An Update from State Senator Susan Manchester
April 2026 April was another great month of engagement across the 12th Senate District! I am always grateful to spend time connecting with local leaders, organizations, and constituents. From those conversations to meetings in Columbus, I continue to hear how important it is to support families, grow local economies, and create opportunities for the next generation. Those discussions are critical to thework we do at the Statehouse.

This month, I provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 400 in the Senate Education Committee. This legislation creates a designation for “high quality youth development programs.” Senate Bill 400 establishes clear and consistent criteria for youth development programs and helps ensure that organizations meet and maintain standards that protect Ohio’s youth and promote positive youth outcomes, while also helping to safeguard public resources and protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. Investing in youth programs is one of the most important commitments we can make to Ohio’s future. Establishing strong criteria for what qualifies as a high-quality program will help ensure that children across our state are receiving the support and care they deserve. Senate Bill 400 can be followed throughout the committee process here.

If you’d like more information on the legislation I am sponsoring or have questions, please reach out to Ellie at ellie.bain@ohiosenate.gov.
Senator Manchester speaking with a third grade class at Holy Rosary Catholic School Throughout the month of April, I spent a significant amount of time out in our communities, connecting with students, local leaders, and organizations working every day to strengthen the 12th Senate District. We had the opportunity to visit Holy Rosary Catholic School, where I spoke with third grade students about the role of a state senator and how state government works. It’s always encouraging to see students engaged and asking thoughtful questions about public service at such a young age! I also spoke at Wright State University- Lake Campus’s America 250 celebration, marking an important moment to reflect on our nation’s history and the role Ohio communities continue to play in it. At the Allen County Children Services “Community for Kids” luncheon, we heard directly about the ongoing work to support children and families across the district.
Senator Manchester speaking at Wright State University-Lake Campus Throughout the month, we toured several local facilities and organizations making a real impact in their communities, including ArtSpace Lima, Miller’s Textile Services in Wapakoneta, and the Lima Tank Plant. We also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Ohio Logistics, an exciting step forward for continued economic growth and job creation in the region. In Logan County, I visited the TCN Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center and met with the Logan County Commissioners to discuss local priorities and ongoing needs.
Senator Manchester at Miller’s Textile Services We also toured Riverside School’s Health Center, which provides important services directly to students and the community where they are. Additionally, I attended the Ohio House of Representatives Veterans Military Development Committee Public Meeting in Lima, where important conversations took place around supporting those who have served our country. Each of these visits offers a valuable perspective on the work happening across our district, and they continue to shape and inform my work in the Statehouse.
Senator Manchester at Riverside Health Center If you ever need help navigating a state agency, want to schedule a visit, or would like to invite us to an event, please reach out to Kennedie at Kennedie.Goubeaux@ohiosenate.gov. We love the opportunity to connect and learn more about the incredible work happening across our district!
Senator Manchester at the Community for Kids luncheon
L to R, top to bottom: Senator Manchester at the groundbreaking ceremony for Ohio Logistics; Senator Manchester speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony; Senator Manchester visiting ArtSpace in Lima; Senator Manchester taking a tour at Miller’s Textile Services
(Top to bottom) Flat Stanleys from Spencerville FFA students joining Senator Manchester as she chairs the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee; Senator Manchester with fellow senators at her baby shower It is an honor to serve the 12th Senate District! You can contact us anytime at (614) 466-7584 or manchester@ohiosenate.gov. And stay in touch with us on these social media platforms: With Gratitude, Susan Manchester, State Senator