August 22, 2022

Thank you for subscribing to my District Download, a weekly update on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and across Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. 

August Work Period

Every August, Members of Congress spend the month away from Washington, D.C. back in their districts.  I've enjoyed meeting with many local businesses and hundreds of the men and women I’m privileged to represent across Eastern and Southeastern Ohio over the last few weeks. There are plenty more visits, meetings, and tours to do here before Congress goes back into session in Washington in early September; check out some of the highlights from my visits in this week’s edition of the District Download.

Innovation Happening Here

Manufacturing and innovation are essential to ensuring a strong economy in not only Ohio, but across the country.

Last week, America Makes celebrated their 10-year anniversary in Youngstown. America Makes’ mission has helped increase manufacturing competitiveness, advance additive manufacturing, develop STEM curriculum, and their recent partnership with Ultimaker led to the donation of 3D printers to local schools right here in the Mahoning Valley.

Speaking at the America Makes 10-year anniversary event in Youngstown on August 16th. 

Collaborations like this are a win for everyone — and we need more situations where everyone comes to the table and benefits.  

On Thursday, I stopped by the Foxconn facility in Lordstown for the unveiling of the new all electric, autonomous Monarch tractor. This next-generation machine is the first of its kind.  It is driver optional, and it significantly enhances farming operations. I enjoyed learning about this new technology and how it will help American farmers launch the next wave of advanced agriculture.

Attending the unveiling of the new Monarch tractor in Lordstown on August 18th. 

Teaching the Next Generation

I toured the RG Drage School in Massillon on Friday. RG Drage provides students with a hands-on education program to prep them for today’s workforce. Students gain valuable skills that help them enter the workforce or a traditional collegiate program ready to succeed.  

Meeting with RG Drage students on August 19th in Massillon. 

I have been a longstanding supporter of career and technical education programs, and am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act which would close the “skills gap,” by making Pell grants available for high-quality, short-term credentialing programs that lead to good paying jobs. 

These “middle skill” jobs, require more than a high school diploma, but not a 4 year college degree. These credentials are offered in a multitude of fields including, manufacturing, architecture/construction, energy, health care, information technology, transportation, and business management and administration.

Schools like RG Drage are critical to the future of our workforce. Thank you for investing in the next generation. 

New Social Security Administration Office

Last week, I also visited the new Social Security Administration office in Steubenville to attend their ribbon cutting. The opening of this new facility will help folks receive the SSA assistance they need right here in Eastern Ohio.

I was glad to work with local stakeholders and federal agencies to help open this new office. 

Rep. Johnson at the grand opening of the new Social Security Administration Office in Steubenville on August 18th.

Thank you again for subscribing to my weekly District Download. If you have something on your mind, you can contact me at one of the numbers below, or send me an email by clicking on this link here to contact me. It is my pleasure to serve you, and I hope to see you around Eastern and Southeastern Ohio soon. 

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