Office of State Rep. David Thomas

“We had a great conversation, and it is awesome to know that Ohio is once again leading the nation in ratepayer protection policies. What the legislature has already done, and with us working on HB 706, we are making sure that Bob and Betty Buckeye will not be paying for data centers and other large users,” said Rep. Thomas, who is a joint sponsor of House Bill 706.

Rep. David Thomas Hosts Undersecretary of Energy at Statehouse to Discuss Data Centers, Ratepayer Protection Pledge State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) was joined yesterday by Alex Fitzimmons, Undersecretary of Energy for the U.S. Department of Energy; State Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), Chair of the House Energy Committee; and representatives from the America First Policy Institute (AFPI)....

Rep. Meredith Craig and I gave Sponsor Testimony in the Senate on HB 476, legislation permitting what is current practice across Ohio for many nonprofits to continue- online raffles. From religious to educational, first responder to sportsmen, these are important ways we as a 21st Century society fundraise. And these should continue.

"It was Ohio that led the nation in reforming our property tax system in 2025, it was Ohio that led the nation in lowering again our income tax to be the second lowest flat tax in the nation; just like Ohio has led the nation in so many other areas, we must continue improving and helping our taxpayers. We are not done reforming taxation and government spending in Ohio." Happy to join Rep. Adam Mathews in Warren County yesterday to highlight the actions taken for our taxpayers and the need for more to improvement the system.

Rep. Ty Mathews and I have introduced legislation to end any question that results from an Elected Official being called to Military Service and involuntarily missing their official duties. Ohio protects private sector employees who are called up to service but the law is not clear on elected officials. Rep. Mathews and I have crafted language to give clear protections to our men and women in uniform to prevent the involuntary vacating of their elected office and provide the ability to join meetings and participate virtually should that be possible.

For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2026

State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) today announced that they introduced a new piece of legislation, the Military Service Elected Office Protection Act, which aims to protect the seat of an elected official in Ohio should that elected member be ordered to active military service for our country.

The proposed legislation follows a situation in Parma, Ohio, involving the Parma City School Board and a member of the Board who is on deployment. Rep. Mathews and Rep. Thomas have sent a letter to the board addressing the matter and outlining the proposed legislation.

“It should not take a state law change to enforce common sense, but if that is what it takes, we are committed to supporting our military service members and their public service,” said Representative David Thomas. “The bill aims to provide clarity in these types of situations. As we await next steps on the bill, I, out of respect for our military men and women, ask you to refrain from any potential removal of this member.”

“When our service members deploy, they carry the responsibility of protecting this country. The least we can do is protect their place in the communities they were elected to serve. This legislation ensures that military duty is respected, that representation continues, and that Ohio remains a state that honors those willing to step forward when called,” said Representative Ty Mathews.

If passed, this legislation would do the following:

-Prohibit any elected office from being declared vacant due to active-duty military deployment or reserve service obligations
-Affirm that military service constitutes a valid absence for purposes of attendance requirements
-Authorize and require public bodies to permit deployed members of the armed forces to attend and vote in meetings when feasible

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.

State Reps. Thomas and Mathews Introduce Military Service Elected Office Protection Act State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) today announced that they introduced a new piece of legislation, the Military Service Elected Office Protection Act, which aims to protect the seat of an elected official in Ohio should that elected member be ordered to acti...

HELPING OHIO FAMILIES THRIVE: A flat income tax means more dollars stay in Ohioans’ pockets, not the government’s, putting an estimated $1.4 billion back into families’ budgets over the next two years.

I joined a panel with the Ohio Chamber recently to discuss the Property Tax Reform bills we passed last year which are the 1st Major Improvements to the system in 50 years- strong cuts this year, separating property tax increases from value increases, and giving more say to voters are the pillars of our first reforms. Much more to come!