, is an American hero for both his service to the Union Army and abolitionist efforts. To memorialize his efforts, I co-sponsored House Bill 423, which designates Grant’s birthday, April 27, as Ulysses S. Grant Day.

Ohio also has many incredible stories to recognize through legislation. I introduced a bill designating the Bill Brewer Memorial Highway. Deputy Brewer was killed in the line of duty working for the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. I was also very humbled to sponsor House Resolution 138, which honored my predecessor in the Ohio House, Doug Green, for his service and dedication to bettering Ohio and improving the lives of his constituents in Southwest Ohio and beyond.

I also worked on a resolution declaring that “Nine is Fine” when it comes to the U.S. Supreme Court. The resolution urged the protection of the integrity and independence of the U.S. Supreme Court from an Executive Order to study the expansion of the number of justices. Our highest court must be protected from overreach.

Finally, upholding the integrity of state government is vital. As such, I sponsored House Bill 506, which codifies both the Solicitor General and the Tenth Amendment Center under the Attorney General’s Office.

In everything I do, whether in Columbus or in district, I prioritize the needs of my constituents. I want to include you in the process and welcome you to provide your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 644-6034 or emailing [email protected]. Following the start of the year, my new district number is 63, so you can email me at [email protected].

State Representative Adam Bird is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 66th Ohio house district, serving residents in all of Brown County and the southeastern portion of Clermont County.

For more information, contact Rep. Bird’s office at (614) 644-6034 or [email protected].