Lima Reporter

The Ohio First Caucus recently convened its inaugural meeting, focusing on the state's role in global affairs and potential policy initiatives to safeguard Ohioans from foreign threats. The bipartisan, bicameral caucus is co-chaired by State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) and State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott).

Among the key issues discussed was King's proposed Ohio Property Protection Act, which seeks to prevent foreign adversarial nations from acquiring property near critical infrastructure and military installations in Ohio. The legislation has recently undergone a second hearing in the House Civil Justice Committee.

King emphasized that the focus of the caucus extends beyond partisan politics. "The Ohio First Caucus isn’t about politics," she said. "It is about Ohioans. Regardless of what side of the aisle you find yourself, we all want a thriving state that is safe and secure. Legislation like the Ohio Property Protection Act provide that security and hearing from national experts is crucial for developing effective policies that safeguard our communities.”

The caucus members had an opportunity to hear from several national security experts during their meeting. Among them were Michael Lucci, founder of State Armor; Steve Yates, Senior Fellow and Chair of China Policy Initiative at America First Policy Institute; Anthony J. Ruggiero, Senior Vice President at American Global Strategies; and Jacqueline Deal from the American Academy for Strategic Education.

Lucci established State Armor with a mission to develop state solutions to global security threats. Yates brings his extensive experience in politics, policy, media, and national security affairs to his role at America First Policy Institute. Ruggiero's expertise lies in sanctions, illicit finance, export controls, counterproliferation and nonproliferation while Deal provides research and analysis on defense issues and future trends to government sponsors and other clients through her work at Long Term Strategy Group (LTSG), which she has been running since 2006.

The caucus plans to host additional meetings in the future.