Q&A with Ohio District 38 Representative Bill Roemer

1. Are you now working remotely as the Representative of the 38^th District?

Yes. The Ohio House held an emergency session last week to pass House Bill 197, the COVID-19 Legislative Response Package containing sorely needed relief for Ohioans. My job has become almost entirely virtual. I am staying in constant contact with my constituents through phone and email and have tried to keep the people of the 38^th District in the know by holding virtual town halls with local elected officials like Summit County Councilwoman Bethany McKenney.

2. This being your first term as representative, presumably with several goals, how has the virus changed your goals?

I typically focus on legislation that removes red tape from our regulatory climate, alleviates the tax burden on the citizens of Ohio and allows private business to thrive. Fortunately, my resolution to eliminate the E-Check Program passed the Ohio House of Representatives before the onset of the crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has effectively put a hold on much of the legislation we had in the pipeline as the state of Ohio seeks to fix this problem before it’s too late. 

3. You have said you have received increased calls from District 38 constituents. What are they asking of you?

Our office is receiving innumerable calls and emails regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Many are seeking assistance receiving unemployment benefits, while others are sharing concerns and advice to advance to the administration. While we may not initially have the answer to every question posed to us, we do our part in finding the person who does.

4.  As a representative, are you involved in actions that the governor is taking to manage the virus?

I, along with my office, review new information released by Governor [Mike] DeWine and Director [Amy] Acton daily and familiarize ourselves with the most up-to-date status of the coronavirus pandemic here in Ohio. We are in frequent discussion with the administration on suggestions and concerns we receive from constituents.

5.  Since your district involves more than one county, do you interact with health officials at the county level? If so, how?

Our interactions have primarily been held with the state Department of Health, as well as with the governor’s administration itself. Depending on the concerns we receive from constituents, we are prepared to connect them with their local health departments to address their specific needs.

6. Congratulations to you and Josie Adams, formerly of Bath, on your marriage on March 10 on Palauea Beach in Maui, Hawaii. Did you run into difficulties in traveling back home as COVID-19 was ramping up?

While we were certainly nervous traveling during this crisis, we found the trip home eerily quiet. In fact, on our return flight, one attendant remarked to me how empty our cabin was despite being normally packed. There is no doubt that even before our country started to crack down on restrictions, people were afraid and hunkering down. Now that we’re home, thankfully, we have been able to do our part in mitigating this crisis by sheltering at home.