Five things to know for Friday, Oct. 17

Taylor: Capitol Police probing swastika vandalism

Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor said a swastika in his Washington, D.C., office was vandalism and that the Capitol Police have been called to investigate, WCMH-TV reported.

“I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office,” Taylor said in a statement, per the station’s report. “The content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

Williams raises more than $260,000 in congressional bid

State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., has raised more than $260,000 from more than 4,000 donors as part of his campaign in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. Williams is looking to pick up the seat held by incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

“Humbled and honored by the overwhelming support from every corner of the 9th District for my campaign to retire Marcy Kaptur,” Williams said in a post to X. “Northwest Ohio is ready for real leadership in Washington, and our whole team is working tirelessly to make that happen. We’re just getting started!”

Ohio, partners commit $650,000 for rail connection

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and its partners in Indiana and Pennsylvania have committed $650,000 to develop a passenger rail line connecting Pittsburgh, Columbus, Fort Wayne, and Chicago.

“This funding is a vote of confidence for Ohioans that believe in the strong benefits that passenger rail will bring to Ohio individuals, communities, and businesses,” All Aboard Ohio Chair Mitch Radakovich said in a release.

House passes bill giving parents access to children’s medical charts

The Ohio House passed House Bill 162, the My Child-My Chart Act, ensuring that parents can access their children’s medical charts within applicable law. The sponsor said this would allow parents to “fulfill their parental responsibilities.”

“The My Child-My Chart act is truly a piece of legislation that blossomed from the grassroots Ohioans,” state Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, said in a release. “This legislation developed from a group of parents who came to me frustrated by the sudden lack of access to their children’s medical records.”

AFP-OH awards Huffman with Taxpayer Torch Award

Americans for Prosperity—Ohio presented Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, with the Taxpayer Torch Award, which recognizes state lawmakers who cut burdensome regulations and make the state freer and “more economically prosperous.”

“From his tenure as President of the Ohio Senate to his 2024 election and now in his continued service, Speaker Huffman has exemplified thoughtful leadership and a steadfast commitment to his constituents and the well-being of Ohio,” AFP-OH State Director Donovan O’Neal said in a statement.