Derek Merrin is a state representative from Lucas County serving his fourth term in the Ohio legislature. He is a conservative lawmaker and elected leader of the Ohio House Republican Caucus. Derek has successfully led efforts to cut the state's income tax, reduce regulations, and expand school choice. He played key roles in the passage of the Heartbeat Bill, Constitutional Carry Bill, and requirement to show photo-ID to vote. Also, Derek has captured about 20 legislative victories from sponsored bills and amendments that are making Ohioians lives better daily.
In the 134th General Assembly, Merrin served as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He is a strong advocate for lower taxes, simplifying the tax code, and promoting transparency. He previously served as Chairman of the House Health Committee where he advocated for policies to reduce healthcare costs, promote price transparency, and ensure better patient access through fewer regulations.
Merrin successfully repealed the sales tax on prescription eyewear saving taxpayers $45 million annually (HB116) and repealed the Financial Institution Tax on Small Business Investment Companies (HB 592). He prevailed in his pursuit of the Epinephrine Accessibility Act (HB 101) and the Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act (HB 214). He also simplified the process for homeowners to challenge their property value (HB 118). Additionally, in 2019, Merrin’s Fuel Tax Transparency Act requiring stickers on fuel pumps displaying the state and federal fuel taxes became law through the Transportation Budget (HB 62).
In 2020, Merrin successfully sponsored the Anthony Dia Act (760) making it easier for children and spouses of law enforcement and military service members killed in the line of duty to access college tuition waivers. He also won a victory to expand the Forever Buckeye Program (HB 371) to ensure those earning a GED in Ohio had the same access to in-state tuition benefits that other students had when moving back to Ohio. Furthermore, his Theft Victims’ Restitution Act (HB 66) made it easier for victims of theft to recover restitution for accounting costs incurred when determining their financial losses.
In 2021, Merrin successfully changed the law providing Ohioans an option to choose an eight-year driver’s license rather than a four-year license, significantly reducing needed visits to the BMVs throughout Ohio. He also successfully reduced mortgage lenders’ tax burden (HB 150), believed to be the highest in the nation at the time.
In 2022, Merrin’s Ballot Uniformity and Transparency Act (HB 140) became law making it easier for voters to understand the fiscal impact of tax and bond levies. He also reformed Ohio’s Board of Revision law (HB 126), which limits the power of local governments to challenge property values to increase property taxes on property owners.
In 2023, Merrin succeeded in establishing a permanent vehicle registration option for non-commercial trailers, which saves time and costs for the state owners of 600,000 trailers (HB23).
-Derek
After a five-year push, Merrin pushed through the Affordable Homebuilding & Housing Act, which blocks property tax increases on subdivided lots until the home is built or lot is sold. In the state budget, Merrin spearheaded the requirement for school counselors to receive educational training at construction trades facilities to become knowledgeable about in-demand jobs. Also, he won on a measure to prohibit municipalities from levying income tax on minors’ income (HB 33).
Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University.
At the age of 19, he became a council member for Waterville City Council, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected Mayor of Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011.
Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. He is an enthusiastic Bengals fan and a real estate investor. He played basketball for his high school, Monclova Christian Academy.
The Economy
The Biden/Kaptur economic policies are crushing Northwest Ohio families. Kaptur and Biden have instituted a tax-and-spend agenda that has resulted in inflation, outrageous costs at the grocery store, and put future generations of Northwest Ohioans on the hook for a skyrocketing national debt.
As a Member of Congress, I will do everything I can to get America’s fiscal house in order. I support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget; America should only spend within our means. We must address the high cost of living, reduce Northwest Ohio’s tax burden, and bring American jobs back to America.
Securing the Border
The reckless open-border policies of Marcy Kaptur and the Biden administration have allowed mass illegal immigration. Marcy Kaptur never met an illegal immigrant she didn't want to give an American Union job. The Biden and Kaptur policies have created the worst border crisis in American history, flooding our communities with illicit drugs like fentanyl and emboldening criminal cartels.
As a Member of Congress, I will continue to champion a secure border to ensure the safety of Northwest Ohio families. I support sending the military to secure the border to stop drug cartels and human trafficking. Furthermore, we must finish Trump's wall and deport illegal immigrants.
Energy
The Biden/Kaptur regime is wreaking havoc on reliable and affordable energy sources. The Democrats' mission to end the use of fossil fuels is driving up costs and making us more dependent on foreign adversaries. We should be unleashing American energy to provide Northwest Ohio families with reliable and affordable power.
As Ohio continues to grow, industry and manufacturing in the state will need more power, and as a Member of Congress, I will push for the development of all sources of power at our disposal to meet the demand, lower costs, and support American jobs.
Lake Erie
I care deeply about the water quality of Lake Erie. It is an incredible natural resource with an abundance of wildlife and natural habitats that we must protect. More than 11 million people receive their drinking water from Lake Erie alone, while tourism supports one in four private sector jobs.
For over 40 years, Marcy Kaptur has allowed algal blooms to fester and cause crises, impacting our drinking water and adversely affecting our economy. As a Member of Congress, I will be proactive in securing investments and leveraging technology to protect Lake Erie.
Term Limits
I believe we must impose term limits upon Members of Congress to ensure new leadership that reflects the American population. That’s why I’ve signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge to cosponsor and vote for a constitutional amendment that limits members to three House terms. It’s time to challenge the political class and change Washington.
Social Security and Medicare
Northwest Ohioans deserve to know their Social Security and Medicare benefits will remain secure. In 1983, when Marcy Kaptur first took office, Social Security and Medicare were in a stronger position. Over the past 40 years, Marcy Kaptur has stood by as they have become fragile and at risk of becoming insolvent.
As a Member of Congress, I will protect our earned benefits that provide safety and security to elder Americans. Also, I support removing the federal tax burden on Social Security benefits as well as eliminating the windfall provision that penalizes hardworking Americans.
Veterans
Our veterans are the reason why we have a safe and secure republic. We must stand by our veterans and ensure they are treated like the heroes they are.
As a Member of Congress, I will stand up for our veterans and support legislation to make the Department of Veteran Affairs work for them. Meanwhile Marcy Kaptur has been in office for 40 years and has not acted to address the broken, bureaucratic system that is letting our veterans down.
Crypto Currency
I’m a strong defender of crypto currency. We need a 21st century framework that protects individuals right to possess, trade, and conduct commerce with digital assets. Jobs creators advancing technology should be provided a fair playing field with clear laws.
As a Member of Congress, I will oppose unnecessary regulations on crypto currency and support a clear regulatory framework for the industry that ensures that the government won’t get in the way, maximizes our financial freedom, and promotes innovation.
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