Brian Chavez Ohio State Senator

It is always informative to be with fellow regional legislators at the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Luncheon. Rep. Troy Balderson, State Senator Al Landis, State Representative Adam Holmes, and State Representative Ty Moore are a true powerhouse of knowledge. Energy was a primary topic for the large crowd in Guernsey county.

I recently had the opportunity to tour the Guernsey Power Station in Byesville, Ohio alongside State Senator Al Landis and Kevin Tatulyan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

This modern gas-fired facility, made up of three units and connected to the Rockies Express Pipeline, began operating in 2023 and has the capacity to power approximately 1.4 million homes.

It is impressive to see such advanced, state-of-the-art energy infrastructure here in Ohio. Facilities like this are helping set a strong standard for reliability and efficiency in future power generation.

Thank you to the team at the plant and to Talen Energy for hosting a thorough and engaging tour.

I was delighted to check back in on the Sycamore Center and receive an update on existing and newly developed programs they offer to children in the community. The initiative and participation seem to be stronger than ever and are truly a bright spot in the lives of many youths in the area.

Additionally, I was able to tour and get insight into the AIM Center, a women’s pregnancy center. They do incredibly important work and have such a positive impact on the lives of many.

A recent tour of a Diversified Energy production site with five Utica formation wells was informative. Diversified has progressed significantly in size, scope, and business model since the inception of the company and has grown as a major producer of natural gas and oil. Commitment to safety and the environment were major themes of the tour. I also appreciated the insightful comments on the responsible plugging of non-producing wells.

I am awestruck at the vision and commitment shown by the individuals involved in the College of St. Joseph the Worker initiative in Steubenville. The combination of teaching trades skills, concurrently with a bachelors’ degree, will give these students a solid base to be successful in future endeavors. Additionally, the school has taken it upon themselves to purchase and restore many downtown buildings as a part of their campus.

I had a great opportunity to tour behind the scenes of an industry most never think about. Ferroglobe is a global leader in the supply of silicon metal, silicon based alloys, and magnesium based alloys. These products are the base for aluminum/auto industry, silicones, solar panels, lithium batteries, semi-conductors, steel, and ductile pipes. Basically, they make the stuff that is used to make the stuff we all use every day.

This was the first up close experience I’ve had with the smelting process in a foundry and I was very impressed with the scale of the operations. This plant was constructed in 1953 and has been in continuous use with updates and expansions. This vital unsung work is essential to our quality of life and is proudly performed in SE Ohio.

It was a privilege to participate in “The Future of Nuclear Energy in Ohio” roundtable hosted by Americans for Prosperity.

Candid and robust conversations were held between Legislators, PJM, Energy Experts, and the Business Community. The event was held at Perry school campus, which felt like a college campus, and is a tangible reminder of the strong tax base created by industrial partners like Vistra’s Perry nuclear plant.

Incredible optimism for the future of energy in Ohio was the running sentiment of the day.

Another data center tour this week, this time at Meta’s New Albany Data Center. Getting a behind the scenes look at the facility’s operations and technology was incredibly eye-opening.

I was especially impressed by the team’s knowledge and explanations of the complexities of the systems and infrastructure in place. The level of coordination, precision, and thoughtful planning that goes into every aspect of the facility was evident throughout.

I was impressed with the renovation work underway at the Grand Theater in Steubenville. The original building was built in the 1880’s and the theater was built in 1924 as the first large Vaudeville House in the area. Today, it is the last remaining of what were five large theaters in Steubenville. The grandeur and character of the space are evident even behind the scaffolding. Additionally, the building has a ballroom which will be perfect for large events.

This building and project epitomize the potential for economic opportunities through the revitalization and development of our historic spaces in the state. I have personally witnessed the economic benefits of these theaters and the positive impact on the communities in several places throughout the district.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to deliver sponsor testimony before the Ohio Senate Medicaid Committee on Senate Bill 313.

This legislation ensures that individuals undergoing chemotherapy have access to scalp cooling therapy, commonly known as cold capping, by requiring insurance and Medicaid coverage.

Hair loss is one of the most emotionally distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Scalp cooling is not cosmetic. It is a medically recognized supportive care option that can help preserve a patient’s sense of identity, improve mental health, and remove barriers to life saving care. Expanding access to this treatment gives patients more choice, dignity, and support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

With Medicare already covering this therapy and other states taking action, Senate Bill 313 helps ensure Ohio continues moving forward in compassionate, patient centered care.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for Ohioans and for this important step forward. I also want to thank my constituent, Jessica Huffman, for bringing the idea for this legislation to my attention. I look forward to continuing the conversation.

You can learn more about the bill here:
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb313

Watch the full testimony on The Ohio Channel: https://ohiochannel.org/programs/ohio-senate-medicaid-committee-4-14-2026

It was a pleasure to join Office of Budget Management Director Kim Murnieks and House Finance Chairman Brian Stewart, State Representative on a panel for civic and business leaders for the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Statehouse Advocacy Day.

Our panel was focused on the state budgets (Operating and Capital) and our thoughts on many other relevant financial topics. I enjoy hearing the comments of the fellow panelists and the many conversations I had with those in attendance following the panel.