Click here to view newsletter in a different format.

Dear Constituents,
As the legislature begins its work shaping the next state budget, I am eager to
do my part to ensure the final bill we pass will benefit all of Ohios working
families. I am especially committed to fighting any attempts to limit the rights
of working people by passing Right to Work is Wrong legislation.
Ohio House Dems
I believe Ohio workers should have the right to come together and speak with
Are Now On:
one voice to improve their working conditions. However, Right to Work is
Wrong legislation could weaken our ability to bargain collectively for safe
staffing levels and fair wages.

Research shows that working people in states with Right to Work laws in place
earn less on average1 and may be more likely to experience a workplace
fatality.2

Recently, politicians in West Chester, a suburb outside of Cincinnati,

announced they are pushing Right to Work is Wrong at the local level.

Instead of restricting workers ability to earn wages that sustain their families,
I believe the legislature should focus on policies that attract better jobs, invest
in a quality education system, and fight the statewide opioid epidemic. I
remain hopeful that Republicans and Democrats will be able to work together
in a bipartisan manner during this state budget season to do just that.

As always, I am interested to know your thoughts and opinions on important

issue. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments about
any state matter that concerns you or your family. Follow Us Today!

Sincerely,

Kent Smith
State Representative

1
http://www.epi.org/files/pdf/82934.pdf
2
http://kypolicy.org/dash/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/What-the-Research-Says-about-RTW-Laws-
Employment-and-Wages.pdf

In This Issue
Ohio leads the nation in opioid overdose deaths/Ohio minimum wage rises

Recently, Ohio was identified as the national leader in opioid

and heroin overdose deaths. This unfortunate distinction
probably comes as no surprise to the many families across
our state who have lost loved ones to this epidemic.

Ohio workers will see a slight raise in their paychecks start-

ing this month, as the state minimum wage climbs from
$8.10 to $8.15 per hour for non-tipped workers beginning
Jan 1, 2017. Tipped workers must be paid $4.08 per hour in
2017.

Click here to read more.

Celebrating MLKs legacy/The seasonal flu and you

As Americans reflect on the impact and legacy of Reverend

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe its important we re-
member one often understated piece of that historical leg-
acy: the reverends resolute advocacy for economic justice.

The easiest way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a

seasonal flu vaccine every year. Many experts believe that
flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when peo-
ple with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.

Click here to read more.

Columbus
77 South High Street
State Representative Columbus, OH 43215
Kent Smith (614) 466-5441 Phone
Contact Information
Send me an e-mail! rep08@ohiohouse.gov
On the Web: http://www.ohiohouse.gov

If you no longer wish to receive our eNewsletters, please send an email to this address:
District08-leave@list.ohiohouse.gov with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

2016 State Representative Kent Smith