State Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) on Wednesday hailed the House passage of House Bill (HB) 60, legislation authorizing the issuance of an enhanced driver’s license, enhanced commercial driver’s license (CDL), and enhanced identification (ID) card to facilitate border crossings between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

HB 60, sponsored by Rep. Rogers and state Rep. Steve Hambley (R-Brunswick), would allow these enhanced driver’s licenses to be used by Ohio residents seeking to enter Canada or Mexico at authorized land and sea ports. These IDs contain specific technology and security features approved by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and may be used in the same manner as a driver’s license, CDL or ID card. 

State Rep. John M. Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) today announced his selection to the Council of State Governments (CSG) Henry Wolcott Toll Fellowship Program, a nationally recognized leadership program for state government officials in all there branches of government.

“I am deeply honored to be selected to be a part of the 2017 Toll Fellowship class” said Rogers. “This is an invaluable opportunity that will help me to better serve the residents of the 60^th House District and the citizens of Ohio. I look forward to participating in this rigorous program, developing new ideas and improved policies with my fellow public servants.”

State Reps. John M. Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) this week testified in support of House Bill (HB) 232, his bipartisan legislation to encourage Ohio lawyers to conduct pro bono legal work. Joint-sponsored by state Rep. Jeffery Rezabek (R-Clayton), HB 232 allows lawyers or law firms to claim a tax deduction for engaging in pro bono work and providing certain legal services for impoverished clients through a legal aid entity. 

“Plaintiffs who have experienced harassment, divorce and many other civil injustices may lose winnable cases because they do not have the financial means to afford legal counsel,” said Rogers. “Legal aid provides an opportunity for attorneys to donate their time and skills to assist those who would otherwise be left behind in the complex web of the legal system.” 

State Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) today applauded a nearly $4.5 million low-interest loan from the Ohio EPA to the city of Willoughby. The state loan, awarded earlier this week, will fund an upgrade to Willoughby’s sewage system while also improving water quality in Lake Erie.

“The Ohio EPA loan to Willoughby is an example of how the state and local communities can work together to improve infrastructure while also protecting our environment,” said Rogers. “I am pleased to see the state work with the city to help complete this important project while preserving a tremendous resource.”