Bill on its way to the Governor’s desk for signing.

PRESS RELEASE: Office of Jean Schmidt, State Representative (R- Loveland) 

COLUMBUS, OH (June 2, 2022) – Today State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) announced her legislation to increase breast cancer screening accessibility and early detection to patients is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signing.

“For many months, Representative Denson and I have worked to get this bill passed. House Bill 371 is must-have legislation that will save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of Ohioans,” said Schmidt. “I’m very grateful for the support of the Ohio Senate and for the support of my colleagues in the House.”

The bill, H.B. 371, will provide the following patient improvements:

• Improve the patient notification letter informing women of dense breasts,
• Allow women of any age or risk factor to receive a yearly mammogram,
• Define mammogram with the inclusion of tomosynthesis, and finally,
• Expand coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings for women with dense breasts or with a high-risk factor.

Provisions of the bill make a point to include the best technology available to doctors when screening for the disease. By including tomosynthesis in the definition of a mammogram, women will have access to a 3-D image of their screening. Chest MRIs and ultrasounds would also be more accessible for women in need of a supplemental screening.

“Advocacy work for finding a cure for breast cancer has long been a part of my career as a lawmaker. I’m thrilled that women in Ohio will now have access to these life saving measures.” Jean Schmidt, State Representative (R-Loveland) 

During the committee process in the Senate, the bill adopted additional provisions to also address nursing homes in Ohio. The amendment was supported by the bill sponsors and House members by a unanimous  vote.

H.B. 371 now heads to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk to be signed into law.

UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF JEAN SCHMIDT:

Announcing Clermont County Projects 

COLUMBUS, OH (June 2, 2022) – On Wednesday the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 687, legislation to propose Ohio’s new two-year state construction budget.  

The budget includes funding for a variety of statewide initiatives and local Clermont County projects, announced State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland).

“I’m proud to have worked with my legislative colleagues Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and State Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) on delivering results to the people of Clermont County,” said Schmidt. “Collectively, we worked as a team with the Clermont County Commissioners, Port Authority, and other local leaders on this package.”

Clermont County will receive nearly $1.6 million in appropriations. Project areas include:

• $250,000, YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter East
• $300,000, Liberty Landing Phase II
• $223,000, Dan Beard Scout Camp Flooding and Erosion Mitigation
• $50,000, Grant Presidential Sculpture
• $190,000, Jim Terrell Park Canoe/Kayak Launch
• $50,000, Moscow Ohio River Stabilization, Phase II
• $122,000, Clepper Park Pickleball Courts
• $260,000, Grailville Park Improvements
• $50,000, Grant Memorial Building, Phase II
• $57,000, Buckeye Trail East Fork Wildlife Area

Among local projects, the capital budget also appropriates monies to statewide efforts. The highlights include the following:

• $100 million for school safety grants, which will help public and private schools address local building security needs
• $600 million for school building construction, renovation and repair through the state’s school facilities program
• $457 million for colleges and universities
• $400 million for the Public Works Commission to help communities with local road, bridge, water and sewer projects
• $587 million for state parks and nature preserves
• $50 million for the construction and renovation of county jails. Priority would be given to facilities with the greatest needs, as well as projects that would substantially improve the condition, safety and operational ability of the jail.

The measure was shortly approved by the Senate after passage by the House. HB 687 now heads to the Governor. 

State Representative Jean Schmidt is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 65^th house district, which includes northwestern Clermont County.

For more information, contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (614) 466-8134 or rep65@ohiohouse.gov.