Monica Robb Blasdel News

As we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates as the community continues to heal and move forward. In the time since the accident, it has been encouraging to see so much progress being made in the Village and surrounding areas, knowing there is still a lot of work left to do.

Throughout this ordeal, it has been heartening to witness the outpouring of support from individuals across the state and beyond. Allies have rallied around the community, extending helping hands to ensure our local businesses continue to operate smoothly; guaranteeing that children could continue participating in sports and maintaining a semblance of normalcy; and providing assistance with essential services. The solidarity shown has been refreshing.

At the Statehouse earlier this year, we worked through the State Transportation Budget to implement new rail safety standards aimed at safeguarding the passage of cargo through Ohio. While these represent significant steps that we can take here in our great state, progress at the federal level has unfortunately been stalled. We will continue to encourage our federal partners to pass the Railway Safety Act of 2023.

COLUMBUS, OH—State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) announced today that the Brown Local School district will receive $2,627,950 in funding for a new 3,000-square-foot community wellness center. The funding comes from the new Appalachian Children's Health Initiative, part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The State Controlling Board approved the funding during its meeting on Monday.

"The new wellness center will be a tremendous resource for the students and families in the Brown Local School District," said Robb Blasdel. "By providing greater access to physical and mental healthcare, we are putting students in the best position to succeed in the classroom and preparing them for a bright future."

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) announced today that the East Palestine and Crestview School Districts will receive $488,196 in funding for a new school-based health clinic, telehealth services, and a mobile unit that will provide in-person healthcare for multiple districts. The funding comes from the new Appalachian Children's Health Initiative, part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The State Controlling Board approved the funding during its meeting on Monday.

"These resources will go a long way to help students not only in Columbiana County but the region as a whole," said Robb Blasdel. "Building a new center in East Palestine will only strengthen the community, and the students of Crestview will be better served with access to the services they need to help them grow and fully reach their potential."

President Biden finally made good on his promise to visit East Palestine last week, over a year since the derailment. I have been meeting with residents and businesses of East Palestine, and since the President did not meet with many of those involved in ongoing discussions about the recovery efforts, I sent him a letter that spelled out my recommendations on how best to help East Palestine, based on their feedback.

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today approved the historic Strategic Community Investment Fund, as part of Substitute House Bill 2, announced State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County). 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects, including over $4.2 million for the 79th District. The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“From keeping our community safe, to investing in our facilities, and strengthening our workforce, this one-time funding will strengthen our region, and the rest of the Ohio, for generations to come,” said Robb Blasdel. “These projects are transformational to our communities.”

COLUMBUS— The Ohio House of Representatives today voted to override Governor DeWine’s recent veto of House Bill 68, announced State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County).

Robb Blasdel issued the following statement regarding the vote:

“Today, we’ve taken a vital step towards protecting children and upholding the integrity of women's sports in Ohio. I voted to override the Governor's veto on House Bill 68, which includes the SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. I commend my fellow members in the House for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the well-being of children and families.  I look forward to our colleagues in the Senate doing the same.”

The veto override now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.