You don't want to miss this. July 2022 News & Updates Message from Rep. Kristin Boggs Dear Neighbor, Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion and giving each state the authority to determine abortion access. Polling consistently demonstrates that over 60% of Ohioans believe that women should have access to abortion care. Nonetheless, shortly after the Supreme Court issued its decision, Republicans resurrected a law banning abortion after six weeks, and it officially took effect in Ohio. House and Senate Democrats have proposed an amendment to Ohio's Constitution that would ensure all people have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and health care. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected] or 614-466-1896. Yours in service, Kristin What Rep. Boggs has been up to this month Representative Boggs had the opportunity to tour The Refuge, a leading faith-based nonprofit addiction recovery organization that helps men break free from addiction and resurrect their lives. The Refuge is the only organization in the state of Ohio that offers a residential addiction recovery program that is over one year in length and offered at no cost. The Refuge received funding from the recently passed FY23-24 capital budget, HB 687. They will be using these funds to build a new residence to provide living, sleeping, and dining quarters for up to 41 men suffering from addiction. Representative Boggs delivered remarks at the PAST (Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology) Foundation's ribbon cutting event for the opening of their new and re-designed STEM Workforce Learning Labs: DIGITAL, LAUNCH, DESIGN, and MAKER. These STEM Workforce Learning Labs are a direct result of FY20-21 capital budget funding, and are critical to addressing the skills gap in high-demand STEM fields that employers are experiencing across the state of Ohio. The PAST Foundation is a nonprofit organization located in Ohio House District 18 that partners with K12 schools, higher education, industry, and community partners to design innovative programs that deliver relevant STEM education and workforce development. Important announcements and dates Updates for SNAP/OWF Recipients Starting July 1, 2022, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services will be reinstituting Interim Reports for families that receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as cash assistance through Ohio Works First (OWF). All SNAP recipients must complete an Interim Report halfway through their certification period to confirm they are still eligible for SNAP. Learn more about Interim Reports and double check that your contact information is up to date with the Franklin County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Voting: Save These Dates! Ohio's Primary Election on August 2, 2022 is quickly approaching! Here are the important dates you need to know: Early in-person voting and absentee voting by mail begins July 6th. Absentee ballot applications must be received by your Board of Elections by July 30th at 12pm. The absentee ballot postmark deadline is August 1st. Helpful links: How to request an absentee ballot in Ohio Find your early voting location Find your polling location on Election Day Minority Mental Health Awareness Month July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the importance of mental health access for Black and brown Ohioans. There are often barriers and stigmas that accompany minority mental health, and we must work to dismantle these and make health care more accessible for all. Visit the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to learn more. Mental health hotlines include: Adult Suicide Prevention Hotline - (614) 221-5445 Older Adult Suicide Hotline - (614) 294-3309 Teen Suicide Hotline - (614) 294-3300 Other local Franklin County mental health resources: Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator Community for New Direction - Adult Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services Netcare Access - 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Center Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition The Trevor Project - LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide and Crisis Prevention North Central Mental Health Services Mental Health America of Ohio NAMI Franklin County - Crisis Care and Mental Health Treatment Programs The P.E.E.R. Center ADAMH Board of Franklin County Democrats still working to protect women and support families Last month, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving the decision whether to provide abortion access up to each state. Ohio Republicans continue to prioritize legislation such as House Bill 598 and Senate Bill 123, that would completely ban abortion in Ohio without any exceptions for rape, incest, or to protect the health of the mother. Ohio Democrats have introduced a comprehensive legislative plan that invests in families from the very beginning and ensures all babies have the resources they need to grow and thrive. The legislative package includes bills to: Eliminate the diaper tax; Create the Infant Formula Tax Credit; Establish the Ohio Safe Sleep and Baby Box Program; Require insurance coverage of medically necessary donor human milk; Create the Infant Nutrition Protection Act; Enact the Ohio Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. House and Senate Democrats have also proposed an amendment to Ohio's Constitution that would ensure all people have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and health care. Democrats are working every day to ensure that families have the resources they need to succeed. Heat wave highlights need for utility transparency As the weather warms up and Ohio feels the effects of climate change, it is more important than ever to ensure that the state is prepped for a future of clean and sustainable energy sources. You deserve transparency from the people you pay your bills to, especially when health, safety, and essential services are on the line and extreme circumstances are at play. Our energy grid must be modernized and well prepare for major weather events to ensure consumer security. Democrats have introduced legislation to help with this effort such as: House Bill 429, Energy Jobs and Justice Act will: Launch the state's largest economic development initiative in recent history by prioritizing clean energy jobs and environmental justice programs; Center equitable policy design to ensure clean energy benefits go to those most historically and disproportionately harmed by Ohio's regressive energy policies; Move Ohio towards a more equitable clean energy future by encouraging clean energy growth, energy waste reduction, and curbing utility influence over policymaking and regulatory actions. House Bill 389 will: Reduce waste and save consumers money; Give utilities an avenue to design and implement energy saving programs, such as installation of smart thermostats, putting in less wasteful HVAC systems, and recycling old appliances. Boggs for Ohio | 222 W. 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